Name: Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin
Address: The Esplanade, 88, Darwin City, 0800, AU

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2026

Jonathan

No restaurant. Reception closed at 7pm

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

Greg

The internet kept dropping in and out, maintainence man connected an extender, that didnt solve the problem.

The toaster one side element didnt glow and had to hold down the lever as it kept rejecting after a few seconds, needs replacing.

Otherwise very happy and will stay next visit.

Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2026

Ryan

Great location in the centre of Darwin. The room was slightly dated and had a little odour to it. Staff were very friendly and helpful

Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2026

Deborah

Excellent location but a little noisy at times.
Comfortable bed and good blackout curtains. Excellent shower with plenty of hot water. I appreciated the washer & dryer in my room. I felt safe here as an older solo female traveller.

Self

2/10

Poor

12 Jun 2026

Juliette

This is the worst hotel experience I’ve had. The room was filthy, dusty, black mould growing in the shower. The wifi did not work, there was intermittent problems with hot water, the staff were dismissive and defensive when any issues were raised. The pool water was dirty and greenish. Communication was poor, the lifts broke down and no one would answer the phone and there were no instructions about how to exit the hotel. I thought that the mantra brand was reliable but it was evident that it is no longer the case. We had conversations with other guests who also commented on the poor standard of this hotel. You would be better off staying in a hostel and saving some money. I’ve since seen the general manager commenting back on poor reviews over several years. Clearly they have no interest in feedback or raising the standard of this property. Do not stay here u less you want to pay a premium to be deceived.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Jennifer

Very helpful staff. Great location! Nice room.

Self

4/10

Poor

07 May 2026

Michael

The air-conditioning was poor and the hotel only cleaned the room once in the week. When they attempted to clean the room they did not empty the kitchen bin. For a hotel that used to have a bar and restaurant it has diminished considerably.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 May 2026

Mick

Hotel was clean. Bed was like a rock. Fire alarm went off at 2am an the building had to be evacuated. Thankfully, a false alarm. Would be a better hotel if they reopened their restaurant.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 May 2026

GRAEME

No facilities bar kettle not even a toaster in room Ac was great

Self

4/10

Poor

11 Apr 2026

Julie

Mould in the fridge and kitchen cupboards. Sofa dirty.
Nowhere in the bedroom to plug phone into to charge. Dated decor

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

PAUL

Apartment was perfect
Great views from the balcony and only 2 minutes away from supermarket and restaurants
Perfect in all respects
Will book there next visit

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2026

Lonnie

Room was clean and staff very helpful

Business

2/10

Poor

08 Jan 2026

Mika

Too many evacuations in the middle of the night! Room service not regular!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2026

Stephen

The room was quiet and nice with its own kitchen and balcony.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2025

Robyn

Clean, comfortable and convenient.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Dec 2025

Jian

We appreciated the hotel giving us an early check in (2 hrs) and late checkout (2 hrs). The room is really so so, limited to 2 bath towels for the stay (no room service during our 4-day stay), we had to get (beg) for extra towels at the front desk. WiFi is spotty, maybe because the hotel is an apartment/hotel complex therefore bandwidth is limited. Wish the room has more clothes hangers and a safe. The location is perfect for its close proximity to city center and restaurants, as well as green park along the ocean. Staffs are friendly and helpful.

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Dec 2025

Brendon

Parking should be free

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Nov 2025

Susan

Nice big apartment style room with separate bedroom. Great location. Main restaurant strip close by. Walkable distance to the waterfront development. Only problem was the aircon was a bit too efficient. Could only set fan speed. Was uncomfortably cold.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2025

Susie

Room was fabulous. Very comfortable. Highly recommend

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2025

Jacqueline

No in house breakfast available

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Lucinda

Love the balcony view

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Adrian

Great spot, great view. Fantastic staff member at the service counter 13/10/2025 1(12pm).

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 Oct 2025

Allison

With just a little cleaning and fixing things that are broken this would be great. The Aircon in the bedroom didn’t work and made terrible noise, and the lovely hotel attendant was going to check if a different room was available but in the three days we were there never got back to us and always said she’d let us know.

The sink faucet handle had to be held together to use or it fell off. I hurt my foot on a sticking up carpet tack near the door.

It was a lovely property but the dirty streaks in the bathroom near the toilet paper rolls were disconcerting and it needed a clean and some TLC.

