IHG leaving 4 Northern Territory Hotels, rebranding as Hilton/Doubletree

[DC3]

I stayed at the Crocodile Holiday Inn some years ago for 2-3 nights. It was the best accommodation in town, but in need of a good painting, updating and cleaning at the time. Very convenient for looking around in the National Park.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Here I was thinking Hiltons were becoming stagnate in AU. I'm happy.

Markis10, doesn't RA require stays at 3 different (at least) ICs each year?

The Hilton link wasn't working for me, so can someone tell me when all this will happen by?

Perhaps a Christmas in July 2014 in DRW and 2015 in ASP........

 

[markis10]

Here I was thinking Hiltons were becoming stagnate in AU. I'm happy.

Markis10, doesn't RA require stays at 3 different (at least) ICs each year?

The Hilton link wasn't working for me, so can someone tell me when all this will happen by?

Perhaps a Christmas in July 2014 in DRW and 2015 in ASP........

RA does need three ICs, that's not an issue for me with stays at MEL, SYD and ADL as well as BKK, KUL, and sin locked in.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Just need a Hilton in Canberra. And a DoubleTree in Tassie.

+1 for that, along with at least one more around Perth.

The other spot I think would go well for Hilton would be Broome.

 

[anat0l]

The HI/CP property will probably need to be brushed up quite a bit before it can get to the standard of a Hilton.

Adding a HIX to Darwin would be interesting, and I kind of don't mind the idea. Though at that point, if DRW can support a HIX, then surely HBA can too!

I've never stayed at a Doubletree before, so not sure what kind of "standard" to expect as far as "luxury" is concerned (bad choice of words, but don't know how to express it).

Sheesh - 3 Hilton group properties in DRW. Sure, 2 of them are Doubletrees, but still... kind of puts the eastern seaboard to shame, doesn't it? (Notwithstanding that a few years ago, Melbourne itself had 3 bona fide Hilton properties)

 

[DC3]

I've only stayed at two DoubleTrees from memory (Santa Monica and Seattle). Lower standard than a Hilton (one star less maybe) and higher than a Hampton Inn, but received good breakfasts at both. The minimum breakfast for Diamond is a continental, but both had hot inclusions when I stayed. Warm chocolate chip cookies and waters on arrival.

I've seen where a few in the USA have ELs. Similar benefits as Hilton.

 

[DC3]

... The Hilton link wasn't working for me, so can someone tell me when all this will happen by? ...

On 1st May 2013 it seems.

 

[nlagalle]

I've never stayed at a Doubletree before, so not sure what kind of "standard" to expect as far as "luxury" is concerned (bad choice of words, but don't know how to express it).

I stayed at the Hilton DT on the West End last year and it was really good. not quite as good as a Hilton, but great room, exec lounge was nice (a tad small) but will stay there again next year.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Wasn't there mention a while back about the Hilton brand having lounges and the others going to DT. I wonder if this is the start of some other changes soon. (Parmelia for EG)

 

[Simo]

A reason to have a night in DRW so I can do a status run along with a matress run.

 

[ash.1111]

Fan-bloody-tastic news.

HIX... interesting. I like the idea, but I personally wouldn't want to stay at an Express in a city like Darwin. ASP, yes, but not DRW.

My 2c.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

A reason to have a night in DRW so I can do a status run along with a matress run.

A night?

I'm looking forward to multiple nights and MRing between them all! Never been to Darwin and it was certainly on our itinery to do. Before this, I was going to tow the van up but now jumping on a plane and sampling 3 new (well figuratively speaking of course) Hiltons, seems a much more desirable way to go!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Fan-bloody-tastic news.

HIX... interesting. I like the idea, but I personally wouldn't want to stay at an Express in a city like Darwin. ASP, yes, but not DRW.

My 2c.

Why's that? What is the difference between a HI and a HIX? (I've stayed at HI, but not a HIX)

 

[QF WP]

Well, there's the excuse to do a MR in Darwin in mid-year.

Now I have the perfect excuse to arrange my first trip to DRW!

 

[QF WP]

This makes the move to Hilton and away from IC so much easier.

