Review: Hilton Darwin hotel
Whether you're heading to the NT for business or leisure, Hilton Darwin blends modern style with a relaxed Top End vibe.
By Chris C., September 21 2021
Country
Australia
City
Darwin
Hotel
Hilton Darwin
Notes
The Good
- Spacious rooms, fast WiFi, and a pool for those hot Darwin days
The Bad
- Not quite on the waterfront, but still with harbour views
X-Factor
- Make time for breakfast at PepperBerry restaurant
Introduction
Despite being Australia's least-populous capital city, Darwin is home to no fewer than three Hilton-group hotels.
Joining two nearby DoubleTree by Hilton locations, the Hilton Darwin sits as the jewel of the Top End crown, with an Executive Lounge and award-winning restaurant.
Location & Impressions
Situated on Mitchell Street in the CBD, Hilton Darwin sits close to the Esplanade, corporate offices like Deloitte, and the NT Parliament.
It's also at the right end of town for many of the city's popular bars and restaurants, with the hotel's lobby inviting guests into a renovated space with high ceilings.
After a swift check-in, it's up to the room. Many enjoy water views.
As the hotel sits one street back from Esplanade, the vistas aren't quite waterfront, but from the higher floors, there's still plenty to see.
Along with the harbour behind, iconic buildings like such as the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory can also be spotted in the city.
As for Hilton Darwin, in line with other Hilton hotels across Australia, a 1.5% surcharge applies to all credit card transactions – reasonable for Visa and Mastercard, and competitive for AMEX and Diners Club.
Room
While some hotels use colourful yet confusing names for rooms and suites, at Hilton Darwin, things couldn't be clearer: this King Guest Room with Harbour View delivers exactly that.
As you settle in, there's space for luggage – conveniently near both the bathroom and the end of the bed.
That's also next to the TV, where you'll find the first set of power points: the perfect place to recharge devices without them being in your way.
Also in the room, a chair and footstool – and if you're looking for more power points, you'll find them by the bed.
The room offers a well-stocked minibar (charges apply), along with a coffee machine (free pods provided daily). We'd love to see pod machines in more Hilton hotels, as many only provide instant coffee.
A selection of Aurora and Dilmah teas are also close by.
Inside the wardrobe, you'll find an iron and ironing board, robes, slippers, and a PIN-code safe.
Opposite that in the bathroom, a large walk-in shower.
There's a good amount of light here (just dimmed below for a clearer photo), and for more, there's an adjustable face mirror with a switch on the rear.
Amenities are provided by Crabtree & Evelyn.
For a standard room, it's a great size – you certainly won't feel boxed-in, as there's room to move about.
Work
Your room comes equipped with a desk, offering a dimmable lamp, power outlets close by, and the ability to move the chair to the other side to enjoy the view.
In the corner of the lobby finds a business centre with printing capabilities, and more work space.
For any impromptu discussions or meet and greets, that corner of lobby also feels private, and suits that purpose.
You're also far enough away from the general foot traffic through the space, which adds to that private feel.
Hilton Darwin also offers an Executive Lounge – which is indeed open again – for those staying in Executive-type rooms or with Hilton Honors Diamond status.
Eat
For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hotel's PepperBerry restaurant stands ready.
Recently crowned Restaurant of the Year at the NT Golden Plate Awards, it's also where Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members enjoy complimentary breakfast courtesy of their elite status.
The buffet starts with a selection of breads and pastries.
Cereals and fruit are also nearby, along with a juicer.
Add to that, a selection of meats, other fruits, ready-to-pour juices, cheese, and smoothies.
While barista-made coffee comes at a charge, guests can help themselves to machine-made brews.
The hot buffet is included for all, with an egg chef also standing by to take your requests.
Requesting a smaller omelette to save room for other bites, it was ready in minutes, making for an enjoyable meal. The fruit smoothie also comes with our recommendations.
While a busy schedule didn't allow time for visits at lunch or dinner, Hilton Honors members (of any tier) who dine for lunch between Tuesday and Friday receive a complimentary glass of wine with any main course.
Relax
Hilton's location puts it in a great place for those exploring the city sights on foot, with the Esplanade just a block away – but for exercise on-site, the hotel's gym awaits.
Offering a selection of free weights, cardio equipment and more, you can enjoy harbour views during your workout.
There's also a pool, which many will appreciate in Darwin's heat – just swipe your room key for access.
All things considered, while Hilton Darwin doesn't quite enjoy the direct waterfront views afforded to Esplanade properties, it's a fresh and vibrant hotel, and one well-positioned for many business travellers.
Its recent renovations and award-winning restaurant make it a pleasant place to stay, and one I'd look forward to returning to.
Also read: Qantas Club lounge review, Darwin Airport
Chris Chamberlin stayed as a guest of Hilton Darwin.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Aug 2013
Total posts 138
The restaurant has been renovated, which was sorely overdue. The buffet breakfast there was always spectacular, but the reno was long overdue. They’ll need it when the Westin opens just up the road!
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 139
The dark timber cabinet work in the rooms looks rather beaten up. One of those dreaded renovations that are only partial?
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