Rydges Darwin Central

Stayed here over the Easter and Anzac long weekend. If you don’t want an expensive hotel but a reasonably priced one, this is it. The rooms are clean and a good size. The service is good. The rooms are cleaned on week days but not on weekends, that was fine with me as we requested an extra towel and it was provided. The hotel is close to the mall and walking distance to great cafes and restaurants. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk down to the wharf area from the hotel, where there is also some great restaurants. There is parking underneath the hotel. We really enjoyed our stay here and will stay here again if going to Darwin in the future.

I was surprised, almost shocked, that a global brand like Rydges would include a hotel of this standard in its portfolio. The decor is extremely dated and basic (more in line with what you’d expect from a youth hostel in many other places). While my room was generally clean, the overall presentation was underwhelming. The location is convenient for accessing Darwin’s restaurants and the convention centre, which is a plus. However, based on my experience, I wouldn’t choose to stay here again at this price point.

Check in was a mess. The self-check in system was duplicated with a manual check in by reception. When we came back later in the day (rooms were not ready as we were early), the room allocations were completely messed up and it took a long time to resolve. The room was rudimentary and poorly appointed. For example, no plug next to the bed in which to charge my phone/alarm overnight. The only plug was taken by wifi (with a note not to remove) yet the wifi didn't work so I had to hotspot. The hotel and room was however clean and the location is very good. At all times the staff were very helpful and friendly. I've stayed at Rydges Hotels before and had a much better experience with room quality and appointments.

Good location but everything else was very average. Pool area was like a prison yard with a dirty green plunge pool. Room needs an upgrade, threadbare carpet, 40 year old furniture. Bed was fine. Housekeeping poor - beds might have pillows put back on, didn’t replace milk, didn’t vacuum. Bathrooms have been upgraded in the last 20 years but showers very very weak, plug didn’t work in sink (water just drained out) and safe malfunctioned. |No hotel restaurant or bar.|If you can stay somewhere else then do.

Stayed here while being relocated from interstate. The location is excellent it’s walking distance to just about everything shops cafes and restaurants, the rooms are large, comfortable and spotless they are cleaned daily with fresh towels, our room had a view of the ocean which was nice also, the hotel is a bit old but they are renovating it. Now for the staff, they went above and beyond during our stay, they gave the best recommendations for food and places to visit, nothing was too much trouble. I couldn’t say enough good things about this place the staff really made our stay wonderful.

Stayed on the 5th floor where loud music from the bars nearby is vibrating the room between 10pm - 2am. Room immediately smelled of mould when opening the door and green/brown mould visible on the walls throughout. Sheets felt damp. Marks/wear and tear on almost every appliance and overall the furniture looks old/worn. Staff were attentive and pleasant.

Basic amenities were not provided such as body wash in the shower and enough towels to cover the people in the room.

Managed by children. 4 stars more like 2. Rydges should dispose of this property. Can't even provide guests the use of a microwave.