Something you should know before you check in at Hilton’s Doubletree in the capitol of the Northern Territory: there are two Doubletree hotels in Darwin. They’ve also barely got a name difference, the other being Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin. Though hot tip: they’re known locally as either Doubletree 122 or 116, their corresponding addresses. So while it’s definitely a good idea to double-check your booking’s address before you head in, don’t worry too much, as they’re right next to each other if a mistake was made they would kindly show you to the correct building.
The lobby of the 122, where I was staying, was small and simple, surprising for a Doubletree (at least in my experience), but it still had the friendly vibes the brand is known for once you walk towards reception. Check-in was smooth despite arriving well ahead of check-in time, and before I knew it I was looking out my room’s balcony with their signature chocolate chip cookie in hand and fresh fruits on the desk.
I stayed in their Deluxe King room with a view overlooking Bicentennial Park and the ocean, a pleasing view for the eyes. It was a relatively small, but well utilised room, with the super comfy king-sized bed taking over a majority of the space, a Juliette balcony and everything you would expect in a hotel room: a safe; relatively sized desk; a TV with details about the hotel and room-service menu on-screen; Aurora teas; a kettle and mugs underneath the TV set. Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries were found in the small bathroom with no bath, but I wouldn’t make a fuss about it as it had all I needed: a shower with a strong stream of hot water, which I very much appreciated when I discovered the thermostat didn’t seem to want to work during the night.
And though the two Doubletree locations may cause some confusion, the benefit of this is that guests of either hotel are free to use the facilities of both. Over at 116 you’ll fine the gym, as well as the biggest pool in Darwin’s CBD. Although the pool at the 122 is the smaller of the two, I feel like it was more suitable for relaxation with a book in hand – so it certainly has its own charm.
Both pools are next to their respective poolside bars and hotel restaurants. Poolside at the 122 and Aqua at the 116, where a hot & continental buffet breakfast is surprisingly served from 3.30AM until 10AM daily, catering well to Darwin’s fly in, fly out visitors, and guests with early morning flights at Australia’s only 24 hour airport. This was a big plus especially since I had a 5-hour flight to catch at 6AM, and I definitely wanted to avoid being a hangry passenger.
Location-wise, the hotel is right in between the Esplanade and Mitchell Street, the latter of which houses plenty of restaurants and the famous Crocosaurus Cove, if getting up close and personal with pampered crocs is your thing. As seen from my balcony, the hotel is right across the Bicentennial Park and a beach where you should catch a sunset if you have the chance! A 20 minute walk will take you right to the Waterfront Precinct, where you can find even more restos alongside the Wave Lagoon and Darwin’s artificial beach, where you can swim safe from those sneaky jellies.
All in all, Darwin’s Doubletree by Hilton provides a truly comfortable stay, with the benefits of two hotels at your fingertips, and the whole city of Darwin within a short radius. With reasonable prices and a trustworthy name, it’s well worth a visit from any visitors to the region, be your stay a short night with an early departure, or a long haul to embrace the Top End.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin
Address: 122 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT 0800.
The writer spent one night as a guest of Doubletree by Hilton Hotels Darwin. All photos provided by the hotel unless stated otherwise.
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