My wife and I spent two nights at Villa Howden, at the start of winter. The weather was unfortunately lousy, very cold and rainy, so we couldn't get full enjoyment of the lovely grounds and location. Overall we enjoyed our stay, and that was largely due to hotel manager Phil and receptionist Yimie, lovely people who did everything in their power to make our stay pleasant. Also the room was large, bed comfortable, shower good. There were annoyances, though,such as being told on check-in that our tarrif (at the high end of Hobart hotel tarrifs) didn't include the free breakfast that was a big feature of their website's advertising, so it would cost us $33 for a single dish, plus extra for coffee, toast etc. Also, nowhere on the Web page (only in the Menu) did it mention that the restaurant was closed Mon//Tue, so we could not get anything to eat on arrival, and since it was so bleak we just went to bed without dinner. My impression was that, having charged a lot for a start, the owners were keen to then squeeze every extra dollar out of the customers. The website is misleading in not spelling out limitations and exceptions, just extolling purported virtues. By comparison, Lenna in Hobart, with a similar rating and tarrif, gave us a complimentary bottle of good wine for one night's stay! The place is undeniably lovely. Built in the 1970s, it is in the manner of an 18th century French villa. Lovely building, furnishings, grounds, views. Most positive memories — Phil & Yimie!

Outstanding property and environment, but unfortunately understaffed with poor communication. Could have been the best stay of our trip but spoiled by amazing lack of information. It felt like a cynical exercise in capitalism.

Hot water was like warm. No elevator so had to carry suitcases up a couple of fli

Amazing venue not far from Hobart. Stayed 2 nights and as it was not very busy upgraded our room. Fireplace to have a drink beside and breakfast was good. Definitely worth a visit

Beautiful property, friendly staff, great breakfast.

Had the tower suite and even though starting to get a fraction tired the size of the size and the views are incredible! Well furnished with very comfortable bed and great shower!

Good stay for us!

Beautiful and had an amazing breakfast! What a great place to unwind and relax!!

Overall experience was good however with extra staff the place would be more efficient and make dinner and breakfast times run better.

Staff and ambience

loved the seclusion

Look elsewhere. This place is such a disappointment and at best, three star accomodation. Please take the time to look at other recommendations. I wish we did. It is hard to know where to begin. It was obviously once a great place that is now run on a shoestring budget. Only 1-2 people running the whole place. The buildings are poorly maintained and dilapidated. It feels as if the place has been left to rot and is in dire need of some investment. The rooms and bathrooms are dated and barely functional. For example, TVs are from 20 years ago and only have analogue channels. Water pressure is a trickle out of the shower. Rooms are barely stocked and feel dirty and used. Hardly what you expect from five star hotel. The grounds are poorly maintained and riddled with thistles and weeds. It almost feels dystopian walking around. It is such a shame. I travel a lot and stay at a lot of hotels and this place would have to be the worst. I wish I took some photos

Beautiful and enchanting! Wonderful experience all around! Highly recommend- you have to find a way to stay here. If we knew it was so nice, we would have stayed 2 nights but we already had paid reservations in another town for the next day. Breakfast included also.

Rooms were lovely, breakfast was great, maybe dining option of a night would have been more convenient then going out for a meal, tv could be updated more channels maybe a smart tv with streaming services that could be accessible and wifi connection

Property looks like it was once very nice. Now pretty tired with very little atmosphere. After being disappointed by the very basic breakfast we decided not to dine here for dinner. Staff were friendly but it felt disorganized, restaurant was cold and room off restaurant is a store room. Nothing high end about this place

Lovely villa in it's day.However, no management present , one person left to manage front desk and the few guests, cold breakfast cooked by a novice with 8 baked beans.No lifts for the 3 flights of stairs, no aircon, no fire safety drill or alarm as you are left alone overnight. Falsely advertised as luxury , I've been to better B&B. Shame it's not better managed and looked after as the building is beautiful. This is a 3 star bed and breakfast at best ,

If I was on my honeymoon I would want to stay there. How can things be improved? You could upgrade your WiFi. We found it slow and so inadequate we couldn't use it. We were in room 5 and there was a faulty electrical wire or connection on the left side of the bed(when looking at it). Also the phone was faulty.

Nice property, you can see pademelons as well.

This property is beautiful!! The French Chateau feel was luxurious. Beautiful surroundings with water view. The host could not have been more helpful. It was a wonderful stay!

Brilliant