+1. feel my drop to PC Club level was now a masterstroke (together with corresponnding elevation to HH Diamond(

 

[dk4]

Sure, expect they can then move to whomever makes the best offer - so the question is really how long is the management contracts on those two properties?

In Gagudju (also spelt Kakadu[sic]) the IHG has a partnership with the local mob which is quite different to elsewhere in the Territory, from my understanding it involves a large amount of training & community support, and is not merely a stock standard management contract.

 

[anat0l]

Why's that? What is the difference between a HI and a HIX? (I've stayed at HI, but not a HIX)

I thought a HIX would be OK anywhere because it's either suited for (a) overnight stops, or (b) budget travel.

The reason for both is that the room is quite minimalist (at least according to my experience in HIX properties in Europe). They're really intended to be high turnover rooms.

I've found in my travels in Europe that the HIX properties tend to have all the same kind of room. It's almost as if they designed a "room prototype" for HIX properties, then just copied that same room design all over their property portfolio. Whilst HI properties tend to have a few kinds of rooms, with HIX I'm fairly sure there's only one kind of room (other than single vs. double beds). A Platinum staying at a HIX might get a better view room (e.g. corner, higher floor) and maybe a voucher for a free drink at the bar, but that's about it.

One thing about HIX properties is that breakfast is always included in the rate. Breakfast can be continental, European or full (i.e. not that there's a full breakfast upcharge - whatever is there is there). Not say the best breakfast in the world, but usually very sufficient. Remember the target audience - most people would be happy for a hit of coffee from the machine, a croissant... and maybe some greasy stuff to soak up last night's business drinks. Usually no restaurants at a HIX... there is usually a bar that serves drinks and maybe rudimentary food (at one place there was some bar snacks etc., another place served only Margarita pizzas... both had a vending machine, though).

That said, I'd be wary paying for a HIX room greater than AUD 120... and that's actually being rather generous. HIX rooms in Europe go for GBP 70 or EUR 70 or so, sometimes a bit cheaper. Sure, if the better properties in town are more expensive, then you do what you have to do....

Some pictures to illustrate:

Typical HIX room (in my experience). The couch can be transformed into a second bed, and often if you want two beds, that might just be the case. Little tip: give the couch bed to the least fussiest sleeper, and preferably one that doesn't toss and turn. Same pillows as at HI.

Notice also the minimalist open "wardrobe" in the right foreground. Another common mark. Basically, there's enough room to put up that shirt you need to keep flat, or your suit pack. Don't unpack your entire suitcase. Irons are usually available for borrowing (not included in the room).

The bathrooms are interesting. There are no bathtubs. The door to the bathroom doubles as a door to the toilet. The cups provided are disposable cups, covered in a plastic wrap (i.e. it hasn't been used before).

Here's another HIX room.

 

[Formal Hall]

It is a shame this move to Hilton is coming after the upcoming Honours devaluation; based on the massive increases in points required in Perth and elsewhere we may see some very expensive rewards even for the Doubletrees.

 

[Fifa]

Hilton Darwin info is now available via the Hilton website:
Darwin Hotels | Hotel Details| Hilton Darwin | Darwin, NT

And it will have an executive lounge...
"Executive Rooms enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge for up to two people, complimentary dry cleaning of two garments per day, complimentary web access, a morning newspaper delivered to your room, universal phone charging docking stations and a turndown service."

Links to the two Doubletrees:
Darwin Hotels | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin | Darwin, NT
Darwin Hotels | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin | Darwin, NT

 

[markis10]

Hilton Darwin info is now available via the Hilton website:
Darwin Hotels | Hotel Details| Hilton Darwin | Darwin, NT

And it will have an executive lounge...
"Executive Rooms enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge for up to two people, complimentary dry cleaning of two garments per day, complimentary web access, a morning newspaper delivered to your room, universal phone charging docking stations and a turndown service."

Links to the two Doubletrees:
Darwin Hotels | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin | Darwin, NT
Darwin Hotels | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin | Darwin, NT

Love how the suites photos showcase the best suite in each hotel, which is only available as one room!