Frontier Hotel Darwin

This is far too expensive for what you get. The rooms are old and need a major upgrade, with just two flat pillows on the bed and a really old bathroom. The price doesn’t reflect a budget hotel, though it should be advertised as one. The pool wasn’t inviting and I wouldn’t use it. The gym was locked, and you have to ask for it to be opened. Service was lacking. The place is run by foreigners and their standard is obviously pretty low. Do yourself a favour, spend a few extra dollars and go elsewhere. It’s no better than a backpackers lodge.

The location was handy for the airport, shops, the city and the botanical garden. I ordered a burger and it was great, and the bar staff were lovely. I spent four days there last week and was very disappointed. The elevator needs servicing, it sounds as if it might get stuck. The stairwell needs more lights and signs. The carpet was stained, the towels and linens were dirty, and there were stains by the bathroom door handle. Even the fresh hand towels that came back were dirty. The website mentioned room service, but there was no phone or menu, so I had to go downstairs. With no microwave to reheat food, I ended up getting a lot of takeaway. Soundproofing between rooms wasn’t great, and people kept coming and going at all hours, slamming doors and waking me every time. The door locks should be replaced with a safer type.

Friends from interstate stayed here and told me their building had survived Cyclone Tracey 50 years ago. Their room had a shower over the bath, but it was clean and comfortable overall. There’s a brilliant pool with modern surrounds, plus a BBQ for guests, an in-house laundry and a gym. I picked my friends up most days and had dinner with them in the sports bar one night. The food was delicious.

For the price, it was quite good. The room was cool and quiet, the bed was comfy, and there’s a convenience store close by. The wheelchair accessible bathroom is very tight and wouldn’t suit most wheelchair users. My husband only just managed with his small wheelchair. Changing the door so it opens outward would improve it a lot.