Vibe Darwin Waterfront

2nd time here in 3 years. Nothing has changed, nothing has improved. Rooms are very dated. Still have shower over “deep bath” which is very challenging to get in & out so we asked to be moved. They moved us into the Adina section, into an accessible room. We gave up the waterfront view for the safety of a walk in shower. We had a view of the multi level car park ! Room very tired, shower tiling appears to be sloping wrong way so every time we showered the water floods the floor making it very dangerous. We had to use 3-4 bath mats to ensure a safe exit to dry area. Half the power points don’t work in room. ALL of the USB outlets don’t work. We did report but were told it’s because people put their cables in the wrong way!! We were advised housekeeping would come every 3 rd day. We stayed 7 nts/8 days & they came ONCE! The new restaurant was ok, BUT won’t sell coffee after breakfast service??? No coffee avail after 10.30 am….strange, as they re open from 11 or 11.30. Conflicting info given by staff on multiple occasions. No one collects used glasses & dishes from pool area, despite the restaurant having a service window direct into pool area & staff can visibly see … On multiple occasions there were never any clean pool towels. I had to go to reception more than once to get a fresh towel. Phone in our room did not work, so always had to trek down to reception to report issues, or request extra towels. For the money we paid, this is a very poor option. Hotel would be 3 star at best. Such a shame, as location is wonderful. Next time we will look at the serviced apartments opposite which when I checked, ( during our stay) worked out cheaper! Breakfast was another strange one- if you don’t ’pre book’ the day before, the same breakfast will jump from $28 pp to $33 pp. it’s a buffet so not sure how they justify this. I was there with my husband who had a work thing for the week. Most others opted for the Hilton, which we found out has had a recent makeover.

The location was perfect, as we were in the heart of the waterfront area, the best place to stay in Darwin. The room was quite expensive for what you get, a tired guest room. We paid for breakfast on top of our room rate and housekeeping only every 3 days, so if you wanted fresh towels it was on request.

On booking in I was advised of the 4 days with no room service. My room was at the end of 2 long passages, window, no view except the street. My concerns - Coffee, sugar hadn't been replaced hard in packets so purchased my own. No instruction on how to use shower over large bath. No sanitary bin only normal bin in bathroom which was not emptied during my stay. Not advised that breakfast was between the hours of 6am -10am at the hotel cafe. Large leak in carpet inside the door and in front of bathroom door. I did report this on checking out. Some reception staff not very helpful on attractions and buses. The hotel is in need of a big refurnishment. As this was my first time at 81 years of age travelling alone a little disappointed on the hotel which was recommended to me and the cost.