For how much it cost I would not recommend. It was in worse condition than some backpackers I’ve been in- but the location and views were superb.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Jason

Room was clean and bathroom was also clean

Self

2/10

Poor

25 Sep 2025

David

Very run down
Dirty , wet carpet
Old couch
No restaurant
Very expensive for what we received

8/10

Excellent

21 Sep 2025

Damian

Rooms were a bit tired and need a good paint. Moisture has got in and a bit musty. Biggest challenge was no breakfast/restaurant. All recommendations for breakfast have shut

Business Self

4/10

Poor

21 Sep 2025

Bob

Very boring property

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2025

Patricia

Nice spacious hotel . Could not turn off aircon unit way too cold . Bathroom was quite mouldy .

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

12 Sep 2025

STEVEN EDWARD

Pros
We chose Mantra solely because of the balcony and views which were fantastic. Bed was comfortable and had a choice of pillows, one being a contour foam type which I prefer, so I was happy. Good curtains blocked the light and the aircon worked very well, in fact it was a little too cold for me, but the missus was happy. The location is also a bonus, being close to the shops, restaurants and the local bus service.
Staff were very polite and helpful.
The room, while dated, was reasonably clean and had the usual amenities, eg tea coffee sugar, along with a mini kitchen which we found very useful.
Pool was reasonably clean but the deck area is far from inviting.
Cons
There is no daily room servicing, so it's up to you to get top ups for the amenities and also empty the bins as required.
Outdoor furniture for the balconies and in the pool area should really be replaced as it is mostly old mismatched stuff.
No on site restraunt/kitchen, room service food is brought in from another venue, but there are plenty of options outside.
If you want to relax, book a room at the ocean side of the hotel. There's a noisy backpacker's behind, along with the many pubs and eateries.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

10 Sep 2025

Darren

Menu stated that kitchen closes at 2100 (9pm).
I requested a feed at 2045 (8:45 pm).
I was told that \"sorry the kitchen is closed\".
I waited 6 minutes for any staff to come to reception whilst trying to check out. Then I requested to speak with manager regarding meals not being available night before. The manager was the staff member who had come to reception. When being informed of my complaint they have replied with \"as the dish you ordered takes 20 mins to cook the kitchen cannot make the dish at that time!\"

I was absolutely blown away by all concerned and their response, unknown to them all I have been involved in Hospitality since 1979 and am succesfull in my field.
It is a sad day when the advertised time is not what the staff are following!
Darren C

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Aug 2025

Brett

It was a great stay. Just a shame that they had no restaurant on the property

8/10

Excellent

17 Aug 2025

Brett

Lovely location right on the Esplanade. Close to restaurants and shops.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2025

Nzeera

Not enough or difficult to reach electrical access. Room needs updating. No restaurant but accessible at hotel next door. Would not stay there again

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2025

Richard

Great location. A plethora of eating options very very close by. Walking distance to free bus, supermarkets, shops, galleries, stop for the hop on hop off bus. Very comfortable bed and loved the size and layout of our room, which was more like an apartment, with washer, dryer, cookware dinnerware and dishwasher.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2025

Michael

Great location close to lots of cafes etc helpful staff

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jul 2025

Christine

Late check in was easy.
Disappointing

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2025

Damien

Spacious apartment for a family of 4 with the convenience of a washing machine and dryer. Coles and chemist was nearby. Our apartment faced the backpacker accommodation so it was fairy noisy till late, better to get the beach facing apartments. The nearby restaurants are mostly bars, the waterfront which is a short drive away had a big selection of cuisines.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2025

Annalisa

Excellent base for family stay in Darwin. Easy walk to main mall, hop on and off bus and waterfront.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2025

Robert

Liked the convenient location of hotel
Didn't like that we paid for a harbour view and got trees, no view

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jul 2025

Brian

internet dropped out more than in useless

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jun 2025

Neil

Good location poor state of bathroom, mirror looka like it needs replacement as the surface if showing heavt wear resulting in flaking/desilvering in multiple spots. Also no spare blanket in the wardrobe, may be fine for tourists from South but bloody cold for a local even after havingturned the AC off on arrival.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2025

