A hotel in Hobart's bustling Salamanca Place is set to quadruple its accommodation capacity, following the City of Hobart's approval of a $30 million expansion.
The approval allows a major extension to the existing boutique Moss Hotel, which opened in 2019 and is housed within a heritage facade. The project will involve the removal of surrounding non-heritage structures at 6-8 Montpelier Retreat to accommodate a contemporary addition of four storeys - adding 69 rooms to the existing 20, for a total of 89 rooms.
Designed by Altis Architecture, a new entry, reception and lounge will be introduced at the ground level of the hotel, while a cafe, a bar, a restaurant and multipurpose room for functions and events will be included on the first floor. The upper portion of the building will be dedicated to guest suites and amenities.
According to the architects, the design underwent a rigorous review process with the Hobart City Council Urban Design Review Panel and was endorsed by heritage consultants Lovell Chen following their historical assessment of the site.
The new exterior incorporates layered materials intended to complement the existing nineteenth-century sandstone heritage facade, including brick, ceramic screens, green veils, sandstone and glazing.
In keeping with the surrounding built context, the building will extend right to the lot boundary with no ground-level setback. The new addition sits atop a sandstone base, while the top level steps back and is fully glazed. New sandstone detailing is arranged to visually distinguish the original stone from the contemporary.
Internally, a glazed atrium will run from the entrance through all levels, drawing natural light into the building and creating visual connection between restored heritage details and new additions.
The proposal was exhibited in October 2025.
