Darwin options

[diningdecadence]

Thinking of a long leisure weekend up in Darwin - which Hilton branded property is best?

top of mind factors - decent buffet breakfast, good swimming pool, close to local tourist attractions.

am HH gold.

cheers

 

[straitman]

Thinking of a long leisure weekend up in Darwin - which Hilton branded property is best?

top of mind factors - decent buffet breakfast, good swimming pool, close to local tourist attractions.

am HH gold.

cheers

The 'Hilton' is/should always be a notch above the Doubletrees.

 

[Denali]

We stayed at the Hilton Darwin last year.

WP upgrade to a suite on check in (we didn't find an additional toilet for 2 days), lounge access provided some nice canapés and drinks even though the room is a bit bland.

Buffet breakfast was in the restaurant down stairs but they had an egg station to make as per request.

Was very happy with their valet service.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Agree with the other comments. Hilton was my choice (I was going to try all three, but comments helped me change my mind). Hilton is also an easy walk to the free Darwin restaurant/swimming zone which has an excellent wave pool.

 

[penegal]

The Hilton Hilton is the best of the bunch. There is a small exec lounge (with limited options) and Diamonds can have breakfast downstairs.

It is the old CP, and underwent a reasonable renovation circa 2013-2014.


NB - None of the hotels in Darwin are "special".

 

[diningdecadence]

The Hilton Hilton is the best of the bunch. There is a small exec lounge (with limited options) and Diamonds can have breakfast downstairs.

It is the old CP, and underwent a reasonable renovation circa 2013-2014.


NB - None of the hotels in Darwin are "special".

thanks Penegal - would you have alternate suggestions for lodging up there?

 

[penegal]

thanks Penegal - would you have alternate suggestions for lodging up there?

Not really - I usually stay at the Hilton Hilton.

The Mantra Esplanade is popular with some colleagues, but I tend to prefer hotels over apartments. YMMV.

 

[Simsy85]

I used to live in Darwin, for my money, i'd skip Hilton all together and head to the Vibe on the waterfront. it's by far the newest (by like 20 years) and away from noisey Mitchell Street, which Hilton proper is right in the middle of.

If you relaxation is your key though, check out wildmans - you fly out there in private plane, all food included. Simply amazing. I had three nights there, it's like heaven.

 

[Formal Hall]

Staying at the Hilton next week, does anyone know the Executive lounge hours are, and what the drink selection is like?
Also, what is the usual room upgrade for a Diamond? Room prices are showing as high but suites are still available, so is there a chance of an upgrade to a suite?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Staying at the Hilton next week, does anyone know the Executive lounge hours are, and what the drink selection is like?
Also, what is the usual room upgrade for a Diamond? Room prices are showing as high but suites are still available, so is there a chance of an upgrade to a suite?

I've only stayed once and my booking turned out to be a shambles (I have to confess....it was all my doing ) and I have to say the staff handled it exceptionally well and gave me some truly excellent rates (much, much lower than the then current web rates) so the upgrade was not high on my list of priorities, but I did get one......I think fairly basic, like a better view. I think lounge hours for canapés were 6-8pm and the selection (like the lounge itself) was ordinary, but I can't recall much more than that I'm afraid.

The AFF resident guest (penegal) will be able to offer better info.

 

[penegal]

Exec Lounge hours are 5:30pm to 7:30pm, however the lounge stays open until 8:00pm with guests invited to finish their drinks.

The range of canapes and drinks is fairly basic IMHO. They do rotate them, so some days are better than others.

There is:

• a sparkling wine
• 1-2 Red and White options
• Light beer
• Mid strength or full strength beer
• Often a apple/pear cider

Canapes are:

• 1 hot option in warmer
• 2 cut sandwiches
• Dip and bread / crackers,
• Cold cut meats
• Cheese & crackers

FWIW - 5:30 is the best time as all the food is at its most fresh, it can be a bit stale after an hour.

 

[penegal]

Generally the Diamond upgrade is an exec room (so nothing special). This hotel is older, so try to get a room on Level 20 if you can (to minimise elevator trips).

Certianly no harm in asking for a suite, but I don't think there are many at this hotel.


Unfortunately your timing sucks - I am in Sydney this week (was in Darwin last week, and am up again the week after this week). My colleague is keeping the lights on at the Hilton Darwin and in our Darwin "office".

 

[geoffsmith147]

Sorry to join the conversation late. Currently at Hilton on Mitchell St. Have been staying at this property for the past 10+ years. Probably the best of what is available. The Waterfront Vibe and Adina should be avoided at all cost poor service and many more complaints from my Directors who insisted on staying there. Generally the staff here are terrific. Exec lounge is small and has limitations but better than nothing.

 

[karen blancfield]

Sorry to join the conversation late. Currently at Hilton on Mitchell St. Have been staying at this property for the past 10+ years. Probably the best of what is available. The Waterfront Vibe and Adina should be avoided at all cost poor service and many more complaints from my Directors who insisted on staying there. Generally the staff here are terrific. Exec lounge is small and has limitations but better than nothing.

I agree as a regular too. Vibe, no thanks.

 

[penegal]

I have never stayed at either the Vibe or Adina, but colleagues have. Whilst they are new build, apparently the service is rather lacking.

 

[JessicaTam]

Sounds like I need to make my inaugural trip to the top end.

 

[serfty]

... Currently at Hilton on Mitchell St. Have been staying at this property for the past 10+ years. Probably the best of what is available. ...

Presumably you were staying there when it was a Crowne Plaza - it was rebranded a Hilton in mid 2013 ... they knocked a couple of walls out between some rooms to make the Executive lounge ...

 

[geoffsmith147]

Presumably you were staying there when it was a Crowne Plaza - it was rebranded a Hilton in mid 2013 ... they knocked a couple of walls out between some rooms to make the Executive lounge ...

Serfty yes correct, the lounge was originally an executive suite which was converted when Hilton took over. Has pretty good views of Darwin Harbour and can be a good spot to enjoy the drinks and canapés from 5.30pm

 

[oh_lol]

Agreed with Hilton probably being the best in town. Vibe is subpar and not a good location unless you like to walk in 99% humidity.

Be exciting when the Westin finally arrives in Darwin.

 

[geoffsmith147]

I dread what the price per night will be like especially in the dry season rack rates will be something to be seen for the Westin