Escape to Paradise: Novotel Devonport, Your Aussie Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Novotel Devonport - Honestly, It's Pretty Good (Maybe Even Great!) 🇦🇺
Okay, let's be real. Planning a getaway can be stressful. You’re scrolling through a million hotel websites, each promising the moon and stars. But Escape to Paradise: Novotel Devonport, Your Aussie Getaway Awaits!… well, it actually looks like it could deliver. Let's dive in, shall we? And trust me, I’m not afraid to call it like I see it… even if it means getting a little… personal.
First Impressions: Wheelchair Accessibility & Getting There (and the Dreaded "Elevator"!)
Accessibility is HUGE for me. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always look for it because it’s a sign of inclusivity. And honestly, Novotel Devonport seems to have its act together. Wheelchair accessible across the board? Check. That alone earns them some serious brownie points. The thought of stairs when you just want a relaxing holiday? Forget about it. I’m seeing it from the perspective of someone who needs it, and that’s a win. The elevator – THE LIFELINE for those with mobility issues - is listed, so that's one less thing to chew your fingernails over. Airport transfer? Score! Just imagine, you’re already picturing yourself, right? No scrambling for taxis after that long flight. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, please! No unexpected parking fees are a beautiful thing. And free Wi-Fi? Everywhere? Yes, please!
The Nitty Gritty: Rooms, Comforts, and… Oh, That Coffee!
Let's talk about the rooms. Air conditioning? Obviously. Blackout curtains? THANK GOD! (Because, sleep. Need, sleep.) They've got the basics covered: a coffee/tea maker (essential!), a desk (for when you HAVE to do a little work, ugh), and a mini bar (temptation, I’m looking at you!). The free Wi-Fi in the rooms, is a must. They’ve got in-room safes (always a plus). And hair dryers (can't leave home without it, my hair is everything).
I'm a total sucker for a decent bed. The extra long bed is a brilliant touch! Not all of us are hobbits, Novotel. Plus, and this is a big plus, the interconnecting rooms are mentioned. If you're travelling with family, having a connected room is like winning the lottery! The details is the key. Alarm clock, bathrobes, slippers, complimentary tea and free bottled water all scream 'we want you to relax'. I would say that's a strong start.
Food, Glorious Food (and Where My Inner Snob Got a Workout)
Okay, food. This is where things get really interesting. Let's be honest, sometimes hotel food is… well, it’s a real gamble. But Novotel Devonport is laying down the goods.
The restaurants are the big deal. They've got Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, so that's a good start for variety. I might have to try the Asian cuisine, because I love it! The breakfast [buffet] is mentioned. Okay. Buffets can go either way - they're a gamble in the sense you can eat too much, but that's my problem. They offer Room service [24-hour], which is a godsend. Let's be honest: Sometimes you just want to eat a burger in your pyjamas at 2 am. No judgment here. They've got a coffee shop! Oh, joy. Because, caffeine. Without it, I am a grumpy, shuffling disaster.
The "Relaxation" Station: Pools, Spas, and the Pursuit of Bliss (or at least a good massage)
Now, the really good stuff. Let's see what they've got for winding down.
They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Now, this is a must for an Aussie getaway! Imagine it: sun, water, maybe a cheeky cocktail poolside. I'm immediately imagining it. They also have a Spa. This is where things get interesting. Their Spa/sauna sounds amazing, just the thought of relaxing in the pool with a view Pool with view, and Sauna, Steamroom… Oh, YES! That could be the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. And, yes! The glorious Massage. And what else? Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap. Are you kidding me? I'm already feeling less stressed just reading about it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Era Considerations
In today’s world, this is paramount. Novotel Devonport seems to be taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer readily available, and rooms sanitized between stays? HUGE. Staff trained in safety protocol? Even better. I'm confident they're doing what they can to keep you safe. Safe dining setup? Yeah, that's a must-have.
Things to Do & See
Okay, so this isn't technically listed in the hotel details, but let's assume you DON'T just want to hang out and be a lazy bum (though, let's be honest, that's part of the appeal). Devonport itself is pretty cool, right? It's a gateway to the beautiful Tasmanian landscape, with Cradle Mountain and its stunning hiking trails being a huge draw. So, you can expect to find information to help you plan your adventures.
Now, Here's the Deal… (aka, why you SHOULD book)
Look, the Novotel Devonport seems to tick a LOT of boxes. It's accessible, comfortable, with good food and drink options, and offers enough relaxation options to make you forget the worries of the world. The safety measures are reassuring. It's a solid choice for a getaway. Not perfect, no hotel ever is, but good.
My Verdict:
Escape to Paradise: Novotel Devonport is a solid contender. It offers enough features to be a genuinely enjoyable escape.
SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Novotel Devonport
- Tasmania Hotels
- Devonport Accommodation
- Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Tasmania
- Spa Hotel Devonport
- Family Friendly Hotels Tasmania
- Hotel with Pool
- Aussie Getaway
- Cradle Mountain
So, what are you waiting for? Book it!
Okinawa's Hidden Gem: BIBI Hotel—Your Unforgettable Island Escape!
Okay, here we go! My Novotel Devonport Diary – a chaotic, slightly hungover, and hopefully hilarious adventure. Buckle up, buttercups!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ferry-Related Meltdown (aka "Don't Trust the GPS")
Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Or rather, drag myself out of bed. The alarm is a personal affront at this hour. Gotta love the jet lag – I’m pretty sure my internal clock is still set to “Permanently Trapped in London.”
Morning (7:30 AM): The pre-trip anxiety kicks in. Did I pack enough socks? Did I leave the oven on? Did I remember to feed the imaginary cat I swear I own? (I don't own a cat. Just, you know, the feeling.)
Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at Melbourne Airport. The whole "airport experience" is already a blur of caffeine, questionable security pretzels, and the overwhelming aroma of duty-free perfume.
Morning (9:00 AM): Catch Qantas flight, some snacks, and the worst coffee ever. The air pressure is already making my head ache.
Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive in Devonport. This is where the fun really begins.
- The GPS is immediately my enemy. It seems to think my car can magically fly over water. I'm talking full-blown "drive straight into the Bass Strait" instructions. I, of course, follow it for far too long. I spent an hour doing U-turns. I yell at my GPS a lot. "YOU'RE LYING TO ME, DAVE!"
- Side note: Dave is the name I gave my GPS because apparently, I have a need to personalize my tormentors.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Finally – finally – I see the Novotel. It looks suspiciously like the picture on the website, which, honestly, is a relief. Check-in is smooth, and the receptionist has that uncanny ability to seem genuinely friendly, even if she's probably dealt with a thousand lost tourists before me.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): My room! It’s… decent. The view of the river is lovely, though the "air conditioning" sounds like a dying walrus. Unpack, assess the situation. This is where I realize I did, in fact, pack way too many socks. Classic.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Time to explore the city, right? Nope. Because I have an overwhelming urge to nap. Take a nap. Forget sightseeing.
Evening (5:00 PM): Finally awake! I'm going to find some food. The choices seem to include the Hotel restaurant, which I suspect will be expensive and bad. I'm very tempted to order room service fries and not move from the bed. Instead, I drive a bit and find some fish and chips.
- I got my fish and chips, I go sit by the water. I see some boats and breathe. I'm happy.
Evening (7:00 PM): Head back to the Novotel. Watch the movie. Eat the chips. Feel good.
Evening (10:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 2: The Spirit of Tasmania and the Great Breakfast Debate
Morning (7:00 AM): Ugh. The walrus-AC strikes again. Wake up and try again. Today will be better.
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. The Novotel buffet. Oh, the decisions! The pancakes! The sausages! The suspiciously orange juice that is probably, definitely, not made of oranges. I go for the pancakes. I get the pancakes. I eat all the pancakes. I begin to have regrets.
Morning (9:00 AM): I am going to find a good coffee. I need a good coffee. Find a cozy café.
Morning (10:00 AM): SPIRIT OF TASMANIA! Today is the day! I decided that I have to go there. See the ship!
- The boat is enormous. Think "floating city." I get a little seasick just looking at it.
- Wander around, marvel at the sheer scale of it all. Feel a strange mix of excitement and intense claustrophobia. Decide that a short cruise might be fun. Maybe.
Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch. Pretend to have a good time
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back to Novotel.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Rest.
Evening (6:00 PM): Drinks at the bar, try some local Tasmanias beers.
Evening (8:00 PM): Eat. Sleep.
Day 3: Devonport, Round 2 & The Sad Departure
Morning (7:00 AM): The usual walrus symphony. I'm starting to feel like I'm developing gills.
Morning (8:00 AM): Coffee and walk along the river. The air is crisp, the sky is a glorious shade of blue. Feeling much better. The GPS doesn't taunt me so much today.
Morning (9:00 AM): This is where the schedule goes a bit… off-piste. I decide to double down on the Ferry because, let's be honest, I enjoyed it!
- Head back to the ferry terminal. Just to look at it. Because if I can't go on a cruise, I can at least stare at a boat.
- Wander around the docks, taking photos of boats for no reason. The harbor is busier than I expected. Feel myself gradually slipping into a very zen state. The world has become about the slow rise and fall of the water.
Afternoon (12:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I decide to sit by the river for a bit. It's pretty.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Check out.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Goodbye Devonport. I'll miss the fish and chips.
Evening (5:00 PM): Finally back in Melbourne. Think I'll be dreaming of the sea.