Wayne

Good position value for money

2/10

Poor

27 Jun 2025

jamie

No mini bar,no food,exhaust fan excruciatingly noisy up to 8 minutes after turning off bathroom light.window unopenable,aircon noisy.All for $358.per night.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2025

Sally

Location, clean and friendly staff

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2025

Frederick

On our arrival, we were pleased with our appt & balcony view, but found it was very cold & turned off the Air condition, & reported to reception who were very helpful & given an extra blanket for our bed I spoke to the lady Manager who was very nice & explained that the air condition was on Satalite & would try improve it, but didnt happen & had to put on Jumpers to keep warm & lucky there was a tv in the bed room & had early nights in bed, & must admit spoild our holiday a little, the staff were very good & helpful & appt was nice, but would be best to make sure the coolng system was working properly to enjoy your stay
Regards Fred,

Leisure

2/10

Poor

12 Jun 2025

ryan

G

Business_and_leisure

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2025

Chew Ten

No hairdryer provided

Business

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jun 2025

Sean

There are no guest services or facilities. It is purely accommodation only. No restaurants, no room service, etc. The rooms are not serviced during your stay. Staff a polite and friendly but cant help you with anything.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2025

ROSS

Tired property. Not great.

Business_and_leisure

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2025

Ashley

Bed was comfy. Bathroom was a bit outdated. Plenty of room.
Only complaint is bedroom window was filthy. And the tv volume didn’t work.
In general a nice comfy room with a great view from the balcony.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Irina

Great location and within easy walking distance to Darwin waterfront. Lovely water views from balcony. Carparking was easy in the basement. Staff were very friendly and helpful. One bedroom apartment was very roomy and perfect for our one week stay in Darwin. Liked that we could walk next door to the Novatel for a delicious buffet breakfast or a dinner at nighttime.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2025

Karen

Old style bathroom, exhaust fan in bathroom would not turn off when light turned off.
Air conditioning was very cold and could not be altered.
Location good, however paid for room with ocean view and were on the 3rd floor and waterview very limited due to trees.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2025

frank

darwin trip

good spot close to everything

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

10 May 2025

Dorothy

The Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin is totally overpriced for the quality of the establishment.
It is in extreme need of maintenance in many areas , and don't bother paying extra for a view. You can't see out the windows for the dirt and mould. The fridge was frozen up and dirty.
The walls were grubby with scuff marks. In need of painting. The mirror in the bathroom was pitted with rust. The bath had no anti slip. A panel in the lift fell away.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 May 2025

Peter

Needs a refurbishment

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2025

Jadwiga

For me, uninterrupted harbour views were the highlights of my stay, I watched some unforgettable sunsets from their balcony. The apartment itself was very pleasant, spacious, nicely furnished, the bed was very comfortable; kitchen amenities great. The staff at the reception was super nice and helpful, I found them to be a genuinely nice people. I must mention Samir, but everyone was great. Thank you, guys, you were amazing.
The thing this hotel could improve on is cleanliness. The shower wasn’t cleaned properly and there was a large stain on the sofa that could probably be easily removed. But in overall, I had an amazing stay and I would definitely recommend this hotel and I would be happy to stay there again.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2025

SHUONENG

The environment is very good. The only problem I experienced is that WIFI works unstably

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2025

Darren

Lovely one bedroom apartment with plenty of space & large balcony. Nice pool, limited deck chairs, no shade, King bed was 2 king singles pushed together.

Partner

4/10

Poor

18 Apr 2025

Penny

Position of this hotel overlooking water was beautiful and quiet. 3 bedroom Apartment was perfect for a five person family. Unfortunately the negatives outweighed the positives.
Hotel pool was open to any person walking by (resident or not).
No onsite dining/shop/refreshments.
Limited staff. No first aid kit onsite. No AED on site. No staff trained in first aid.
No deep cleaning of couches and rug witnessed after a contamination incident in foyer
I have always stayed in Mantra hotels but this will be my last

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

Kerri

We got fire alarmed 3 times, which was annoying, obviously a fault somewhere. The pool needs more lounges, there was only 6, so often there was nowhere to sit. Staff were lovely, & very helpful.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

