Mercure Darwin Airport Resort – Hotel Review

Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is the ultimate proof that airport accommodation doesn’t have to be purely functional. Read on for the full review. 

With towering palm trees swaying around its periphery, an expansive lagoon-style outdoor pool sits at the heart of the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort. Take a dip, relax on a sunlounger or grab a soft-shell crab salad from Cossies Poolside Bar and Bistro. Yes, this is an airport hotel but with a few extra perks.

Where is Mercure Darwin Airport Resort?

Just 400 metres from Darwin International Airport, the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort sits just outside of the neighbouring suburb and wetlands of Rapid Creek, with easy access to several trails to walk off any jet lag or stretch travel-worn limbs.  

What’s near Mercure Darwin Airport Resort?

At just over 11km away, Darwin CBD is about 15 minutes by car. While there, you may (or not) want to check out the saltwater crocs at Crocosaurus Cove, splash around in the whitewater at Darwin Wave Pool or wander through Darwin Waterfront precinct. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is just over 10km away, while Casuarina Beach is a 10-minute taxi up the coast. 

Room types

There are two very different categories of rooms here. The Standard Compact Room Queen, for example, is compact and utilitarian, with balcony access and small work desks with little decoration. 

Then there are the recently renovated Deluxe Bungalows, with their sumptuous Queen beds, separate living areas and private terraces. Or there’s the brand-new Tropical Pool Villa, an exclusive villa sporting a private pool and decking area adorned with sunloungers with far-reaching views of Rapid Creek. It’s indisputably the pièce de résistance of the property — and very unlike a traditional airport hotel offering.

Restaurants and bars

Cossies Poolside Bar and Bistro serves delicious locally sourced food, from wild caught barramundi to pulled pork tacos, in a relaxed setting overlooking the pool and gardens. Or you can make use of the room service and have your food delivered to your room. For $29 per person, a buffet breakfast is also available – grab a seat on the deck for the best views. If you prefer your breakfast à la carte, head over to neighbouring Novotel Poolside Restaurant for offerings such as eggs Benedict and smashed avocado on toast. 

Accessibility

Wheelchair access is available throughout the resort, while there are 15 rooms with disability access features available, including the Superior Queen Easy Access, a Deluxe Suite with Easy Access Facilities and one Resort Bungalow. 

Travel for work

Whether your stay is purely for business or you’re just squeezing in a little work around your family trip, there is a set-up to suit (almost) every work scenario. Complimentary wi-fi is only available in certain rooms (check when booking if this is important), but free in public spaces, making Cossies the obvious choice to read through those reports. Forgot your laptop? Computer access is available upon request, as well as any printing needs. For a more structured set-up there are also three separate conference rooms available, ranging from a capacity of 30 to 120.

Pool and gym

Regardless of how long your stay, it would be sacrilege to leave without taking at least one dip in the expansive palm-lined lagoon-style pool, while an additional lap pool is available at the neighbouring Novotel (guests staying at the Mercure and Novotel can make use of amenities on both sites). Speaking of which, you may want to drop in to Novotel’s recently renovated 24-hour gym, offering state-of-the-art weight training and cardio equipment. 

What you need to know 

Round-the-clock check-in is available (as well as free 24-hour on-demand airport transfers), taking the stress out of any plane delays.

SEE ALSO: 13 Hotels For Every Kind of Darwin Adventure