Introduction
Novotel Devonport arrived with a clear ambition: to give Tasmania’s northwest a modern, riverfront hotel that feels both relaxed and thoughtfully designed. Located in the heart of Devonport, it quickly became a focal point for visitors arriving by ferry or road, and for locals looking for a night out. This piece walks through what the hotel is like to stay in, how it sits inside the city, the food on offer, and the practical things that matter when you’re planning a visit.
Location
The hotel occupies a prominent site at 2 Best Street, where it overlooks the Mersey River and sits within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal, convention centre, and the city’s waterfront parklands. That riverside position is an everyday advantage: views from many rooms change with the light, and the short walks to cafés or galleries make it an excellent base for first-time visitors to the area.
Design and First Impressions
Striking from outside, the building was conceived as a horizontal “land-bridge” that visually connects the riverfront to the inland cityscape — a deliberate, contemporary gesture by the architects. Inside, the palette favors calm neutrals warmed by local artwork and textiles; these Tasmanian touches help the hotel feel grounded rather than generic. The overall effect is of considered, modern hospitality rather than flashy luxury.
Rooms
Novotel Devonport offers a range of room types — standard, superior, deluxe and larger suites — with around 187 rooms in total. Rooms are designed for practical comfort: comfortable beds, a work surface, reliable Wi-Fi and bathrooms that follow the same restrained design language used throughout the hotel. Many rooms have views toward the river, the city or nearby parkland, which is a real plus for guests who want a quiet room or a scenic start to the day. The hotel also provides family-friendly configurations and accessible rooms, which broadens its appeal for different traveller needs.
Dining: Mr. Good Guy
The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Mr. Good Guy, is unapologetically the culinary voice of the property. It serves a hawker-inspired menu that leans on Southeast Asian street-food traditions but is rooted in Tasmanian produce — from wok-tossed noodles to small plates such as bao and pork belly. The menu and the restaurant’s relaxed, social format make it useful both for hotel guests and for locals seeking a lively dinner spot. The restaurant also runs set-banquet options suitable for groups, and keeps its menu current with seasonal updates.
Breakfast and Bar
Breakfast at the hotel is a straightforward, full option with buffet choices and hot items available; it’s convenient for early departures, conference mornings, or families setting out for a day of sightseeing. The bar complements the restaurant offering with local wines, beers and a selection of cocktails — useful whether you’ve spent the day exploring or you’re waiting on a late ferry. Room service is available around the clock for guests who prefer to dine in.
Facilities and Practicalities
For a regional city, the hotel packs a full set of practical amenities: a 24-hour fitness centre, a meeting room for small events, luggage storage and concierge services. Parking is available on-site (including valet options) and the property supports electric vehicles with charging points; guests should, however, check current parking fees and availability, especially during local events when demand can rise. Those travelling with business in mind will find the meeting facilities convenient and appropriately scaled for local conferences and workshops.
Guest Experience
Guest feedback highlights a consistent pattern: visitors praise clean, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and the convenience of the location. Positive reviews often single out the food and the riverfront siting as memorable features. Constructive comments tend to focus on parking constraints at peak times and occasional noise from nearby venues; both are worth checking if you have particular needs for quiet or a guaranteed car space. Overall, the hotel reads as a dependable option for families, business travellers and people arriving by ferry.
Value and Pricing
Rates vary with season, room type and special packages, but the hotel positions itself as a four-star option that balances contemporary design with accessible pricing for the region. Special packages — for example, combined dining-and-stay offers — appear periodically and can be a good way to experience the on-site restaurant while keeping overall costs reasonable. For travellers comparing options across Devonport, the combination of modern rooms, central location and on-site dining represents solid value.
Nearby Attractions
From its riverfront position the hotel is within a short walk of key local attractions: the Paranaple Convention Centre, galleries, waterfront promenades and cafés. The property is also well placed for onward day trips: Cradle Mountain and several coastal drives are within reasonable reach for a day excursion, and the ferry terminal is close enough that the hotel works well for road-trippers planning to or from the Spirit of Tasmania service. That convenience is often a deciding factor for people choosing where to stay in Devonport.
Who It Suits
Novotel Devonport is versatile by design. It suits business travellers needing a practical and comfortable base close to the convention centre, families wanting space and easy access to local attractions, and couples or friends interested in a contemporary hotel with a lively on-site restaurant. The hotel’s accessibility features and family room options also make it a straightforward choice for travellers who require those amenities. If you need guaranteed on-site parking or absolute silence at night, it’s worth confirming arrangements before booking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a modern, well-located place to stay in Devonport with an emphasis on good food and river views, Novotel Devonport checks those boxes. It blends considered architecture, a reliable set of guest amenities and a restaurant that brings bright, flavourful menu options to the city. For most travellers visiting Tasmania’s northwest, the hotel is a comfortable, convenient choice — especially when you want to be near the ferry or the city’s waterfront life.
