Darwin & Alice Springs Hotels

[Phlat6]

Have been given these two regions to manage as part of my role and I'm looking for some real world opinions on where to stay.

Just completed some business in Alice an stayed at the Crowne Plaza, the pool was .brilliant, lets keep it at that.

let me know.

 

[markis10]

Darwin has a number of choices, but limited when it comes to chains:

IHG - Three properties all owned by the one owner, original HI is in the old travelodge shape (same as HI MEL), and is OK, HI next door is in need of a reno with poor mobile reception due to its design with most rooms having an ocean view , both HIs have good parking. The Crowne Plaza is the former Sheraton (and Rydges for a short time), has poor parking but cheap valet, nice rooms and an ice machine on most floors.

Novotel - Have not stayed there but average by reports.

Mantra - two properties, one on the esplanade and dated, another in middle of the CBD, both are OK.

Vibe/Medina - tried this property twice, never again, first time no towels, second time had a balcony but no door to access it, and parking is a joke with it being the only area in Darwin thats metered to 10PM every night, while paid hotel carpark is available, often there is a waiting list to get the access cards.

Quest - Number of properties throughout Darwin, being more apartment style good for longer stays.

Casino - new accommodation is great, and they have a very good wireless internet system now in place.

Rydges at the airport - I have only stayed at the resort which is dated, nice pool but limited dining options, and surprisingly very quiet despite Darwin having a lot if midnight flights.


There are other options that I have not used re accommodation, and I recommend booking early during the dry.

Other tips - get a cab into town on arrival if you get a PM flight, and grab the hire car from town next day (its an easy and quick walk to the offices of the majors), but dodge Hertz as they charge if you want drop it off at the airport on return, and also watch fuel levels on pickup, because its 100km per day limit, often the cars will show full but have already done a bit of driving on the tank, so I normally pick up and top up, taking the receipt with me when returning the car for a refund.

Another tip - dont go swimming in the harbour!

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/06/09/154301_ntnews.html

 

[docjames]

Adding to markis10's reports:

Novotel average, HIs are old but ok and decent locations, havent stayed at Viba but had had decent reports so interesting that Markis10's stay was so bad.

Dont know the others.

Mostly the hotels in Alice are similar to the CP unfortunately.

 

[RB]

Have been given these two regions to manage as part of my role and I'm looking for some real world opinions on where to stay.

Just completed some business in Alice an stayed at the Crowne Plaza, the pool was .brilliant, lets keep it at that.

let me know.

We stayed at the Four Seasons at Alice for 3 nights in Aug 2012-comfortable enough but a lot of maintenance issues. There were rooms being refurbished while we were there so may be worth a look. There are 2 pools. We had some meals downtown at Bojangles Bar that I thought were resonable & good value.
We stayed in an apartment in Darwin that was great-depends on your length of stay & $$ limit, you might be able to negotiate for regular stays-posted a report here http://www.australianfrequentflyer....d-reviews/a-deici-apartment-darwin-44041.html. I have contact details for the management if you wish

 

[Major]

I stayed at the CP in Alice last year and it was OK

Alice Springs Hotels - Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Alice Springs Hotel in Alice Springs | Book Direct for Best Rates

One of the best Thai restaurants around is in this hotel

 

[markis10]

I stayed at the CP in Alice last year and it was OK

Alice Springs Hotels - Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Alice Springs Hotel in Alice Springs | Book Direct for Best Rates

One of the best Thai restaurants around is in this hotel

Hanuman??? Also in Darwin behind the HI and in Cairns, and soon to be at DRW airport.

 

[lovestotravel]

I stayed at the CP in Alice last year and it was OK

Alice Springs Hotels - Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Alice Springs Hotel in Alice Springs | Book Direct for Best Rates

One of the best Thai restaurants around is in this hotel

The hotel is okay, the pool is old tired and the spa is not hot

Thai restaurant is outstanding for a country town!

 

[Major]

Hanuman??? Also in Darwin behind the HI and in Cairns, and soon to be at DRW airport.

That's the one...great food

 

[markis10]

That's the one...great food

Jimmy Shu (Sri Lankan) is the owner, started The Isthmus of Kra and Monsoon in Melbourne along with Shakahari, before selling up to start in Darwin.

Jimmy Shu - Season 3 Guests - About - Poh’s Kitchen

 

[docjames]

+1 Hanuman is decent.

 

[puppysparkes]

Agree with markis10 although I haven't had a bad experience with Vibe or Medina (yet). I can recommend the Argus apartments (self contained). The penthouse has an excellent terrace for functions. The pool is undercover which can be a plus on a hot day, pretty much everyday lol.

Out of interest I'll swing by Novotel today to see if they have renovated. It will amaze me if they haven't as it was the most run down hotel I've ever stayed in. I would be embarrassed to be the hotel manager and couldn't understand how it was still in business. It gave me such a bad impression that I half expected Basil Faulty to check me in!!

 

[docjames]

It will amaze me if they haven't as it was the most run down hotel I've ever stayed in. I would be embarrassed to be the hotel manager and couldn't understand how it was still in business. !

Doesnt say much for the competition does it?

 

[puppysparkes]

Doesnt say much for the competition does it?

The competition is much better. I'm guessing they pick up a fair amount of Internet bookings to sustain it as a going concern.

For the record the atrium is STILL tired as I remember.

 

[markis10]

The competition is much better. I'm guessing they pick up a fair amount of Internet bookings to sustain it as a going concern.

For the record the atrium is STILL tired as I remember.

Its got a new apartment block next door C2 Esplanade Darwin which might be an option to investigate.

 

[Anna]

Just wasted a frustrating hour trying to book a hotel in Darwin online for June so will post this in the hope that others won't have the same problem.

Crowne Plaza Darwin is about to become Hilton Darwin.

The 2 Holiday Inns in Darwin are about to become Doubletrees by Hilton.

I think these changes are from May but not sure.

I've ended up booking the Vibe (nonrefundable) before I worked out the above, which I'm not really happy about but fingers crossed it will be ok.

 

[markis10]

Just wasted a frustrating hour trying to book a hotel in Darwin online for June so will post this in the hope that others won't have the same problem.

Crowne Plaza Darwin is about to become Hilton Darwin.

The 2 Holiday Inns in Darwin are about to become Doubletrees by Hilton.

I think these changes are from May but not sure.

I've ended up booking the Vibe (nonrefundable) before I worked out the above, which I'm not really happy about but fingers crossed it will be ok.

There is a thread on the changes to the IHG hotels in NT (DRW and ASP), there is also a new hotel opening in Smith St that might be worth a lookin - H Hotel, which is a stumble from Manolis! Welcome to Manoli's Greek Taverna | Manoli's Greek Taverna

 

[llee]

Hi,
I'm going to Darwin in October and thought i"d revive this thread. Anybody got some good recommendations for hotels in Darwin?