The 186-room hotel in Darwin is Marriott’s first in the Northern Territory, following the conversion of the Smith Hotel Darwin.
The property has undergone some refurbishment to coincide with its brand change. Refreshed areas include the lobby and the fitness centre. Further refurbishment of guest rooms and the swimming pool is planned with works to wrap up in 2027.
“The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Darwin represents a milestone for Marriott International, marking our presence in every state and territory in Australia,” said Marriott’s regional vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Jason Nuell.
“We are committed to having a Marriott Bonvoy hotel everywhere that our members want to travel, and the opening of Courtyard by Marriott in Darwin is a direct reflection of that strategy.
“The destination attracts both leisure and business travellers, and we’re excited to enter the market with the largest global brand within our portfolio.
“Our goal is to continue expanding in places that inspire, connect and meet the evolving needs of our valued guests.”
A localised restaurant with modern Australian and Asian influences will also open at Courtyard by Marriott Darwin in early 2026.
The hotel is located in Darwin’s city centre, 1.5km from Darwin Convention Centre, providing another accommodation option for conference attendees.
In Queensland, Marriott will introduce its upscale lifestyle AC Hotels brand, via the conversion of the existing Vibe Gold Coast.
The rebranding will be preceded by a hotel renovation which will start later this year.
Debuting in mid-2026 AC Hotel Gold Coast will have 202 rooms, a restaurant, a lounge and bar, a swimming pool, a gym and a meeting space for up to 120 attendees.
“Marriott International celebrated a record-breaking year in 2024 with an outstanding number of signings in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), underscoring the region’s immense growth potential,” said Marriott’s director of hotel development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Tristan Cooper.
“We are particularly excited by this latest signing which will enhance our expanding Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and offer an exceptional experience in a globally recognised destination, following a substantial refurbishment and reopening ahead of the 2026 summer.
“We anticipate having 50 hotels open across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the end of 2027, three of which will be in the Gold Coast – a major growth location for our portfolio.”
In 2024, nearly 40 per cent of Marriott’s new signings across APEC were from established hotels looking to move into Marriott’s stable of brands.
