Ibis Darwin Airport Hotel

This is supposed to be a break, but check-in turns into a chore every time. The rules seem to change: usually it's a $100 deposit, three days ago it was only $50, and when I checked in with family a few days later they wanted a dollar on my card and $200 in cash instead of $100. I thought the bond receipt would show the cash I'd handed over, but it only says $100. Now I'm spending the morning waiting for them to investigate, because I'm not leaving without my money. The cabins and blocks are being renovated, and they've shut all the quiet pools and spaces. The buffet breakfast is rubbish, and the lack of parking is extraordinary.

The staff were consistently kind and helpful, and the customer service was spectacular. The place itself was clean, comfortable, and welcoming. I loved my stay and would definitely return. Thanks so much for everything.

The Ibis rooms make good use of a tight space, even managing to include a small balcony, and the resort is exceptionally nice. The big drawback is the bathroom's automatic light and fan. If your partner sneaks in to use the toilet at night, the fan wakes you up and the light blinds you. 💤🌞🙀

The pool was amazing, and the staff were very pleasant. The room was clean and well maintained, but so tiny there was barely space to put down a suitcase. The airport shuttle is free, which is handy, though walking in Darwin heat feels too far and a taxi ride seems too short. It's convenient for the airport, but not a great spot for eating in town. The pool house restaurant overcooked both steaks: my colleague asked for rare and got medium rare, while my blue steak was closer to medium. They also kept the red wine on the bar bench in Darwin summer. Even a chilled glass doesn't bring it down to the right temperature.