Argus Hotel Darwin – Hotel Review

Argus Hotel Darwin has clearly focused on ticking boxes for travellers. There’s 24-hour check-in, friendly staff, Juliet balconies attached to every room and that Darwin must: an outdoor pool. You’ll come for the central location and appreciate city views from your private balcony, the handy guest laundry and, of course, a place to cool off. Read on for the full review. 

Where is Argus Hotel Darwin?

Centrally located on Shepherd Street within Darwin’s CBD, the Argus Hotel Darwin is well-positioned for easy access to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants and major tourist attractions. Darwin International Airport is about 15 minutes away by taxi, depending on traffic, or roughly one hour by bus. The closest bus stop is a five-minute walk from the hotel and tickets can be purchased in advance or, if paying in cash, directly from the driver.

What’s near Argus Hotel Darwin?

Get up close and personal with saltwater crocodiles; Crocosaurus Cove is just 750m down the road. Darwin’s Waterfront precinct is 1.5 km away, which means that the Wave Lagoon, the free recreation lagoon and the Darwin Convention Centre are all roughly only 20 minutes on foot. 

Meanwhile, the only thing standing between you and 42 hectares of the cool, sun-dappled canopy of George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a 20-minute stroll, while Mindil Beach is only five minutes further. For those looking to pick up a souvenir, Smith Street mall is a 10-minute walk from the Argus Hotel in the opposite direction.  

Room types

There are four different room options at the Argus Hotel Darwin, ranging from the Superior Room (26 sqm), which features a comfortable King size bed, through to the Deluxe Family Room (40 sqm), which features two interconnecting rooms with a configuration of your choice (choose between a King and two single beds in the first room, and a Queen and two single beds in the second). 

Rooms are simply decorated and airy (travel-weary feet will appreciate padding across the cool floor tiles), with each boasting a bathtub, an LCD TV (with basic Foxtel and kids’ television networks), air conditioning and a 1.8 sqm Juliet balcony with Darwin city views as standard. If you prefer water views, ask for a room higher up (there are nine floors) facing the bay. 

Restaurants and bars

Although there is no restaurant on-site, guests can enjoy a free, basic continental-style breakfast buffet in the hotel’s poolside dining area. For more substantial dining options, head out: Pee Wee’s at the Point (just over 10 minutes away by taxi) is great for watching the sun dip while feasting on wild-caught barramundi, or enjoy berbere spiced kangaroo tapas at Moorish Cafe (a 10–minute stroll).  

Accessibility

Rooms featuring wheelchair accessible bathrooms, including a roll-in shower, and in-room accessibility are available and can be requested upon booking. Wheelchair accessible parking is also available to reserve in advance, while service animals are welcome. 

Travel for work

Wi-fi is free and fast throughout the hotel and each room features a small desk, so working from the comfort of your room is certainly an option. There is also a small conference room available to hire, with a maximum capacity of 10 people. If your needs sit somewhere in the middle, a desk can be hired for as little as one hour at Regus, a co-working space located 15 minutes away by foot at the Charles Darwin Centre.

Pool and gym

After a busy day of exploring Darwin City, a refreshing dip in the tropical outdoor pool – open daily from 6am to 10pm – is practically mandatory. However, if your idea of relaxation includes working up a sweat, there are also several cardiovascular machines in the fitness centre. 

What you need to know 

While private parking is available for an additional fee of $9 per night, a vehicle height restriction of 2.1 metres may prevent it from being a viable parking option for those travelling in large 4x4s or campervans. 

Cots and infant beds are available at a charge of $10 per night, while highchairs can be requested for free.

SEE ALSO: 13 Hotels For Every Kind of Darwin Adventure