The Old Granary

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to The Old Granary – I mean, the name suggests something pretty rustic, right? But this place actually blew me away. It’s tucked into one of those gorgeous Georgian buildings that Launceston does so well, and you can tell they’ve put serious thought into keeping the historical character while making everything feel genuinely luxurious. The stone walls and original timber beams aren’t just for show either – there’s this wonderful sense of solidity and quiet that you don’t get in newer hotels.

What really struck me was how they’ve nailed the details that actually matter when you’re traveling. The rooms are properly soundproofed (crucial since Launceston can get surprisingly lively on weekend evenings), and the beds are the kind where you sink in just enough without feeling like you’re being swallowed whole. The bathrooms have those rainfall showers that actually work – you know how some hotels install them but the water pressure is rubbish? Not here. I also loved that they provide real coffee in the rooms, not those awful instant sachets. Small thing, but it makes mornings so much better. The staff seem to actually know the area too, which is rarer than it should be. When I asked about walking routes along the River Kensey, the woman at reception gave me proper directions to the quieter stretches where you won’t bump into tour groups every five minutes.

Location-wise, you’re perfectly positioned to explore both the castle ruins and the town center without needing a car for everything – though if you do drive, their parking situation is actually sorted, which saves a lot of hassle. I spent a lovely afternoon just wandering the nearby streets, and it’s one of those places where you stumble across proper local pubs and independent shops rather than the usual chain nonsense. The Old Granary feels like it belongs in this setting, if that makes sense – it’s not trying to be flashy or overtly modern, just genuinely comfortable and well-run. At nearly a 10 rating, I was skeptical it could live up to expectations, but honestly? It’s one of those rare places where the experience matches the hype, and I’m already planning to book again for next spring.

Facilities