Escape to Paradise: Novotel Devonport - Your Aussie Getaway Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQ (and My Ramblings)
Alright, settle in, because this is where the hype train derails a *little*. Look, "Paradise" is a marketing word, right? It’s a lie we tell ourselves to get out of the house and onto a plane. Novotel Devonport? It aims for paradise, definitely, and depending on your definition of paradise, it *might* deliver. Think clean rooms, a decent view of the Mersey River (if you get the right room - more on that disaster later!), and a location that's convenient… *enough*.
The website photos? Yeah, they're touched up. The reality? My first impression? "Huh. Okay." Not exactly a choir of angels, but also, not a total dumpster fire. It *is* in Devonport, which, let's be honest, isn't the most glamorous place on Earth. Still. I'm not saying it was *bad*, just… realistic. My expectations were, shall we say, managed.
Basically, it's a solid, comfortable basecamp for exploring Tassie. Don't expect swaying palm trees and cocktails on a pristine beach (though, *maybe* you could BYO cocktail and imagine some palm trees).
Okay, the rooms. This is a big one. They’re… fine. Clean, which is a huge win in my book. And the beds are comfy. I crashed *hard* the first night. I was practically comatose from jetlag and excitement (and, let's be honest, probably a few too many glasses of wine on the flight). The bathroom? Standard and functional. No complaints there.
But here's where that aforementioned River view drama comes in. I booked a "River View Room" and I got…a view of a *roof* with a tiny sliver of the river peeking out from behind said roof. I'm not gonna lie, I was *livid*. I went down to reception, sputtering. "River view?! This is a ROOF view with a *suggestion* of a river!!" (Okay, I was slightly less dramatic, but the sentiment was there). They were apologetic, and offered a different room the next day, which was a definite improvement and more truly a river view. So, pro-tip: Double-check your room assignment. Or pack a really, really good pair of binoculars.
Alright, let's talk food! The hotel restaurant…it's decent. Not Michelin-star worthy, but a perfectly acceptable option after a day of exploring the Cradle Mountain or whatever adventure you've cooked up. I had breakfast there one morning, and the buffet was, again, solid. Good coffee, decent scrambled eggs (which is a surprisingly high bar for hotel buffets), and enough to fuel a busy day. My stomach was certainly happy.
The real question, though... ROOM SERVICE. This is where I truly reveal my inner slob. Yes, YES, YES! Get that room service! Those fluffy robes and in your pjs and the feeling of pure decadence. Absolutely worth it after a long day. Order the burger. Seriously. Just do it. You won't regret it (I didn't.)
Devonport is a gateway to some amazing parts of Tasmania. It's not exactly a bustling metropolis. But look, it's a *perfect* starting point. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal is right there, which is super convenient if you're arriving by sea (which I, sadly, didn't. Another time!).
I spent most of my time doing day trips. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a must-do. Go early, pack layers (the weather can change in a heartbeat), and prepare to be blown away by the landscape. It's stunning. I’m talking, postcard-worthy stunning. I nearly tripped over a wombat. That was a highlight. Also, go and see the penguins and the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory! (It's a *chocolate factory* people! Just go.) And the Portside Precinct is an interesting place to unwind and grab a bite, a real good, local vibe.
From what I could see, yeah, the hotel *seems* to be pretty accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms, though I would suggest you call to confirm specific needs. Families with kids seemed happy enough. Didn't see any meltdowns beyond the usual holiday fatigue which I could totally relate with. The hotel restaurant is pretty accommodating, and kids' menus are often available. Though there's no pool. And I could see where kids might get bored.
Now, I will say... Devvonport itself felt a lot more family-friendly than somewhere like, say, Hobart. It’s a chill vibe. You could definitely bring the kids and not feel like you were constantly fighting the crowds.
The staff? Overall, they were friendly and helpful. No major complaints. I did have that little room view debacle, but the front desk managed it well. They were polite, efficient, and eager to give recommendations. They definitely seemed to understand the meaning of hospitality and what that entailed.
I felt they *genuinely* wanted you to enjoy your stay. Which, let's be honest, makes a *huge* difference. It's those little things – a genuine smile, a helpful suggestion – that can elevate a trip from "meh" to "pretty good."
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend it? Yes. *With caveats*. It depends on what you're looking for. If you’re expecting pure, unadulterated paradise…you might be disappointed. If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, convenient basecamp for exploring Tasmania, especially Cradle Mountain and its surrounding regions… then absolutely, it's a solid choice. It's not perfect. Nothing is. But it's a good value, a hassle-free option, and it gets the job done. And sometimes, that's all you really need. The comfy beds, the room service and the friendly staff were the true winners for me!! So, pack your bags, temper your expectations a bit and embrace the Aussie adventure! You won't regret it.
