Double Tree by Hilton, The Espanade, Darwin – photo courtesy of Double Tree by Hilton website

I was keen to to take hubby and the kids to Darwin where I was born and spent seven years of my childhood growing up to show them my old home town.  And Double Tree by Hilton (then Holiday Inn) seemed like a good choice.

We’d booked the weekend package which came to $1056 for seven nights including breakfast for two adults and two kids.  So we were more than happy with the price.  Prices ranged from $119 a night on the weekend to $188 during the week and Fridays somewhere in between.  With the hotel overlooking Darwin Esplanade and having ocean views, it made the price seem even more amazing.  It was also walking distance to the city centre and only a 15 minute drive to the airport.  The downside was that this four and a half star hotel had started to show its age and felt dated.

Room inside Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade – photo courtesy of Double Tree website

Our room contained two Queen beds, a small fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and a bath and shower.  The place smelt a bit musty but I realise that can often be the case when staying in tropical climates.  There was a good supply of bathroom amenities which were replenished regularly.  Complimentary WiFi is available if you book directly through the hotel.

bathroom amenities

inside the Hotel when it was owned by Holiday Inn

The grounds were quite pretty with the tropical plants and palm trees and the swimming pool was the largest outdoor pool in Darwin at the time which the kids thought was awesome.  Other features of the hotel are a 24 hour fitness centre, a business centre and meeting rooms, a beauty salon and a laundry.  There is no valet parking but parking your car is free.  Check-in is from 3pm with a check-out time of 12pm.

tropical gardens surrounding the pool area

Hotel’s large swimming pool

The poolside restaurant had an indoor section and an outdoor area.  We chose to eat in the outdoor area as the air-conditioning was a little too cold for us inside.  There was a good selection of food at breakfast time with a range of hot and cold dishes and even rocky road slice.  Luckily breakfast was part of the package as food at the hotel was expensive when we ate there for dinner one night.

eating at the hotel’s restaruant

a selection of hot food from the breakfast buffet

On checking out we were charged $25 for a bottle of wine from the mini bar that we hadn’t consumed as well as for some fries the kids had which should have been free as kids ate for free when dining with parents.  This was resolved however and we were able to take a few Easter eggs away with us which were in bowls at reception for guests over the Easter period.

Pros:

• Well priced
• Good selection of food at the complimentary breakfast
• Huge swimming pool
• Good location
• Ocean views
• Wheelchair friendly
• Free parking

Cons:

• Becoming old and dated
• WiFi not free unless you book direct with Double Tree by Hilton
• Musty smell in the rooms

In Summary:

For the money this hotel offered us great value.  And with breakfast thrown in it was one less meal we had to pay for.  The place was definitely showing signs of age and needed some work. The hotel is actually closed and is undergoing renovations at the moment and will reopen in April 2018.  As long as the prices don’t go up by too much, it should then make staying here a good choice.