12 Apr 2025

Robert

Just a disgrace Certainly not what you would expect from the mantra or accor chain. The harbour view room was dirty and very dated. Couldn’t see out the windows as they were covered in a black grime as were the window sill and frame. Shower is a bath/shower so put your thongs on to avoid standing on the filthy non slip mat. Mould and dirt in bathroom and mirror dotted with brownish spots all over that are in the glass.Basin cracked. When we said we must be in the worst room in the hotel the on duty manager said no we definitely weren’t. Really Hate to see those rooms.She also verbally agreed that we deserved a refund of some sort given the state of the room however 5 days later and they haven’t even been professional enough to respond to the email we were asked to send Can only advise you to not stay at this hotel It shares the building with Central and air b’n’b so strange set up.that means any improvements or repairs need to be approved by a body corporate which seems to mean nothing gets done It gives Darwin tourism a bad name

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2025

Liz

Reception was inadequately staffed at 2pm for booking in - 30 plus minutes waiting.
No cloth to wipe the bench in our apartment.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2025

Karen

Separate room & lift key was a pain. Reception also limited hours & in room cleaning is once per week. Air conditioning was noisy. Fire alarm tripped in the middle of the night.

Business

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2025

Ruth

The position of the property was excellent right on the ocean. Sadly although our room had an ocean view it did not have a balcony.
It was close to all facilities & walks.
The room itself was probably in need of improvement as the bathroom was dated, the bathroom mirror was badly marked & woodwork was in need of painting. However, the linen was clean & the bed comfortable.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

22 Feb 2025

Munib

The staff member who checked me in was extremely ill mannered, his first question to me was how did you get in. I explained to him that the hotel guests were coming in and since I have a booking I came in.

Then he said show me your booking and I’d I provided him then he said there is no room available and I need to call wotif and sort it out with them I told him that I have already payed for it and I don’t have anywhere else to go.

He said can’t you see I am trying to help you here “it’s your fault u made booking late night mind you it was between 8:30 to 9 pm.

Finally he gave me a room took 200$ bond money and told me that the hotel might kick me out tomorrow because that’s not the room I am supposed to stay in, and told me that it might cost me extra 50$ per night.

Since I was in a bad situation that night I just took the key and proceeded to my room.

The staff member did not have a name batch, it looked like he was from an Indian descent and had short curly hair.

I have stayed in many hotels around the world from 3 stars to 7 stars but this was the most pathetic and terrible experience I’ve had so far. I checked out after 2 days and stayed for in another hotel for the rest of my trip.

Please pay attention to your staff training and their communication skills.

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jan 2025

severino

Very old hotel the air conditioning does not work in the rooms but it is the corridors in the hobby Must Must be urgently reformed this hotel even the obi was really terrible bad bad bad bad

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

08 Jan 2025

LD

Great location but the reception staff were not professional and borderline rude. We checked-in on New Year’s Day, understandably no one would like to work on a public holiday but the receptionist on duty was just agitated and unpleasant to deal with. We didn’t feel welcomed and this set the tone for the rest of our stay. In the evening, I noticed one of the towels were ripped so I asked room service / reception to replace and they promised to bring it up. I fell asleep waiting for someone to come to the room and in the morning I had to call again to remind them to bring up the towel. On checkout, the reception staff also seemed u professional. She was on the phone and gestured with her hands to just leave the key cards with her. No exchange of words or general courtesy. Management please invest in the customer service of staff as their behaviour takes away from the guest experience. Thanks

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2025

Carlene

Everything

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2024

Ronald

The view over the harbour is amazing.
Close to the shops.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Dec 2024

Karen

Cycad plants at front of building need immediate attention - first impression of Motel not good. Blankets in room bare and we had no confidence they were clean for our stay. Stayed 2 nights for $300 and assumed, like a normal motel, that after our 1st night stay the room would be tidied / bed made / bathroom cleaned / towels replaced etc. No this service has to be booked in advance and an extra $45 paid.

4/10

Poor

14 Dec 2024

Karen

Landscaping requires immediate attention - Cycad plants look terrible in front of Motel. Blankets for bed are old / tired and did not have confidence they had been cleaned. Stayed 2 nights for $300 and after first night assumed that the bed would be made for 2nd night / towels renewed / bathroom cleaned etc. found out not the case unless for give prior notice for this service and paid extra $45.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Dec 2024

Zita

Darwin visit

Stay at the Mantra on the Esplanade in Darwin was excellent !
Perfect location
Quiet with a lovely view and close to the supermarket and eateries
Foyer a bit dated
Our 1 bedroom apartment fully equipped with many appliances
Anything we asked for was acted on promptly
Staff extremely helpful and obliging
Would definitely stay again

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2024

Sarah

Like most hotels in Darwin, it needs an upgrade, especially the bathrooms. Also the AC in the rooms is controlled and nowhere near cool enough - please lower the temperature to give guests some more control over the environment in the rooms, especially in this climate!

