Hanlon House in Smithton

The old Hanlon she ain’t what she used to be. The new owners are trading off the old reviews.After a wonderful week of staying in friendly guest houses and B&Bs with cheery hosts and excellent breakfasts all around Tassie, at Hamlin House with its sky high prices we were expecting to be blown away. Well we were, but not as expected.Don’t get me wrong, this is a nice place, a renovated ex-presbytery with beautiful views over the beach. Our room was gracious and roomy, but at $240 a night that’s the least you expect. What was very disappointing was the total lack of hospitality.Previous reviewers had raved about the helpfulness and friendliness of the owner and his yummy breakfasts. But the place apparently changed hands in 2022 and all those reviews are no longer relevant.Arriving at 4:30pm, we were greeted by an envelope with a key in it. There are six rooms altogether, and the place was full, so the owner would have been bringing in around $1200 that night. But show his/her face? Why bother?! Business is clearly very very good.Didn’t see the owner/manager for either of the two nights we were there. No sight of the owner and no whiff of breakfast. If we’d wanted an airBnB experience we would have booked an airBnB.Besides all that: the walls are paper thin and I found myself involuntarily listening to someone else’s tv late into the night; no soap in the bathroom other than the body wash in the shower (and no one on hand to remedy the situation); plastic flowers; bathroom fan not working; wonky taps in the shower; second shower of the morning was cold; if you want local knowledge you have to scan a QR code. . .Stanley is cute but there’s no particular reason to stay there overnight; there are a host of alternative accommodation choices within a 30 minute drive, all of which would be much better value for money than here. Our prior accommodation, not far away, was half the rate and included a scrumptious hot breakfast in lovely surroundings.Clearly the owners are going to respond to this by saying You should have contacted us, we left a mobile number. But that’s not the point guys - at a guest house the guests expect . . . hospitality.

A charming place nestled beneath the nut. Be sure to get up early to see the penguins.

I had such a wonderful stay at the Hanlon Guest House. The entire property was immaculately maintained and the attention to detail was apparent. My room, I stayed in the Queen Suite, was adorable and boasted a nice view of the ocean. The soft bathrobes and pod coffee machine were unexpected but lovely touches. Thank you!

Great place to stay In Stanley. We booked late in the afternoon while sitting out the front, the owner came straight out to let us in and show us around. A beautiful communal lounge with heater going, rooms beautiful and clean.. great location. Walk to the beach to see the penguins or walk to town for dinner. Lovely place. Highly recommend.

Excellent Bed and Breakfast. Beautiful House with lovely furnishings . Lots of information about the history of the house also. The most comfortable bed on our fly drive holiday. Great Host. Great for families and couples. Thanks Matt for his suggestions on sight seeing and food on our short stay in Stanley. All the best for Donty Guinea pig sooo tiny and cute.

Old world charm at its very best. Very hospitable host Matt made us feel very comfortable, and cooked a great breakfast for the three days we were there. The dining room has spectacular views, and the continental breakfast, if you choose, is delightful, with fresh Tasmanian fruit and jams, a really nice touch & thoughtful attention to detail. This very clean B&B has spacious, beautifully furnished rooms with quality beds and pillows, slept like a dream. Very cosy & also has two separate comfy lounge areas with port on tap, yet another very generous touch. Heaps to do in Stanley and surrounds and a short walk to shops and restaurants. Everything you need is here. Dont miss the penguins. We will be back thats for sure. Loved it, thanks Matt.

Great hosts and stunning views

Amazing stay. Room was lovely, had an ensuite with shower, bath and bar fridge. Matt made us a fantastic breakfast with everything you could think to ask for. Got amazing advice for seeing the Stanley penguins which was an extraordinary experience.This is one of those places with heart and soul that turn a holiday into an adventure. My only regret is we didnt stay longer!

Glorious decor and so welcoming. Host is very accommodating and watching the sun rise was so special over a hearty breakfast. Exceeded my expectations.

Unfortunately the warm hospitality of previous owners Maxine & Graham is gone. I understand the house is for sale again too. Current owners are friendly but I felt like I was renting a room in someone’s private home. Guest lounge at front of house didn’t have fire lit the two nights I was there & lights off, even though full house. Was advised there would be no breakfast both mornings due to kids sporting commitments (refunded for breakfast). I asked where we can get breakfast then and both recommended places were closed… Poor sleep quality both nights due to some horrendous animal noises outside house, no idea what that was. Overall we left disappointed.

Absolutely fantastic are late to find Matthew had made dinner reservations for us ...great rate Ill be back

Stayed here for two nights in the bungalow. Alana was friendly and helpful. Parking was good. Bungalow was cosy and well laid out. Ocean views were great, the sound at night was beautiful. The open fire outside was a nice touch with plenty of wood to burn. The first night we stayed the penguins made a wonderful cacophony of beautifully strange noises! It was such a special occasion. Close walk to restaurants and local pub. Pleased with everything, you need about three nights here to unwind and relax outside. Youre also located away from the main house so you gain a little more privacy than in the main house. Bathroom was tidy, nice touches throughout.

