Darwin Hotels - Hilton and Accor

[Daver6]

Decided to visit Darwin in the dry season for four nights. Last time I was there was 2009. Looking to stay CBD area, probably along Mitchell St or the Esplanade. Unsure if I'll bother with a car. Really looking to enjoy the markets, food etc. I love the vibe of Darwin. A pool is a must. Not so much to laze around all day, but something to just hop in to cool off would be nice.

I've got a free night to burn from Accor Plus and also am HH Gold. Accord options seem to either be the Novotel CBD or Mantra on the Esplanade. Prefer a hotel (ie room gets made up) than a serviced apartment.

Also noticed there are three Hilton options. The Hilton and two Double Trees next door to each other. What's the consensus on which is best and why? Any to avoid?

Thoughts and opinions please

 

[jase05]

Have stayed at both the Novotel and Mantra.
Both are ok without being great but the Mantra only does housekeeping every couple of days (apparently you can pay extra to have it daily but this was never explained to my wife or I)
Depending on price I’d probably stay at the Novotel if I ever went back to Darwin

 

[Daver6]

Have stayed at both the Novotel and Mantra.
Both are ok without being great but the Mantra only does housekeeping every couple of days (apparently you can pay extra to have it daily but this was never explained to my wife or I)
Depending on price I’d probably stay at the Novotel if I ever went back to Darwin

Well it seems the Novotel is cheaper than the Mantra anyway.

I notice the Mantra offers "hotel rooms" as well as apartments. No clear difference that I can tell other than apartments seem to be larger and have a kitchen/laundry facilities.

So my dilemma becomes. Do I just take the one free night at the Novotel and move to a HH property (free breakfast) or just stay at the Novotel.

 

[Captain Halliday]

The main Hilton is better than the two DTs.

@penegal was a frequent visitor to DRW when I lived up there and usually rolled out a swag at Hilton. He may give you a view on the Hilton options.

There’s two mantras: Esplanade and Pandanus. IIRC pandanus has a few (low) floors of hotel rooms and the high floors are serviced apartments and long term rentals. The rooms are quite large.

 

[Citoyen]

Main Hilton is fine. I've stayed twice. Location
small - but they don't get anything wrong (some of us set a low bar). It's not with the others on esplanade, but up near parliament (suits me perfectly)

oh and cheap

 

[NoGodsOneQueen]

Have stayed at the main Hilton and I would recommend. Really helpful and friendly concierge. Rooms were a tad small and a bit dark but totally adequate. Pool area wasn't fancy but they do have one. It was quite well priced.

 

[Daver6]

Interesting about the pricing. I realise August is peak season, but Hilton is quite a bit more with rooms starting from $324. DT Esplanade at $279 and the other DT at $237.

Accor currently have a 30% off sale and another 10% for members. I think the Novotel is going to win this time round.