Marriott will rebrand the independent Smith Hotel Darwin to its Courtyard by Marriott brand.
The 186-room hotel will undergo a first phase of “extensive renovation” before it takes on its new name, with the new brand expected to debut in early 2025. A second phase of works at the hotel is expected to wrap up in 2027.
Owned by DCOH Group, the hotel has recently come under independent management with Trilogy Hotels, a new player on the local hotel management scene that has rapidly amassed hotel contracts this year.
“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 to increase its offerings,” said DCOH Group managing director, Shane Dignan.
“As a proud Northern Territory hotel owner, we’re eager to highlight what makes Darwin a unique and special destination as part of the hotel’s transformation.”
Courtyard by Marriott Darwin will have an outdoor pool, a rooftop gym and a restaurant with an Asian-Australian menu.
The hotel is located 1.5km from Darwin Convention Centre.
“As the world’s largest hotel company there are few capital cities where Marriott International does not have a presence,” said Marriott’s vice president of hotel development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Richard Crawford.
“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 forty percent 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.”
According to Trilogy Hotels CEO Scott Boyes, the management company “will work closely with Marriott to maximise the unique opportunities this market holds”.
