DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin
by the TopOfHotel team
The DoubleTree Esplanade Darwin is a 4.5-star hotel on The Esplanade with a level 7 infinity pool that frames the prettiest Darwin Harbour view in the city. Score 8.6.
The DoubleTree Esplanade Darwin is a 4.5-star hotel on The Esplanade with a level 7 infinity pool that frames the prettiest Darwin Harbour view in the city. Score 8.6.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin sits on The Esplanade, the harbour-front road reviewers rate as the best evening walk in town, a 5-minute walk from Smith Street Mall. It's a tall, modern tower with 122 rooms, some looking out over the bay and the sunset. Every room comes with a coffee maker, a fridge and an en-suite bathroom — the familiar DoubleTree standard that business travelers know well, with no surprises and nothing missing.
Food and amenities
The part we like most is the level 7 infinity pool, which opens onto the full sweep of Darwin Harbour — the best bay view from above anywhere in the city. At sunset the sky turns orange and purple and reflects off the water, and it likely beats every other hotel pool in Darwin. Sharing the level 7 deck are Magnolias Restaurant and a Pool Bar, where reviewers recommend booking a sunset dinner — worth reserving ahead, especially on weekend nights. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout, the gym is open 24 hours, and there are meeting rooms plus valet parking.
Location and getting there
The chain's signature is the warm chocolate-chip cookie handed out at check-in in every room — the kids will be pleased. The location on The Esplanade puts you a 3-minute walk from Bicentennial Park on the harbour-front, 5 minutes from Smith Street Mall, and 10 minutes from the Waterfront Precinct. Real-guest score on Trip.com is 8.6.
Things to know before booking
Rooms on the Esplanade side can catch passing traffic noise during peak tourist season, so ask for a higher floor. Valet parking is an extra charge, around $16 a night. And the price gap between bay-view and inside rooms is clear, so be specific about which you want when you book — the view is the whole point here, and it's worth paying for.
Our take
The DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin suits couples, honeymooners and families who want an international brand with a bay view at a price that undercuts the Hilton. If you value a high-floor pool over the harbour and a warm cookie waiting at check-in, this is the brand pick we like best in the low-$150s a night.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A 4.5-star DoubleTree by Hilton sitting on The Esplanade right by Darwin Harbour, a 5-minute walk from Smith Street Mall.
- The level 7 infinity pool looks straight out over the bay — the prettiest pool view in the city, and best of all at sunset when the sky turns orange and purple over the water.
- Magnolias Restaurant and a Pool Bar share the level 7 deck, so a sunset dinner by the pool is right upstairs — reviewers single it out, and weekend nights are worth booking ahead.
- The chain's signature warm chocolate-chip cookie lands in every room at check-in, which the kids will love.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout, a 24-hour gym and meeting rooms, plus the familiar DoubleTree room standard with coffee maker, fridge and en-suite.
- Rooms on The Esplanade side can pick up passing traffic noise during peak tourist season, so ask for a higher floor.
- Valet parking is an extra charge, around $16 a night.
- The price gap between bay-view and inside rooms is significant, so be specific about which you want when you book.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Darwin
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Darwin — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a higher floor on the bay-view side so you can watch the sunset from bed.
- Have dinner at the Magnolias Pool Bar on level 7 timed to sunset.
- Take an evening stroll along Bicentennial Park on the harbour-front.