Hotel Accommodation in Launceston (1860)

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN LAUNCESTON.

Launceston has long been favorably known for the good character of its hotels, and we believe it was or is in advance of the southern capital. Placed as this town is with regard to the other colonies, it is important that it should always be able to offer to travellers and strangers the comforts and conveniences which every Englishman expects to find in his hotel. We have therefore great pleasure in noticing the improvements which have within a recent period been effected by the enterprise of the proprietors of the leading hotels in Launceston.

First in order of time as well as in reputation we have the Launceston Hotel, where, on the site of one of our Tasmanian antiquities the old “Launceston” a commodious and elegant building was erected between two and three years ago by the present proprietor, Mr. William Carpenter. This building was at once a credit to the proprietor, the architect, and the town. The front in Brisbane street was the first innovation here on tile prevailing style of hotel architecture, and in the internal arrangement of the building convenience and comfort were specially provided for. The centre of the ground floor consists of a public room, 21 feet by 1f feet; the left wing includes a suite of elegantly furnished rooms, securing privacy and convenience; the bar being in the right wing ‘of the building. The upper floor consists of bed-rooms and parlors most conveniently arranged for the accommodation of families and others visitors; and having in front an airy balcony. The billiard-room adjoins the building at the back, and the stables are entered from St John-street. The reputation of this establishment for respectability has been well sustained, and its commanding position and influential country support give it a prominent place amongst the hotels of the colony.

On the same side of Brisbane-street, we have next to notice the “Club Hotel,” an establishment which in the extent of its accommodation is superior to any hotel in the town. To say that sixty beds could be made up at the Club would not convey a true idea of its resources in the way of rooms, for it is in many respects peculiarly fitted for the reception of families and individuals from the other colonies intending to make a prolonged stay in the town. Besides the public rooms, there are several suites of private apartments, conveniently arranged and handsomely furnished, together with dining hall, billiard room, &c. The proprietor has just laid out in re-decorations and furniture a very large sum indeed, the extent of the alterations are more considerable than we had heard they were to be. Altogether, this hotel from its locality–quiet without being remote from business places–ought to command attention as an admirable temporary residence for visitors whether in pursuit of health, pleasure, or business. The hotel is under the management of Mr. Charles Phillipe Fassert, who has had great experience as hotel proprietor and restaurateur on the continent of Europe and in the United States; and he is determined to spare no pains to make his establishment popular. The culinary department, which is to be a prominent one in this hotel, is under Mr. Fassert’s own superintendence and his testimonials afford a guarantee that everything will be well done in this respect. There is excellent stabling and carriage accommodation at this establishment and if as is reported a second line of coaches to Hobart Town should be started, the Club will probably be the starting-place.

Speaking of the “Club Hotel” we are reminded that a new one, “The Criterion,” under the management of Mrs. Clyne, has been established. The building near the angle of St. John and Patterson-streets has been by extensive alterations and additions expanded into a large establishment which, from its admirable position near the public buildings, the new People’s Hall, the banks, and the wharf, is sure of a growing and profitable trade ; in addition to the support of the country people, for whose convenience stabling has been secured opposite the Patterson-street entrance to the hotel.

The recent extensive additions to the “Brisbane Hotel,” Brisbane-street, form the last of the improvements to which we are referring. It is due to the conductor of this hotel to say that under his management he long since effected a radical and necessary change in the character of the house and now the recent additions to the accommodation entitle it to rank with the best hotels in town. Finding the house as it was originally inadequate to meet the requirements of a class of customers from the country and the adjoining colonies for whose patronage Air. Simmons was indebted to the improved style of management and accommodation, and having been applied to by several gentlemen desirous of securing a place at which an association formed on the club system could meet the proprietor has just completed the following additions to the house–a large billiard room 32 x 23 feet, a refreshment room and a club room connected with each other on the ground floor, and having over them nine additional bedrooms, with private parlours, bath rooms, &e. The lower rooms are lofty and well-proportioned, whilst in the sleeping apartments more care than usual has been taken with the ventilation, a matter too often overlooked. The rooms on the ground floor are to be occupied by the club now being formed; one room being devoted to billiards, one to refreshment, and the third, which is handsomely furnished, to the general purposes of the club. The improvements effected in the stabling of the “Brisbane” have been referred to on a former occasion.
Examiner, 25 February 1860

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