DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin is a spacious chain hotel, with a geometric facade, and a decent range of leisure and business facilities. Overall, the ambience throughout the hotel is relaxed and family oriented but interiors and features could do with an update, as the hotel does look somewhat dated. Overlooking the park and waterfront, the hotel and feels far removed from the buzz of the city, even though downtown is just a short walk away. The interior architecture features an atrium style design, with high ceilings and glass throughout creating lots of light and space. The lobby has a stylish and modern look with polished marble throughout. Adjacent to the lobby is a spacious lounge area lined with upholstered couch seating. Aqua Restaurant is the only dining option on-site, the atmosphere is casual and the seating areas include both an indoor section and an alfresco dining area. The pool is the hotel's prime facility and a big draw for families, perfect to help guests combat Darwin's unrelenting tropical weather. 

The hotel's location is ideal for those who want a quiet outpost and a one-minute walk from downtown. The main entrance is located along the scenic esplanade, a grassy park of sprawling lawns and pathways that jut out to the coastline. Guests leaving through the hotel's back entrance will find themselves stepping straight out onto Mitchell Street, where some of Darwin's most popular dining and nightlife options are located, as well as shopping centers and tourist attractions. The most popular tourist attraction is the Crocosaurus Cove reptile park, which features water tank enclosures where guests can dive with live crocodiles. Darwin Wharf Precinct is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and it offers a great selection of oceanfront bars and restaurants, and also has a water park and convention center. Mindil Beach, a long white-sand beach located around a 5-to 10-minute drive from the hotel. Along the beach are a few simple dining options and during the dry season months of May through October there's a large bi-weekly bazaar of food, goods, and music held along the beach. It usually only takes about 15 minutes to reach the Darwin Airport from the hotel. 

The hotel offers a variety of room options that can accommodate different budget and space needs. Aesthetically, the rooms are mostly consistent in their stylings, which overall are modern and clean. Interiors feature white walls and small artwork and paintings on display. Gray carpeting lines the floors and the light colored wood trim and cabinetry add some warmth to the spaces. Furnishings can include tables and chairs, comfy sofas, and dining room sets, depending on the room category. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, TVs with cable channels, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, free daily news papers, safes, and hairdryers. Note that Wi-Fi costs extra. Most Suites feature expansive views of the waterfront and park, and the highest category room, the King Esplanade Suite has a small kitchenette, a large balcony, and a whirlpool. Bathrooms are are modern, and bright, with white colored tiling throughout and a decent sized shower. Deep soaking tubs are offered in the higher category rooms. During our visit to the hotel we noticed clunky tube-style TVs and tired looking carpet and furniture.

The DoubleTree features an excellent range of both business and leisure facilities, but what stands out the most is the outdoor swimming pool. It's one of the largest pools in the city, and there is plenty of space to spread out and lots of lounge chairs for guests to relax in. There is both a shallow kids' pool and a large lap pool. Territory at Aqua Restaurant sits adjacent to the pool and features an alfresco dining area. The restaurant has a laidback vibe and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus has a fully stocked bar. The menu features mainly Western comfort food with some Mediterranean and Australian influences. Breakfast is served buffet style and the spread has a decent selection. Breakfast isn't included in most room rates, but is reasonably priced. Room service is also available 24/7. It's easy to see why the hotel is so popular with business guests, as there is a decent range of facilities geared towards conference needs: six meeting spaces, a grand ballroom, and a small business center. Other guest convenience facilities include a self-service laundry, a well equipped fitness center, free covered parking, concierge services, and a spacious lobby lounge for guests to relax in. Wi-Fi is not included in most room rates but is free in the business center.