8/10

Excellent

05 Dec 2024

Rebecca

Even though it was quite pricey, it made up for it with how spacious the rooms were and the beds were very comfortable. Bathroom was great but it was really slippery getting out of the bath/shower. In the end, I enjoyed my room

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2024

Keith

Everything was perfect for our stay. A big plus was the magnificent balcony views. Reception and cleaning staff were always helpful.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2024

Joanna

No wifi

The window in the bedroom was very dirty, and wifi didn’t work at all.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

11 Nov 2024

Trevor

Property is showing its age, outside room windows were dirty and mouldy. Evacuation alarm activated three times in a 24hr period (last one at 4.20am) causing the evacuation via stairwell from the 8th floor which is not good for the elderly with medical problems. No assistance offered by management, nor apology.
The location is convenient with excellent harbour views.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2024

Matthew

Pleasant enough hotel well located near the Esplanade. Has nice view of the bay from my room (though a balcony would have been nice). Hotel pool was handy way to start the day

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

10 Nov 2024

Michelle

Good location, walking distance to supermarkets and restaurants. Nice park with walking patjs across the road

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Nov 2024

Sharon

Good service, excellent view, nice pool

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2024

HEIDI E

Big open living area, bright lighting in the bathroom, reading lights at the bedside that worked, lovely little balcony, comfortable KS bed, excellent air conditioner, powerful shower pressure, kitchen had good supply of basic amenities, lounge was comfortable and overall, the room was very functional, quiet, safe, clean and had a good vibe!! (Just a little dated but nothing a good paint job and new floorings wouldn't fix!)

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2024

Kylie

Nice room,

4/10

Poor

14 Oct 2024

Jim

Dishwasher didn’t work properly, room smelt very stale, a/c very noisy.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

Yvonne M

Really enjoyed the family room with adjoining bedroom. Kitchen facilities and two en suite bathrooms was perfect for two couples sharing. The view over the esplanade is beautiful especially at sunset

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

13 Oct 2024

Robert

Very noisy air conditioning , very ordinary fitout quality , not very many ammenities

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2024

Kylie

Great place to stay for a family of 4.
Huge adjoining suits. Perfect location for walking, from Mitchell Street and the Esplanade. Would happily book again

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2024

Costa

Fantastic place to stay. Great and safe area. Rooms are clean, and comfortable. Staff are very nice, and provide an excellent service.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2024

Johanne

Great position

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2024

Kristy

Location was spot on, sunset views and easy walk to restaurants, pubs and shops

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2024

Isabel da Costa Vieira

I’m staying here now and I’m loving it. I don’t need luxury or service, therefore this is more than what I expected. Very reasonably priced for a suite with more than the basics. Just spent 3 hours in the pool. Great location, I will return. I loved the spirit of Darwin. People are nice, no frills and I felt very relaxed here. PS - Someone mentioned that there is no clothes line but in my suite the clothes line is over the bathtub, opposite the washing machine and dryer.
In my hay day I used to stay in backpackers, so I’m impressed! :)

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2024

Nicole

Great location, easy to access everywhere around Darwin.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2024

Jason

Close to food places and ahops

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2024

Charles

In the backpacker district so a little noisy but other than that all good.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 Sep 2024

graham arthur

No restaurant facilities.
Insufficient hotel info. in room
No info. Regarding room cleaning/ towel replenishing policy

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

16 Sep 2024

Jason

Close to food and pubs

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Sep 2024

carol isabel

Close to everything

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Sep 2024

Glenda

Windows overlooking the waterfront were so dirty I couldn't enjoy the view.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2024

Cherie

Great place for my family of 6 apartment was comfortable and enough space for us all clean will stay there again close enough for us to walk to shops and some activities we wanted to do

8/10

Excellent

07 Sep 2024

Judith

Fantastic view of harbour

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2024

Peter

Great view, great room.

Leisure Partner