Although hemmed in by wild, lush bushland and vast, varied deserts, the small, coastal city of Darwin is oriented towards the Arafura Sea; it’s a mainstay view from hotel room balconies and many of the city’s eateries that fringe the waterfront. It gives the city a laid-back charm — something travellers get a taste of at every turn in the Northern Territory capital, whether you’re grabbing a bite at a sunset-lit market or pulling up a chair at an outdoor cinema. If you’re ready to tackle the Top End’s capital, here’s our guide to the best accommodation options in Darwin.

Hilton Darwin

1/14

An indisputable Darwin all-rounder, this sleek Hilton outpost ticks traveller boxes with ease. The excellent on-site eatery, PepperBerry, is the stay’s best inclusion, followed closely by the views from water-facing rooms, then the outdoor pool; a welcome salve for the near-constant Top End heat.

Read our review of Hilton Darwin and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Mercure Hotel Darwin Airport Resort

2/14

You’ve never seen an airport hotel quite like this one. At Mercure Hotel Darwin Airport Resort, bunking in a standalone bungalow feels more like a tropical paradise stay than a slapdash lodging under the flight path. Case in point: in said cabins, each has its own private plunge pool. How many airport hotels can claim such an amenity?

Read our review of Mercure Hotel Darwin Airport Resort and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Palms City Resort

3/14

It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of Darwin at Palms City Resort, a small, relaxed accommodation option that’s enveloped by flourishing flora. Right outside is Darwin’s CBD but inside the property’s boundaries, it’s all lazy parlor and banana palms, giving the tropical-feel bungalow rooms and central pool a soothing shade and the sense that you’re not in the Northern Territory at all.

Read our review of Palms City Resort and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

4/14

Steps from the bustling Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is perfectly located for city exploration. From here, the area’s restaurants, soothing public pool and water views are mere steps away. You don’t have to splash with strangers, however — the hotel sports its own pool, open until 9.30pm, for those balmy Darwin evenings.

Read our review of Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

5/14

Travellers staying a little longer in the Top End will appreciate the amenities of Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, a breezy high rise with balconies near the popular waterfront precinct. In apartments, there are fully equipped kitchens — perfect for self-catering — but if you’re all tuckered out from a turn around town, there’s an on-site eatery with holiday favourites, from burgers to club sandwiches.

Read our review of Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

DoubleTree Hilton

6/14

If relaxation tops your list of Darwin to-do’s, book into DoubleTree Hilton. The king-sized Sweet Dreams® beds are heavenly and the amply-sized, palm-shaded outdoor pool has plenty of space to spread out on a lounger. You’re also just across the road from the peaceful Bicentennial Park, with its play areas and shaded walking paths.

Read our review of DoubleTree Hilton and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

H on Smith

7/14

Fancy a no-frills hotel in Darwin? Opt for H on Smith, a stay with all the necessities (and none of the flounce). Expect an outdoor pool, simple and smart rooms with pillowtop mattresses and a central location in the middle of the CBD.

Read our review of H on Smith and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Mantra on the Esplanade

8/14

You don’t have to forgo the creature comforts of home while staying at Darwin’s Mantra on the Esplanade. Apartments here include full kitchens — essential for groups and families — and breezy balconies, ensuring you don’t experience that “holed up” hotel room feel. The other great addition is the outdoor pool, perfect for quick dips in between sightseeing trips around the city.

Read our review of Mantra on the Esplanade and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Argus Hotel Darwin

9/14

With an outdoor pool open until 10pm, Argus Hotel Darwin ensures you have plenty of time to explore the city and unwind, too. Situated in the CBD, you’re never far from the city’s highlights — Crocosaurus Cove is walking distance, Mindil Beach and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a five-minute drive away.

Read our review of Argus Hotel Darwin and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

Mantra Pandanas

10/14

Darwin’s insistent heat has no chance against the lagoon-style outdoor pool at Mantra Pandanas, where the curved edges bend around a shallow wading area, views over the city and an energising Jacuzzi-style spa. Once you’re sufficiently pruned, you’re just a few minutes walk from the CBD’s Mitchell Street dining precinct or the waterfront expanse of shady Bicentennial Park.

Read our review of Mantra Pandanas and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin

11/14

An outdoor saltwater pool. Fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers and laundry facilities. A location overlooking Fisherman’s Wharf in the heart of Darwin CBD. These are just some of the amenities you’ll find at Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin, a simple stay a few minutes by car from the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Another winner? The small on-site playground fit for energetic kids (and tired parents).

Read our review of Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Darwin City Hotel

12/14

Budgeters, this one’s for you. No matter if you’re a family or solo business traveller, there’s a wallet-friendly room for you at Darwin City Hotel in the centre of Darwin. For the reasonable price tag, guests will secure access to free wi-fi, an outdoor pool and, in larger apartments, fully equipped kitchens.

Read our review of Darwin City Hotel and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.

Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today

Adina Apartment Hotel on Darwin Waterfront

13/14

Simple and spacious rooms, a central location, on-site pool and well equipped rooms makes Adina Apartment Hotel in Darwin Waterfront a solid choice for visitors who need a few more creature comforts. A waterfront-facing balcony is a lovely option if you can secure one: they overlook the city’s lagoon pool precinct and make for excellent people watching.

Read our review of Adina Apartment Hotel on Darwin Waterfront and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next Darwin stay.