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Best Darwin accommodation to book for 2021

We break down the best Darwin hotels for your next trip to the top end, and share deals and coupons to help you save on your stay.

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Stephanie Yip
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A hotel in Darwin is the perfect launchpad for day trips out to some of the Top End's most picturesque spots in Litchfield and Kakadu national parks, at just a 90-minute drive to both locations.

For breaks between tours or spending time before a flight, the territory's capital is a destination in itself with eclectic markets and year-round balmy weather. Accommodation in Darwin offers a host of amenities, like pools, spas, restaurants and casinos. Whether you're looking for basic accommodation or amenities galore, Darwin has something suited to any traveller, no matter if you're a backpacker or a boss.

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How did we pick these Darwin hotels?

Our editorial team selected the Darwin hotels on this list based on price, location and real customer feedback from hotel booking sites and review platforms. Where applicable, we used our own personal experiences to make recommendations.

Where are the best places to stay in Darwin?

Best cheap accommodation in Darwin

Cheap-but-good accommodation is manageable in a city as isolated as Darwin, where the cost of living is typically higher than other major cities in Australia like Sydney or Melbourne.

After reading hotel reviews and checking a few dates throughout the year, as of the time of publishing, we were able to find rooms at well-reviewed hotels for below $100 per night.

Our top picks for cheap accommodation in Darwin: Leprechaun Resort, H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel, Argus Hotel Darwin

Best Darwin apartment accommodation

Extra costs like going out for meals quickly add up in cities like Darwin, especially between flights to the Top End and day tours. If you're looking for a place to stay where you can self cater, or are just looking for somewhere with a bit of extra space, apartment accommodation can solve for what traditional hotel rooms can't.

We've recommended well-reviewed properties that come complete with self-catering facilities (we're talking kitchens you can cook in). These Darwin apartments all feature refrigerators, stovetops and microwaves in the unit.

Our top picks for apartment accommodation in Darwin: Argus Apartments Darwin, Quest Parap, RNR Serviced Apartments Darwin

Best beachfront hotels in Darwin

Darwin only has a couple of hotels by the beach, including Mindil Beach Casino Resort and Cullen Bay Resorts by Vivo.

The city's beaches aren't ideal for year-round swimming and there are no stinger nets, but dreamy resort pools and the Darwin Wavepool at the waterfront more than make up for it if you're itching to get into the water.

Best luxury accommodation in Darwin

Air conditioning, picturesque pools and spa baths are just some of the luxuries you won't take for granted after a day out and about in the Darwin heat.

Our top picks for luxury accommodation in Darwin: Hilton Darwin, Saltwater Suites, Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites

Map of Darwin hotels

Alternate Darwin accommodation options

If you're heading to Darwin to make the most of the natural wonders of the Top End, there are a host of options outside the city centre that may be the best choice for your trip.

If national parks are on your itinerary, Litchfield Tourist Park offers hotel-style rooms and camping options, and Cooinda Lodge Kakadu has glamping and indoor accommodation options.

Holiday homes are also widely available in Darwin, with both Airbnb and Stayz operating in the city.

Frequently asked questions about Darwin accommodation

Where should I stay in Darwin?

  • CBD. Easy access to restaurants and where most day tours to the national parks and further afield will offer a pick-up service from.
  • Cullen Bay. Waterside accommodation that's still close to the CBD and where ferries to the Tiwi Islands will depart from.
  • Mindil Beach. Close to the botanic gardens and offers a casino. However, dining options are more limited unless you walk or drive into the CBD.

How far is Darwin from Kakadu and Litchfield?

It's about a 90-minute drive from Darwin CBD to either of the national parks. If you're booked on a day tour, most will pick you up from your accommodation in the city.

If you're doing a self-drive tour or are hoping to spend more than one day in either park, you may want to consider booking closer accommodation or staying right inside the park at a campground.

Is there Darwin accommodation available near the airport?

Yes, Darwin has two airport hotels, the Novotel Darwin Airport and Mercure Darwin Airport Resort.

Darwin CBD is only a 15-minute drive to the airport, where you will have more accommodation options, including budget stays and backpackers.

Which sites let me book Darwin accommodation with free cancellation?

These sites let you make a refundable booking for your trip to Darwin, so there's less risk of losing the cost of your stay or deposit. Some sites only offer free cancellation on select Darwin hotels or at a slightly higher rate, so it's best to check the terms on your booking before confirming your stay.

Most sites, like Wotif or Expedia, will clearly state whether each Darwin hotel is non-refundable.

See the latest coupon codes

Which sites let me use a coupon code to book Darwin accommodation?

Using one of our coupon codes at these sites will save you money on your Darwin stay. Some may ask you to pay for your stay upfront rather than on arrival in order to apply the code to your Darwin booking, but the same cancellation policy does apply so if you are able to cancel, you'll be able to get refunded.

Which sites let me book Darwin accommodation without a credit card?

If you don't have a credit card to make your Darwin booking, but would like to reap the rewards of one, compare credit cards that offer hotel rewards here.

Which Darwin hotel booking sites have rewards programs?

Get access to cheaper prices, collect points toward free stays and get extra perks like Wi-Fi or breakfast if you book your Darwin accommodation on sites like these:

  • Wotif: Part of the same family, Wotif lets you access the same benefits as the Expedia Rewards program. You'll get access to lower rates and earn points, which can be used toward discounted stays in the future. Depending on how often you make bookings, you'll be able to get bigger discounts and earn more perks like breakfast.
  • Agoda: PointsMAX lets you earn up to 6,000 points for your stay that you can put toward a preferred loyalty or frequent flyer program, including KrisFlyer and Velocity.
  • Trip.com: Trip Coins is Trip.com's rewards program where you can earn $1 for every 100 Trip Coins. It's free to join the program. Membership tiers from Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond have different perks to enjoy.
  • Hotels.com: Collect one stamp for every night's stay. Once you stay for 10 nights, you'll be able to redeem one free night up to the average value of your previous 10 nights.
  • Expedia.com.au: Access lower rates as a member and earn Expedia points on bookings, which can be used toward discounted stays in the future. Different levels of membership get you access to deeper discounts and perks, such as free breakfasts.
  • Marriott: The Marriott Bonvoy Benefits program lets you earn points towards free nights, access special member rates, get free Wi-Fi with your stay and check into your room via the mobile app. There are different status levels depending on how often you stay, starting with Silver Elite (10 nights per year).

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