Peppers Seaport Hotel Launceston

A travel blogger friend recently wrote that she thinks it's important to have a nice hotel to come home to at the end of a busy, touristy day.  I couldn't agree more.  I want a comfy room, with views if possible.  And a big screen TV (or 2), and a coffee pod machine, and a king-size bed ...  Well, here at Pepper's, we had all that.

We'd been staying with friends in Hobart, but were now off for an adventure, heading north.  We've been to Launceston many times, but never stayed in this part of town before.  The hotel sits on the river Esk, on a former dry dock, with views of the other Pepper's hotel across the way.  There are also views of the building work going on across the river, too.  Mmm, wonder what it will be?

looking back at the hotel from the walkway  

Mr P. and I had a lovely corner suite on the second floor, with 2 balconies, a kitchen and sitting room.  It was very quiet and peaceful as our room was at the end of a long corridor.  Reception was very friendly; and there is a coffee/hot chocolate and cookie bar in the foyer for guests - very thoughtful on a cold, rainy day.  We had to take our own bags upstairs, but they do provide a large trolley if you need it.      
  

the view from one of the balconies

We had a king-size bed, which I love, but the bedroom was surprisingly small.  I have to say there was a fair bit of wasted space in the design of this Luxury Marina View suite.  Does the average tourist really need a wardrobe in the bedroom, AND one in the little hallway between lounge and bathroom?  There was also a heck of a lot of unused real estate in the bathroom.  Mr P. being a building designer had plenty to say about how the space could have been used more effectively to give a bigger bedroom, and a more useful bathroom.

lovely king-size bed

looking out over both balconies

see all that empty space in the corner?:=)

With all that space, we would have loved a second vanity and more bench area.  But nevertheless, the shower was big and had good hot water.  There were plenty of Appelles toiletries, and the towels were changed everyday.  How wonderfully luxurious does that feel!

Okay, let's get the whinges out of the way:

- no luggage racks

- no reading lights in the bedroom

- freezer looked like the Antarctic; badly needed some global warming (defrosting)

- coat hangers and extra pillows so high I couldn't reach them

- no electric blanket (I guess they breed 'em tough down there)

Great things:

- big bed

- full-size fridge

- complimentary water, beer and cider

- laundry in the suite

- coffee pod machine (and easy to use)

- 2 balconies

- large living space, with a dining table and chairs at one end

- plenty of parking (only $10 per day)

- several restaurants underneath and beside the hotel

- pillow menu

- extra blankets if requested

- a desk and power points aplenty

- free Wi-Fi

the living area

the kitchen

enjoying some local water

this might keep me going for the day

sunset from our balcony, after the storm

the foggy view on our first morning

We enjoyed our 3 night stay here.  It was comfortable and quiet; we felt safe and secure; staff were friendly and it was a very pleasant place to rest our heads before we headed back to sunny Queensland.


(This hotel stay was independently paid for.)



Peppers Seaport Hotel
28 Seaport Blvd.,
Launceston TAS 7250
Ph: 1300 987 600

What I Did Last Summer, or Our Tassie Trip

Mr P. and I had been talking about heading down to Tasmania for ages.  This Year of the Dog started off with a bang, events both good and bad.  Truth to tell, we were feeling a bit battered, bemused and besmirched.  "Let's go to Tassie now!" I said, so we did.  

So here is a wee photo essay as they say, about our trip to Tassie:

what is this, you may well ask?

Yep, you guessed it!  This is a giant, inflatable raspberry.  What do you mean you didn't guess?  Looks kinda obscene to me.  This is sitting in the grounds of the Westerway Raspberry Farm, doing its knobbly, warty thing.  

a hops farm

Tasmania grows a lot of hops, as you can see.  And brews a lot of beer.  This is a farm near New Norfolk, hops heading off into the distance.  They also grow a lot of opium poppies, which have tiny wee fences around the crops.  Not sure why people don't jump over and grab them - maybe they do?  

the apartment in which we stayed

See those windows on the top right?  That's where we stayed.  It was a huge space with views over the water and back to the mountain.  Just glorious.  The building itself was constructed in 1826.  Thank goodness, the facilities are up to date :=) 

a beautiful peach tart

Well, since this is (mostly) a food blog, I thought I'd better stick in some food photos.  Here we have a most delicious little peach tart from Jackman and McRoss, wonderful bakers in Battery Point, Hobart.  There is something about pastries and breads made in a cool climate that is just so very delicious.

some Hobart street art in Salamanca Square

Regular readers will know I am a huge fan of public art, be it sculpture or murals aka graffiti :=)  This is a fabulous bronze dog taking a photo of a Marilyn Monroe-esque lady rabbit.  Mm, interesting but odd, a bit like your regular Taswegian.  Just joking, Tassie friends.  This bronze artwork is by husband and wife team Gillie and Marc.  The figures are known as Dogman and Rabbitgirl, and feature in other works by this arty duo.

on top of Mt. Wellington looking out to the Derwent River

Mr P. and I always drive up the mountain when we are in Hobart.  How can you not?  It is always several degrees cooler, and even in summer, you can find snow up there at times.  It is so very high, and a bit scary for a person who doesn't like heights. (Yes, me).

fabulous mousse cake 

Our Tassie friends suggested we get ourselves to Daci and Daci Bakers to try some of their delicious cakes, so we did.  After wandering through the Saturday morning Salamanca market, we meandered along and sat down to some coffee and cake.  It felt like being in a trendy Melbourne café; not a bad thing.

courtyard of Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 

We then trotted off to the Art Gallery for a look-see.  The Gallery has had some restoration work done recently, so you now enter through this courtyard.  Inside, the ceiling space has been opened up, so you can see right to the top of the building.

(stuffed) birds swooping over head 

church at Richmond

There is so much history visible in Tasmania.  Historical buildings standing from colonial times are plentiful, like this decorative old church.  If you are a fan of architecture and/or history, Tasmania holds many delights.

ferns and falls

We headed to Mt. Field National Park with some friends who live in Hobart.  And took a gentle walk up (or is that down?) to Russell Falls.  A lovely and peaceful spot.  I do love a temperate rainforest.

Mr P. looking contemplative

Hubby standing in front of the new-ish MACq 01 hotel on Hunter Street.  This hotel is right on the waterfront, next to the cruise ships.  Built on the old Hunter Island, the bushrangers who were hanged here still lurk in the depths beneath the hotel.  Our hotel is very close to this one, but not quite as pricey.  Maybe next time.


  

who are these odd people?

Yep, that's me and Mr P., looking strangely distorted at the front of MONA - Museum of Old and New Art.  The entrance is a huge mirror as you can see.  In we went, to be confronted and amused and maybe even a bit shocked by the exhibits (and the huge entrance fee of $28 each!).  This was our third time and probably our last.  I think Mr. Walsh may have gone a step too far for the Pickings' folk.


Well that was a quick look into our Tassie break.  Always delightful, always leaves us wanting more.  Mm, maybe another visit coming up soon?