The Marriott set to open in Darwin with Courtyard by Marriott
Darwin will welcome the world’s largest hotel group, Marriott International, which is set to open its first hotel in the region in 2027.
Marriott is working with Northern Territory builder DCOH to open Courtyard by Marriott Darwin at the existing Smith Hotel, which will be rebranded and extensively renovated.
Renovations are expected to take two years, with phase to be completed next year (2025) and the final phase in 2027.
Courtyard by Marriott will feature 186 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, rooftop gym and a restaurant.
The Darwin location is the Marriott’s fourth Australian location after Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
“As the world’s largest hotel company there are few capital cities where Marriott International does not have a presence,” Marriott International vice president Richard Crawford said.
“Our expansion into Darwin has been a priority, as we seek to grow our footprint in Australia.
“The power of Marriott International’s leading distribution platforms and unmatched loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, is fuelling unprecedented interest from independent and competitor-branded hotels eager to join Marriott’s global portfolio.
“Around 40 per cent of our global hotel signings in 2024 across the Asia Pacific region will be existing hotels seeking to maximise their competitive advantages and future proof their success’’.
DCOH managing director Shane Dignan called Marriot’s decision to open in Darwin a coup.
“Having them here is a wonderful thing,” he said.
“When it comes to unlocking the full potential of our key CBD assets under Trilogy, the Darwin community deserves the very best, and that means bringing an outstanding global brand like Courtyard by Marriott to the Darwin marketplace.”
Trilogy Hotels CEO Scott Boyes highlighted the potential.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Marriott to Darwin, and in a big way, to a proudly locally owned hotel. Trilogy will work closely with Marriott to maximise the unique opportunities this market holds,” he said.
Marriott International is confident that their loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, will attract a significant number of guests to their new hotel in Darwin. The city's strong demand from various sectors, including tourism, business, and government, aligns well with its vision for the hotel's future success.
Jonathan Jackson, 12th December 2024
