Staycation perfect to spice up life as hotel costs plunge
DARWIN hotel rates are at a four-year low, and those in the tourism industry are banding together to encourage Territorians to pack their bags and live it up local.
According to the latest Tourism NT Accommodation report, the average room rate in Darwin is $147 per night, the lowest it has been in October since 2011.
The downward trend is expected to continue for at least the next few months.
Local restaurateur and AHA (NT) board member Jason Hanna said his restaurants in the CBD would tale advantage of the low rates by putting on specials at the Deck Bar, Lazy Susan’s, Nirvana and Eva’s Botanic Gardens Cafe.
“I think the CBD needs more love so we’ll be focusing on those restaurants,” Mr Hanna said. “This campaign is promoting the fact that locals can stay at a hotel for a very competitive rate and enjoy the cafes, restaurants, bars and other attractions in the city, without transport hassles.”
The low hotel rates come after an increase in supply with more than 1200 rooms coming online in Darwin CBD over the past 12 to 18 months.
For Leanyer couple Damien and Susan Giffen, staying in the city for the work Christmas party is the same price as taking a taxi home – if not better.
“We paid $80 for this room, and a taxi is $70 in total,” Ms Griffen said of her room in Ramada Suites Zen Quarter.
“With a full buffet breakfast and a late check-out – every time we get a special rate we definitely take advantage of it.”
Mr Hanna said spending a romantic weekend away could really do a relationship good.
“I’m going to take my wife out for a romantic weekend,” he said. “Jenny, I’m sorry, I love you, will you come away with me for a weekend in a hotel and I’ll leave the kids with my mum.”
Source: NT News, Dani McDonald, 15th December 2015
