The 10 best hotels in Darwin

Hilton Darwin is (like Hiltons everywhere) a bougie white space full of luxe hotel finishes that will work for you if you like high-end living. In primo location smack-bang in the middle of the city, Hilton offers an open-air pool (a necessity when holidaying in the tropical locale), 233 spacious rooms and suites, silky robes and stretching ocean views across Darwin's azure harbour. And it doesn’t stop there, Hilton Darwin is home to one of the best restaurants in the city, PepperBerry. The award-winning eatery brings native ingredients to the forefront of its mod-Oz offerings, thus attracting holiday-makers and locals alike to the flashy hotel. Follow it up with a fine wine at the very plush Palm Court Bar & Lounge – you never know who you might run into. But if escaping your hotel’s confines is a high priority, Hilton Darwin’s location couldn't be more central to the town’s buzz, with Smith Street Mall a mere two-minute walk from the lobby.

Time Out tip: Whether you’re settling for a guest room or executive suite, radiating oceanic vistas will delight. Book a west-facing room if you want to catch one of the best sunsets in Australia.

Address: 32 Mitchell St, Darwin

Price: From $204 per night

In our experience, the Adina Apartment Hotel located smack-bang on the waterfront is probably the best value hotel-esque accommodation in Darwin. The 114 rooms are clean and classically hotel-y, plus, the location is excellent – it's right on the water (hence the name) and a 15-minute scenic walk into the centre of town if you take the Sky Bridge, which runs directly into the main drag that is Smith Street. In a town where it's so hot, and where the ocean is so very unswimmable (crocs, etc.), Adina Apartment Hotel’s private mini beach is a big incentive to stay. But the rooms, studios and apartments are reason enough, too – relatively barebones and stock standard monochrome, but fixed with contemporary decor that doesn't distract from picturesque harbour views. Request a balcony to take it all in at altitude.

Time Out tip: The neighbouring Stokes Hill Road leads right into Stokes Hill Wharf – one of Darwin’s major tourist attractions. Here, you’ll find seaside alfresco eateries and restaurants that put local marine food at the forefront of their offerings. 

Address: 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin

Price: From $183 per night

In July 2025, the world’s biggest hotel chain unveiled its first-ever Northern Territory property in Darwin. It’s a major milestone for Marriott International, which now flies its flag in every Australian state and territory. The biggest drawcard of Courtyard by Marriott Darwin is its central location, putting you within easy walking distance to the city’s top attractions, including Crocosaurus Cove, Smith Street Mall and The Esplanade. Food and nightlife are also on your doorstep along Mitchell Street: we love Alfonsino’s for woodfired pizza, Hanuman for hearty curries, or you can head to the Marriott’s laid-back D Bar and Restaurant for buffet breakfast and all-day poolside dining. When it’s time to rest your head, the hotel houses 186 minimalist rooms with city or whirlpool views, offering twin, queen or king bedding. The most recent refurb added slick self-check-in technology, all new furnishings and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. An outdoor pool upgrade is planned for the next phase of improvements, making it an even more tempting spot to stay in Darwin.

Time Out tip: Check-out is an easy 12pm (how good!) – so you can sleep in after a big night out on Mitchell Street.

Address: 81 Smith St, Darwin City 

Price: From $127 per night

If it’s action you’re after, Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct is the place to be. Vibe Hotel is located right in the heart of it, giving you a front-row seat to the wave and recreation lagoons, giant inflatable aqua park, harbour cruises and fishing charters. The hotel itself has a pretty mean wave pool, and if you feel like treating yourself, you can book one of the guest or twin rooms overlooking the waterfront. Inside, there’s no clutter, offensively bright wallpaper, or peculiar decor that might aid in nightmare material. Just 121 monochrome, minimalist rooms that are contemporary in style, which get the job done. Vibe's Curve Café and Bar comes in hot with some of the most enticing menus in Darwin, and serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner – think ribs, sandwiches, burgers and steak if you’re a big fan of the heftier things in life. 

Time Out tip: If taste bud exploration is your driving factor for travel, Vibe Hotel is also only a couple of paces away from some relaxed pubs and waterfront eateries that hit the spot. 

Address: 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin

Price: From $159 per night

Conveniently located in the CBD, Mantra Pandanas Darwin is only a stone’s throw from Smith Street Mall and the Mitchell Street restaurant precinct. It’s the tallest hotel in Darwin’s CBD, which means one thing and one thing only – vast views of the city and harbour alike. Mantra Pandanas offer up studio and hotel rooms, plus one- and two-bedroom apartments that deliver on both comfort and style. Clean-cut rooms with contemporary decor and up-to-date amenities mean you won’t even need to leave the building – there’s even an onsite hairdresser at the ready. The curvaceous, lagoon-style pool up on level six turns the city bustle into a distant memory. And although wedged between two high-rises, the deck still manages to capture the sun’s rays in an unobstructed manner for all your bathing needs. Meanwhile, on the bottom floor, Table Forty Three dishes up a mix of everything for breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep you nice and full during your Darwin adventures. 

Time Out tip: The friendly reception staff are at the ready to answer your queries 24/7.

