Marrakai Apartments

We booked two weeks at a high price and got no compensation for the awful condition of the apartment. There was a large section of ceiling missing by the entrance and a hole in the laundry wall, as if someone had kicked it in. Both fridge and freezer doors were damaged, rusty and filthy. The bedroom carpet and bed cover had burn marks, and one dining chair leg was badly bent, so we didn’t use it. The DVD player was there but not connected, and we couldn’t move the furniture to hook it up. Cooking was difficult with just one oversized pot, no lid, and nothing suitable for a small meal. We bought another pot and left it for future guests. There were no instructions for the stove, oven or air-conditioner. The balcony furniture was faulty and couldn’t be sat on, and the curtains didn’t cover the full windows. The cleaner didn’t vacuum or sweep. The toilet brush was brown with dirt and other matter. Tea, coffee and sugar were never replenished, something even the cheapest motels do. There were cockroaches and baits in the kitchen and bathroom. The recycling basket was taken and not returned for two days. Our travel agent tried to get some compensation, but we got nothing because we hadn’t taken photos of the damage and poor conditions.

Stay well away from Marrakai Luxury Apartments. Some units may have been renovated, but apartment 63 certainly hasn’t. They shouldn’t be advertising it as “LUXURY.” I’ve got plenty more photos if anyone questions this review.

Inside, the apartments are clean and nice, though the building itself feels a bit dated. They’re air-conditioned, have good views day or night, and the pool is cleaned regularly. There’s underground parking and weekly apartment cleaning. Jason at the front desk was friendly and very accommodating. It’s easy to get to Darwin attractions. A great apartment stay, with the feel of a four-star hotel.

The apartments are huge, the pool and other amenities are great, and the views stretch across the CBD to the harbour. It’s perfectly placed in the CBD. We enjoyed our stay, and with some basic repairs, fresh paint and updated fixtures, I could see this becoming the go-to spot for Darwin travellers. It badly needs that work, though. The first thing you see at concierge is crumbling, peeling drywall beneath the foyer vent. Our apartment had damaged drywall throughout, the laundry ceiling was caving in, and kitchen tiles were chipped and broken. Then the main toilet stopped flushing. Concierge said a plumber would come by 10am that day, but nobody came, not during the remaining four days either.