Absolutely an amazing stay, great hosts. The house is beautiful and food spectacular. Highly recommend.

Great place to relax

Fabulous stay. We were blessed to be allocated the bungalow at the back of the property. It felt very private & gorgeous view of the ocean. Very clean, with ensuite & comfortable bed , amenities with fridge, microwave & items to cook if we were inclined. But dinner at the nearby hotel was superb. Greatfully booked by Mat, our helpful host, following a phone call prior to our arrival. Ample & superb continental breakfast was provided, with a cooked breakfast offered for those who wanted it. The dining area not only had a wonderful ocean outlook but also gave an opportunity to chat to our hosts & other guests & pick up hints & tips on what to see or do in the area. Lets not also forget the resident penguins in the back yard, so sweet! Great stay & sadly to short but would definitely return & recommend to anyone looking to stay in Stanley.

Amazing place and amazing hospitality. Really clean and comfortable with beautiful views. Everything perfect.

WOW, so impressed with our little bungalow, wish we were staying more than 1 night. Fully equipped with microwave, hot plates, toaster and bar fridge. The view is amazing and location perfect, will most definitely stay again when we return to Tassie.

Matt & Alanna made us feel very welcome, from the moment we arrived. We stayed in the Bungalow which with the view and the outside fire place, was outstanding. Would highly recommended Hanlon House to anyone, looking for a break away.

Had an amazing stay😌

Matt very helpful, tall families may have issues with upstairs sloping ceilings

The Nut, Penguins , Beach, View from backyard and dinning room

Everything was fantastic! Great location, great room, very helpful and friendly. Can not give enough stars for these guys.

Was an Awsome place to stay very clean an comfity and cosy would highly recommend very friendly and helpful

Fabulous place to stay. We stayed in the Bungalow and you have an outside fireplace and bbq area with a great view to a beach. Very welcoming and hospitable hosts, with a lovely room and a very comfortable bed.

Beautiful old place with really nice rooms and terrific hosts. Highly recommended.👌

Fantastic place. Rooms beautiful and service is awesome

Good location friendly

Lovely place to stay in Stanley. The hosts are v helpful, terrific breakfasts.

Great place to stay! Lovely managers. Good bedding and central. Nice breakfast too

We had a lovely room with sea views but theres also views of The Nut from the verandah. The room was large and warm and we enjoyed the spa. Lovely sunset and sunrise from the dining room. The hosts were friendly and service was great.

Hanlon house was managed, by a great young couple, who were very welcoming and made you feel at home. The bungalow was very well equipped clean, comfortable and spacious, and only 50m from beach. Breakfast was fantastic and it was great meeting other guests. Would definitely stay again.

Wow really great bnb in a really great town

Such a beautiful atmospheric home away from home.I LOVE IT! <3

Lovely. Gorgeous home with great hosts. Would love to return with a group of friends and some Tassie wine.

We came here 5 years ago on our honeymoon. Hasnt lost any of its homely charm. The hosts were fantastic and put on a great breaky and made us feel like one of the locals. Hope to come back again!

Beautiful house with breathtaking views. Matt and Alanna were amazing hosts and our kids had a great time exploring and looking at penguins. We will go out of our way to visit again very soon.

Great service from Matt and Alanna. They are very hospitable and have good knowledge of local area. Also has magnificent views which make your stay even more relaxing. Rooms are beautiful and really clean and cozy fire to relax by in the evening. Recommend highly.

The room was delightful and the host was phenomenal. Did everything he could to make our stay as easy as possible. There are also wallabies!

Unforgettable memories, one of the best house for holidays

Feels like home, relaxed and with good breakfast

Well worth the stay.

Stayed in the Bungalow room here at Hanlon House. I was very impressed with the room and the house. Great views and a great spot. Listening to the surf at night was lovely.The staff where very friendly and the rooms are clean and well Stocked. Cannot wait to stay again.

A great place to explore the NW from

Cute place in the perfect location

We have a room with a great view of the beach and district from a verandah. The house used to be the presbytery and is next door to a church. Very quiet and easy to park. Rooms are comfortable and spacious and have extensive wood panelling. Breakfast in the dining room downstairs also has good views. On the downside WiFi is unreliable.

Really clean, cosy and comfortable room. It was close to everything in Stanley. Great stay.

Facilities were great, other than the advertised breakfast. Did not see a host,could be more interaction

Pretty cool house... Very near to the Nut with amazing views. Serves yummy breakfast

Was fun

Amazing host, great reception and atmosphere. The rooms are clean, well lit and charming. Excellent B&B!