Address: 43 Knuckey St, Darwin

Price: From $130 per night

Okay, so it's part of a casino, which isn't everyone's thing – but Mindil Beach Resort makes up for it in other ways. The five-star, award-winning stay comes with its own turquoise infinity pool, decked out with a swim-up bar where frozen passion fruit Piña Coladas and zingy Bloody Marys are the word. Dine waterside and snack on tasty morsels with the likes of Szechuan-seasoned squid, ginger-prawn dumplings, and a healthy dose of fish and chips for good measure. After that, get to the private white-sand beach for a stress-free dip (and we don’t mean hummus). Back inside, there are 152 spacious rooms with private balconies and a secluded, tropical feel brought to life via soft beige tones and timber touches. Our hot recommendation is the Superior Lagoon Room, where you can slip right into the pool directly from your private deck – ooh la la. Treat yourself at the resort’s very own day spa, where truly soul-soothing treatments are up for grabs – how about the organic luxury facial or 90-minute revival ritual? Yes please.

Time Out tip: Mindil Beach Casino Resort is just a stone's throw from the famed Mindil Sunset Markets – home to more than 150 stalls that are heavy on the South-East Asian fare. It’s the real deal, as is the sunset locale – one of the best in Australia.

Address: Mindil Beach, Gilruth Ave, Darwin

Price: From $174 per night

For a home away from home, you can look to Argus Apartments. The specialists in luxury serviced apartments have a massive range of king, double king, double queen and deluxe family rooms to fit all shapes and sizes. All Argus rooms have balconies for that little bit of extra breathing room, along with a kitchenette and a complimentary continental buffet breakfast for all guests. You can cool off in the plunge and spa pools and take a short stroll over to Darwin’s city centre for eateries, groceries and shopping. Our favourite dining haunt that’s in the closest range to Argus is Ella by Minoli – a fine Sri Lankan that’s helmed by a former MasterChef contestant. Further, you’re on the right side of town to witness harbourside sunrises that pop out to say good morning from behind the distant Charles Darwin National Park. What a way to start the day. 

Time Out tip: The poolside barbecue facilities are a welcome touch that solidifies Argus Apartments as a second home, rather than a glitzy ‘look, don’t touch’ resort.

Address: 6 Cardona Ct, Darwin

Price: From $174 per night

Right in the thick of Darwin’s CBD, this modern hotel offers both regular hotel rooms and self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments. Comfort is a big factor at Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, and their spaces range from 36 square metres to 86sqm for that sweet, sweet leg room. Inside, there are no marble benchtops or golden embellishments in sight, but the abodes are modern, white and bright. If you’re heading to the Top End with your gang-gang, it’s hard to go past the two-bedroom, Dual Harbour View Room, which sleeps four of your nearest and dearest, plus yourself. All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities, while the larger apartments include fully equipped kitchenettes and balconies with awesome views of Darwin Harbour and the city. The hotel's onsite restaurant, The O.A.K., serves hearty feeds to satisfy all travellers, like pork belly, beef cheeks and barramundi. There’s also an extensive breakfast menu to fuel you up for a big day of travel ahead. The sixth-floor outdoor swimming pool and gym work wonders too for those lazy, hazy days of summer – pretty well year-round up here in tropical Darwin.

Time Out tip: From the hotel’s locale, walk everywhere – it’s the best way to see the city.

Address: Unit 31/33 Woods St, Darwin

Price: From $149 per night

Just 300 metres from Darwin Airport, this expansive resort is an ideal start- or endpoint for your Northern Territory adventure. Set in lush tropical surroundings, the Mercure's 414 rooms offer a cool and comfortable abode with air conditioning, breezy windows and all the amenities required for a short stay. Thanks to the 24-hour airport shuttle service, you could find yourself swimming in the lagoon-style pool or relaxing on a sun lounger within just half an hour of stepping off the plane. Even then, Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is just a 15-minute drive from the CBD – so you could easily stay here if you like what you see, without missing out on all of the urban action. While there, guests can also benefit from the newly refurbished gym, tropical garden, casual Splash Café and new Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen, where Californian coastal flavours meet the finest NT produce. They don’t call it a resort for nothing, and it’s postcard perfect – or Instagram worthy – whatever the kids are saying nowadays. 

Time Out tip: The 65-metre pool is pretty mega, complete with cabanas for the ultimate relaxation and an aquatic playground for the kids. Choose your end wisely.

Address: 2 Henry Wrigley Dr, Eaton

Price: From $161 per night

A whole big tower of apartments means you can expect pretty phenomenal views from the Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin. The cafè-bar at the top of the building dishes up complimentary hot breakfasts for guests who book directly and hosts some of the most impressive views of all, but the pool follows close behind. The 28-meter temperature-controlled splash spot overlooks Darwin Harbour from level three, and poolside snacking, thanks to the adjoining café, is more than welcome. However, the watering hole sitting pretty atop the 16th floor takes the cake as one of the best rooftop bars in Darwin, dishing out 360-degree views of the great northern town. If it’s a nice cooked meal that you’re homesick for, Ramada’s rooms all have fully equipped kitchens, plus sitting areas for that little bit of extra moving space. They’re modern enough and give beachy vibes. There’s also free parking on site for cars and larger vehicles if you’re using Darwin as a pitstop on your great outback road trip.

Time Out tip: Here, you’re close enough to the town’s main strip, but far enough that nightlife noise isn’t an issue.

Address: 6 Carey St, Darwin

Price: From $163 per night