markis10

After catching up with Itsalongwaydown and Ozbeachbabe recently in Darwin we had a good chance to review the accommodation options in Darwin and thought I would put a summary here:


HI Esplanade, 122 The Esplanade
Lots of suites for PCR members, entertainment rate currently $186 is the best available for Thursday arrivals for 4 nights (average), it drops for Friday arrivals. Rooms are roomy but dated with most having a view of the Harbour, park opposite with good exercise options. Hotel has a small gym, good size pool and self laundry facilities. Internet expensive

HI, 116 The Esplanade
Smaller HI with only two suites, just completed renovations, limited parking, next door to the other HI. No Gym, small pool. Internet expensive.

Novotel Atrium Darwin, 100 The Esplanade.
Limited suites, participates in A Club, has construction next door of a new complex that will be quite noisy in May.

Mantra Darwin, 88 The Esplanade
Apartment style rooms (studios available), points for Australian FF programs only.

Crowne Plaza, Mitchell St
About 10 minutes walk from the HI's, all but the two top suites have had a refurbishment, this is an old Sheraton so it follows the typical Sheraton layout with corner suites at the end of the building. Small Gym, pool and self laundry, each floor has an ice machine.

***All the HIs and Crowne Plaza's allow cross charging back to your room, so if you decide to breakfast with a friend at their HI hotel you can charge back to your room at the CP and vice versa.***

OTHER HOTELS
Skycity Casino and Hotel
Former MGM property, run down and being refurbished, not good value generally and is 5-10 minutes by car from CBD.

Medina Grand/Vibe on the waterfront
These two are new but have average service reputation, I thought my stay at $149 last week was poor value, the reports on Tripadvisor of no towels seems to be a common occurrence, 15-20 minutes walk to HI/esplanade.

Mantra Pandanas.
Same chain as other Mantra but poor CBD location, around 15 minutes walk to HI's, apartment style.

Quest Darwin
Not too far from HI's etc and located next door to a Supermarket, probably a good option for those wanting to self cater and not pay for views while being close to the other hotels.


We are looking at having a lounge at the HI Esplanade for Ozfest Exclusive use (no hotel has a lounge in Darwin) and this will include free internet access as well as possibly catering and drinks, more details to come once final costings are available and when can establish the viability of such a lounge. Hopefully we can come up with an option that enhances your stay and saves money!

As previously mentioned during the Dry Season Darwin sells out of accommodation very quickly, two months out a room at the HI will be $250, within a month it jumps to $350, and if not sold will go to $450, same room at present sells for $100! Given there is a conference either side of the weekend there will be pressure on room pricing, so please look at booking something that is flexible ASAP as choices will gradually be limited as we get closer.