Darwin Airport hotels

[Mattg]

Anyone stayed recently at either the Novotel or Mercure across the road from Darwin Airport? Are they any good, or would I be better off heading into town?

I'll have a midnight arrival and leaving Darwin the following afternoon. Really just looking for a place to sleep and have breakfast during my transit.

 

[Captain Halliday]

I’ve stayed at both and they’re effectively one hotel. Most recently was the Novotel in Oct ‘21.

It’s consistent with other Novotels. Rooms are quiet with small balcony. The on-site restaurant is independent so no Accor plus discount.

However, from a guest point of view it’s like they’re one property.

Breakfast is served at Mercure, and that’s where the bar is located. Accor plus benefits apply and you can charge to your room at Novotel. Unsure if they’re back to buffet post covid but the a la carte breakfast was good.

Novotel guests can use the lagoon pool at Mercure, while Mercure guests can use the gym and lap pool at Novotel.

The major downside of either is location. In town there’s obviously more dining options, the esplanade to walk, and potentially sunset markets.

Given the timings you’ve outlined, I’d stay at the airport and ask for a late checkout.

As for which one, I’d pick Novotel as a solo traveler or couple. Mercure for families as the rooms are bigger, the lagoon pool is more kid friendly and there’s some family style cabins available.

 

[aikman]

I was lucky enough to pay $340 for 2 nights in a standard room at the Novotel. It felt like a motel room. For some reason the window only ran along half the wall. On my first night I couldn't see out the window because it was completely blocked by a large tree. Luckily the next day they let me change to a room where I could actually see outside, as pictured here. The pool area at the Mercure had a resort feel and was a good place to relax. Not so much the Novotel pool area. Novotel was ridiculously close to the terminal so it was quite handy for my redeye flight. There was nowhere else to eat other than the Mercure so I walked over to the Qantas Club for a "free" dinner six hours before my flight and then walked back to my room. I walked back to the airport later that night arriving at the gate 5 mins before actual boarding.

 

[kpro]

Stayed at the Mercure a few times last year. Both hotels are across the road from each other and share many facilities as others have noted.

Easy walk from the airport, good breakfast options at the Mercure. Quite enjoyed the lagoon pool. I think this a no-brainer if you're transiting.

 

[Mattg]

I ended up booking at Mantra Pandanas in the city. Both airport hotels were $190 and Mantra was $150. I used the Blue Taxi Company airport shuttle to travel from the airport to the city and back at a cost of $10.50 each way, and was happy with that service.

The Mantra was a nice hotel. I got a good sleep and the location was good. Was able to do some shopping in Darwin in the morning before my flight.

I think I'd do that again next time if flying out in the afternoon. However if arriving late at night and departing early the next morning, the convenience of the airport hotels is hard to beat.