Lowena Cafe and Accommodation

I left around 11pm because the noise and the condition of the cottage made me think I wouldn’t get any sleep. The fridge was loud, the cottage creaked, and a security light outside kept coming on. I booked another hotel. When I messaged the owner to explain, he marked the booking as a “no show,” and I was charged more than I should have been. I suspect this happens regularly, since what you expect from the listing doesn’t match what you find here. I can’t recommend it, especially with many reputable places to stay in Hobart. The property looked rundown and unlike the photos. The gardens were overgrown, and my cottage wasn’t in good condition. The shower didn’t feel hygienic, particularly the floor, where I wasn’t comfortable going barefoot. The bathroom was cramped with nowhere to dry off. It’s advertised as having a “cafe,” but I don’t believe there is one, maybe just a makeshift setup in the house. I wish I’d read earlier reviews before booking.

I left early in the morning because another night there felt unbearable. The room was dirty and noisy, and the place was completely misrepresented. I felt the owner showed no care or responsibility. Honestly, I don’t know how it gets positive reviews, they don’t reflect reality and are misleading. The bathroom looked more like a storage room full of junk. The shower was unhygienic, the toilet seat didn’t fit, and there wasn’t even a window in the room. The heater and fridge were so loud I couldn’t sleep. I contacted the owner on the first night and also reached out to Booking.com. They said the owner had to email them to approve a refund for the second night, but he never did. He ignored my calls and messages until checkout morning. At 6:30 a.m., just as I was about to leave for work, he finally replied and said he’d contact Booking.com, but he never did.

The breakfast is the same every morning, bacon, eggs and coffee, but it’s really good and free. Kevin runs everything himself and does a great job. He’s a great host, the rooms and bathrooms are tidy, the beds are comfy, and the heaters keep things warm. The shower has hot water too. You can walk to everything within about 20 minutes.

The room was a bit worn and could use some care. I’d only suggest it if all you need is a bed for the night.