I bet you couldn't guess where my favourite hotel in the world is? Paris? Maybe along the Champs Elysee? Or perhaps right on the water in Venice? No. Not even close.

My pick of hotels lies on the coast of Australia's largest Island. That's right - Tasmania.

Surprised? Good ol' Tassie isn't really known for its honeymoon-style accommodation. It's one of those affordable holiday spots where you pack the kids and the dog into the car and motor along for a couple of very scenic days. Ask any city slicker about Tasmania and you'll hear reminisces of long drives, good apples and country bumpkins.

Trendy Tassie
But things, they sure are a-changing. Tasmania has become sophisticated. The region is trendy, hip and cultured, yet still retains the charm of a small seaside town. Not only does Tassie boast exceptional fresh produce but its outstanding restaurants and chefs make the island a gourmet paradise.

I never expected to be so enchanted nor find a hotel here that topped my number one spot.

Hotel Heaven
This Hobart hotel is a little different. I felt as if I had landed slap-bang in the middle of an old movie set, with cobblestone courtyards, yachts bobbing in the mariner and a violinist playing in the lobby.

The property had a previous incarnation as a jam factory built in 1825 near the Hobart docklands. In the early 1900's a savvy Henry Jones bought the business and renamed it IXL, an acronym for his motto - "I excel at all that I do". After Jones' death, the warehouses decayed into a smelly slum for squatters and bohemian artists.

In 2004, architect Robert Morris-Nunn, breathed new life into the heart of this once bustling manufacturing plant and transformed it into the Henry Jones Art Hotel.

History at Henry Jones Art Hotel
The rooms are astounding. Due to the challenge of constructing within the factory foundations, spaces had to be adapted to fit the existing shell rather than the other way around, making each room a different shape. The ceilings are the original timber, knotted and stained with burn marks from squatter bonfires and jam splodges way past its best before date. The story goes that when the hotel first opened, guests complained that the walls were bleeding. After investigations, it was discovered that the crystallised jam in the cracks of the walls had oozed into liquid when heated.

The rest of the decor is ultra modern, with a cubist-style bed, flat screen TV and luxurious spa bathroom. I have no idea why the old and new work so well together. But like blossoming love, the chemistry is magical.

Admiring the art
With over 300 pieces of local art scattered throughout the hotel, every space is a gallery. There is no concept of identical cookie cutter rooms that you find in many establishments these days. Each one is unique and has its own distinctive personality.

I had to give myself time to get anywhere. The simple exercise of walking from the front door to the restaurant could take over an hour depending on the art en-route. Make sure you join the Friday evening tour with curator Christine Scott to get an overview of the artists and genre's on display. All pieces are for sale so you can take your favourite home with you.

Special service
One of my most important criteria when judging a hotel is its service and Henry Jones gets tops marks in this category. The staff were professional yet unpretentious. They addressed me by name (which always gets bonus points in my books) and were helpful and genuinely friendly.

On top of the world
The reception team were quick to point out the Hobart highlights. They directed me to Mount Wellington, which lies about 1,240 metres above sea level. My favourite thing to do when I first arrive in a new town, is to go up high. I find this puts the scenery in perspective and gives me a good idea of how the puzzle pieces fit together. It's a 45-minute twisty drive up to the top but the panorama is worth it. Make sure you're armed with a woolly jumper. It was well into spring when I visited and there were still patches of snow on the ground. I went for a quick walk along the exposed promenade and then enjoyed the rest of the view from the warmth of the glass shelter.

Hobart market goodies
I had worked up quite an appetite so I descended down to the bustling Salamanca Square, where the Saturday market was in action. Each stall tempted with the most delicious produce. There were slabs of gourmet fudge, hand-made chocolate truffles, just-out-the-oven pastries and jars of preserves and fresh fruit. After snacking on the yummy samples on offer, I picked the quirky Machine Laundry Cafe in the square for the main course. It's half-eatery, half laundromat and as strange as that sounds, you won't care when you taste the delicious salads and wholesome burgers.

Taking it slow
Within a few minutes walk of the classy Square, I entered another era. Cobble-stoned Battery Point is Tasmania of old. It reminded me of a quaint English village, where there is no need to rush. The area boasts the oldest examples of convict-era architecture in Australia, all restored to immaculate condition. I stopped off at a laid-back cafe for delicious tea and scones and like the locals, whiled away the time watching the world go by.

A Feast
There are two eating options at Henry Jones. There's the more upmarket bistro with an emphasis on fresh unfussy food. Then there's also the deli in the pedestrian mall adjoining the hotel. Jam Packed is perfect for a light lunch and its shelves are filled with tempting goodies like gourmet sandwiches, fresh baked goodies and chocolates.

The hotel is in the heart of Sullivan's Cove harbour district so if you're after the freshest fish, you simply have to cross over the road. I had dinner at Mures on the Waterfront, a casual market, where you choose your fish from the display and it's prepared before your eyes.

On the way back to the airport, my cabbie driver was bubbling over with excitement. He told me how he came to the Island 17-years ago for a week's holiday and never left. I think he had the right idea.

HOBART ESSENTIALS: How to get there Award winning airline Virgin Blue is the second biggest airline Group in Australia, incorporating Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue and the recently launched three class boutique long haul airline, V Australia which operates flights between Australia and the United States. The airline Group operates a modern fleet of 79 aircraft across 76 domestic and International routes including domestic Australia and New Zealand as well as trans-Tasman, Pacific Islands and trans-Pacific. For more details and to book your flight to Tasmania, visit Virgin Blue Where to Stay The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a place where 'old meets new' and cultural diversion abounds. The property is Australia's first dedicated Art Hotel and stands proudly on Hobart's glorious waterfront. Henry Jones belongs to the Pure Tasmania family. For more details and to book your Henry Jones Art Hotel stay, visit Pure Tasmania Plan your trip Pure Tasmania is all about providing visitors with enriching experiences - including the people you meet, the things you do and what you eat and drink. Visit Pure Tasmania for all your Tassie holiday needs.