This is the place:

www.350onargyle.com

Their website is having some issues with the location side of things (it has recently been updated) so this isn't helpful...

I was also thinking waterfront would be better if we can afford it!?!?

There is a review of the accomodation you're considering on this site which seems to answer your questions.

Can't say I'm familiar with Nth Hobart, but have stayed near Constitution Dock/ Salamanca in a hotel, and also at a B&B in Battery Point & both are very good areas for restaurants etc. Very pretty areas.

I have been to tasmania on 5 separate occassions. Depending on what you are prepared to pay you could stay right on the waterfront at Sullivans Cove at a place called Zero Davey and try to book it last minute (within 28 days) at www.wotif.com.au to get a good deal - it is contemporary accom. so i'm not sure if you were after something more 'quaint'. Also on the water is Henry Jones Art Hotel though it is very very expensive and i'm not sure it is worth the premium compared to Zero Davey, having stayed at both. Another spot on the water (literally) is Somerset on the Pier - it may have changed names since I was there - which offers loft style accomodation with laundry and full kitchen. It is literally ON THE WATER because it is a wharf! Again, try for a last minute deal if you can risk it. Enjoy!

yes it is where there is a concentration of cafes and pubs, The republic is a good pub, good food with live bands and musicians every night, good place to stay - waterfront is not the best because it is expensive, although there are a lot of places toeat there, accommodaion is veyr pricey, North Hobart is around a 20 minute walk to town and quite lively for Slobart that is!

The area most pleasant to enjoy as everything is close on foot is the waterfront area. There are some affordable options that would have a better quality accommodation standard. North Hobart is a strip of one street with options of many restaurant cuisines. If you dont have a car then from North Hobart is a walk of about 20-30 minutes to the waterfront cbd, there are bus but they dont run too late..for the prices of 350 argyle you could find similar around waterfront...the street that 350 argyle is on doesn't have much on it other than residential houses....it is a 5-10minute walk from the main North Hobart area. There are some accommodation options also in Battery Point that is a 5-10 minute walk to waterfront but a quaint and pleasant area.

It's true that North Hobart (specifically Elizabeth Street between Burnett and Federal Streets) has probably the highest concentration of restaurants, pubs and cafes in a small area around Hobart, including a few beauties like The Republic Bar, Vanidols, Annapurna and Restaurant 373. However there are also lots of (good) restaurants etc. scattered around Salamanca, the waterfront and the CBD. I posted a comment on this topic in the Hobart forum a few months ago if you want some more suggestions.

North Hobart is around a 20 minute walk, a 5 minute bus trip or a $7 taxi fare from the CBD. It's definitely a bit further from tourist spots like Salamanca Market, Battery Point and the Museum, but not so far that it should really put you off if you find a nice looking place to stay at a reasonable rate. Argyle St is one of the busier streets for traffic, but it would still be quieter than most places in the CBD.

I should point out that I'm a bit biased too - I live in North Hobart!

if you want to stay within walking distance stay around the waterfront.

and its not always pricey.whats your budget per night?

also, the walking will be flatter around the water front,as it gets a bit steep in other areas.where i stayed at salamanca place, it became steep just outside of.

salamanca on the pier can be quite noisy, hence it is the docks.

alot of great eateries are around salamanca place though.

just fish around for good accomm prices, alot of accomm have last minute deals.

or email and haggle, i do.

good luck, enjoy

Hmmm...it sounds like it is a little far...we wern't planning on getting a car and walking 20-30 minutes to the CBD, waterfront, market etc is not really my idea of a relaxing time!!!!