My partner had arranged a birthday surprise for me with a stay at The Islington, a place I had eagerly anticipated due to its reputation for a relaxing environment and top-tier service. However, our initial encounter left much to be desired. When we buzzed the front gate intercom, we were met with an ungracious "who are you" from the speaker – not the warm welcome we expected. Inside, we were confronted by the same discourteous individual who promptly requested our license and credit card information. For an establishment boasting a 5-star status, this was far from our expectations, making us feel uneasy and questioning our choice. The situation continued to disappoint when the same staff member gave us a brief tour before directing us to our room. Upon entering, we found a cheese platter wrapped in cling wrap and laminated signage marred by unsightly marks. At this point, my partner's frustration had reached its peak. He had paid well over a thousand dollars for our stay, and he believed that any other hotel in Hobart would have provided superior service at a lower cost. In an attempt to address our grievances, my partner sought out the same staff member but found him absent. Resorting to a phone call, he expressed his disappointment, but instead of an apology, he received a response that left much to be desired – an offer to leave, with the stipulation of contacting Luxury Escapes for a potential refund. The entire experience left us disillusioned and questioning the 5-star rating. Three stars at best, especially given the quality of service provided. While the grounds were indeed pleasant, the interior furnishings clashed with the building's heritage, giving the impression of hurried assembly from an IKEA catalog. In summary, I would caution anyone considering a stay here to think twice before investing their money in an experience that falls far short of the advertised luxury and service quality.