Darwin Resort

I had to sleep in my car that night after the key wouldn't let me into room 2, despite trying over and over. The mobile and landline were both busy whenever I called. They took my $186.00 last Friday and now refuse to refund it. Darwin resort didn't even call on Saturday to ask why I hadn't arrived, and they still won't return my money. The lack of compassion is astonishing. Absolutely awful management and people. Never stay here.

The staff were really friendly, and the electronic access card and locked doors made me feel very secure. I got a large cabin, nearly double sized, for around $80 a night, with AC/DC, a roomy shower and bathroom, and a mini kitchenette. It was ten times better than a 3 star motel, with every basic comfort. I've travelled around Australia, and this was 5 stars for me. If I hadn't been travelling solo, the cost would have matched that 1 star hostel. I usually use hostels because I think accommodation is a waste of money compared with holiday experiences and memories. I don't plan my trips much, and booked a backpackers without researching it. On booking.com it was $80 for 5 nights, but just before I arrived the owner texted to cancel, saying they were "closed for renovating for the wet season". He offered a $30 per night discount at his sister business, another backpackers, which normally costs around $40 a night. When I got there, the hostel was rundown even by my low standards, and the only parking cost extra despite the online listing saying it was free. I probably dodged a bullet, since the dorms looked loud and boiling hot, and I likely wouldn't have slept. Darwin Resort is central, with most places about a 10 minute drive away, apart from the popular National Parks. Hidden Valley and the airport are each around 10 minutes away too. I'll be back for the Supercars in June. Even with all the money in the world, I wouldn't pick anywhere better than what I got. My only complaint is that there was no soap in the bathroom, and guests were expected to wash dishes without dishwashing detergent. I wouldn't have used the dishes if I'd known they couldn't be properly washed. I ended up using the body wash provided in the shower for everything, though I'm not sure it was enough to disinfect hands or dishes. Thank you 😊

There was so much moisture in our room that water ran down the walls, puddles formed on the floor, and water even came in under the door. A bright spotlight stayed on all night just outside the bathroom window, so sleeping was impossible. We tried taping towels over the window. The bathroom's glass door didn't help. The guest kitchen was dirty and seemed to get no staff attention. It's beside apartments where people who seemed to be permanent residents smoked and drank outside, which made the atmosphere unpleasant. We were there for three nights, and the whole stay was terrible. I wouldn't pay a dollar for it. Don't be taken in by the nice photos. When we arrived at 2pm, reception was already shut. It took more than half an hour to reach someone by phone, only to learn they'd given us the wrong key box code. Our key stopped working on day one too.

The mattress was hard as a rock, cheap and nasty, and the pillow was flat. There was only one pillow, as if providing another might break the bank. Now we're at a similar place and it feels like heaven. Looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight. The bathroom was the first warning sign, with a filthy shower screen and mould in the grout. I got cockroach and bedbug bites, maybe around 50 all over my body. The pool was cloudy, and my hair came out stiff and greasy. The bar fridge had channels of ice built up inside, so the flap wouldn't close. They took a week to empty the bin even though I put out the please make my room sign. Reception supposedly opened at 9am but it was really 10, with staff arriving late, and after 3pm I was lucky to find anyone there. I had to ask for tablespoons, bowls, glasses, an iron and board, and a toilet brush. There was no attention to detail or pride in the place. We vacuumed our own room because we had a vacuum, and the dirt and rubbish under the couch was shocking. I can only imagine what was under the bed. Goodbye Darwin resort, thanks for the lovely bites. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.