I ended up staying as the result of another “maxed out” accommodation situation across the city.
I have stayed here maybe three times before the first stay being in 2001, again in 2005 and now.

Generally speaking I do not “enjoy” my stays at the Darwin Central. To me it’s just “another hotel” more notable as to the negatives than the positives.

The positives remain the same, and they really can’t stuff up, that being, the location and the general room size. Central is a 3 Star Hotel. I was located on the 4th floor NE Local

The house keeping and facility maintenance manager(s) do a great job, maybe they could be employed at the Melbourne Airport Hilton! The hotel has clean walls floors and furnishings; I could not see dust where I typically look so top marks for my room on this stay. Oh and the new LCD TV’s a nice touch.

The carpet in my room was getting a bit long in the tooth as was the bed. Air-conditioning was overly loud and as the facility has sealed windows you needed it to run it as it got to stuffy, with the absence of ceiling fans. At this time of year when Darwin weather is perfect that’s a downer when compared to the other hotels in the area.

My main bug bear is the hotel restaurant which is called Garam Masala the food was very overpriced for the food quality (and volume). One example was a entrée for AUD$19.50 for only two king prawns, this is ridiculous by Darwin standards. Hit Mitchell Street (Or anywhere else for that matter) I have some Favourites that leave the Garam experience for dead.

Breakfast within the hotel continues to be a meagre experience and has never changed.

In summary, if you are a tourist or travelling with family and you get a good deal, jump on it but do not expect anything memorable beyond a clean stay.

My husband and I (from Adelaide S.A.) had 2 two night stays in this hotel this week and were pleasantly surprised having read the not so complimentary reviews. We found the staff excellent, friendly and helpful -they booked several things for us and were always courteous and efficient. The rooms (especially our first stay which had a small kitchenette) were spacious, modern and clean with all the amenities most people would need. Our second stay was on 6th floor and I did not detect any smell of smoke even though I am a non smoker. Breakfast was great and the hotel could not be more central to everything - all within walking distance. Having been a little dubious after reading the previous reviews we were extremely happy with our choice and would definitely stay here again.

This was the first Hotel we used in an extended tour of the Northern Territories and the East Coast. The rude and unhelpful management unfortunately coloured our initial view of Australians and their attitude to tourists; thankfully we later found that they were not typical of the warm and sincerely friendly reception we received everywhere else.

I booked this online, and after I did this I found Traveladvisor website for the first time, where this hotel did not get such great reviews but it was too late by then. When I booked, I specifically stated I wanted a non-smoking room. On arrival I did get this room, but it was on the 6th Floor, the only smoking floor in the hotel, so everytime I got out of the lift, I could smell the cigarette smoke. I thought this may have been the only room left when I booked on-line, but I later booked a room for a friend, and he was on the 7th floor. I did inform the staff I was not happy about this, and they did offer another room to me if I wanted.
It states it is 4.5 star, I think this is a bit over-rated, I would put it at 3-4 stars, I would put this at a more budget end of the market. The valet parking offered was good value at $5 per night and the staff at reception were helpful and courteous.
The rooms were clean and tidy, but the only window is tiny and it could not be opened. The bathroom facilities were good, lots of fresh towels and great toiletries. The last morning we were staying, I tried to have a shower at about 6am, but there was no hot water. Apparently the fire alarm went off (we didn't hear it, so that concerned me) and the alarm turned off the hot water (??).
Air conditioning was good in our room, but our friend froze all night even after he had turned it off.
Great location in the middle of the town. Close to all the restaurant and shops but I don't think I would stay here again.