I didn't need a view, just a clean, comfortable room and I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness, amenities and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Overall much more friendly and helpful than the usual business hotel. A "mystery hotel" booking, so excellent value this time.

I stayed at the Mantra Pandanas this week (on Knuckey Street) as it was less than a 3 minute walk to my office - if I had been staying for lesiure I would have stayed closer to the water (having said that, the water is a whole 10 minute walk from the Pandanas). So it's just a few blocks from the main shopping and pubs street and one more again from the lovely Esplanade and water views - if you were staying in Sydney you wouldn't even comment on this, but Darwin is very much a "small town feel". My point is though, I might stay at the Mantra on the Esplanade instead, if I was just in Darwin for fun.

I asked at reception to have a room with views of water - they happily did this, although my water views were of the port vs the natural habour - but still, they did what I asked! The room was very modern and surpirisly large - the bathroom especially larger than most hotel rooms, with a walk in rain shower (very nice). No hairdryer I noticed - unusual but then it's Darwin and humid, maybe they figure guests will give up on styling their hair anyway (which in fact, I did). I had a king size bed wider than I am tall, but be aware this is actually two beds pushed together - this doesn't bother me esp when travelling alone, but there is the inevitable "crease" in the bed. I could see my room had a connecting door, a good sign for travelling families.

I didn't bother with the breakfast downstairs because it was buffet only and I like to order, but there is Ben's Bakehouse directly opposite, which is mainly a bakey but also does breakfast and pretty good coffee, and a Gourmet Deli shop right next door, which offers breakfast and coffee to the office workers around - $12 aud for bacon eggs toast and a side order, good value although a bit boring and salty. There were more interesting breakfast places walking up Knuckey St tworads Mitchell St, but I didn't have time to explore. The hotel restaurant menu's prices were pretty much the same as anything you would find in the twon, unless you're just after fast food. Would stay again as the room was great, but might try the Mantra on Esplanade next time to compare :)

We stayed in one of the serviced apartments available at the Pandanas. Cleaned once a week, we have no complaints about the service or room, although for some reason the fire alarm periodically sounded off. If you decide to cook (as food in Darwin is for reason quite expensive compared to other cities), you will need to have the fan on and the balcony doors open as this will also trigger the fire alarm, unfortunately.

The hotel also has a tour booking desk but it was mostly closed for the majority of my stay here. The cafe restaurant makes decent food and coffee for Darwin. Location-wise, the Pandanas is within walking distance of many attractions in Darwin.

We booked as a mystery hotel ( we had 3 weeks up here so could muck around a bit with accommodation). Rate was very cheap - but then you get a room with a very limited view. At least it had a balcony which made a nice change.

Room had a king bed which was unexpected. Very comfortable. Room was large with all mod cons and very workable. The room service menu was good, and the cafe downstairs (Table 43) had a good range of choices which were well priced if you stayed away from the steaks.

We have used Mantra many times before and this property fitted the Mantra mould perfectly with no suprises.