Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with locally owned and operated DCOH to open Courtyard by Marriott Darwin, marking its first property in the Northern Territory, through a conversion of the existing Smith Hotel Darwin.
The rebranding will follow the completion of the first phase of an extensive renovation, with phase one targeted to be completed by early 2025. A renovation in phases will follow, with the final phase set to be complete in 2027. As one of Darwin’s premier lifestyle hotels, the soon-to-be Courtyard by Marriott Darwin will feature 186 guest rooms, an outdoor pool, rooftop gym, and a restaurant serving modern Australian-Asian cuisine.
The opening will extend Courtyard by Marriott’s portfolio in Australia to include Darwin, alongside existing properties in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. The market-leading positioning enjoyed by the hotel, plus DCOH’s commitment to a hotel refurbishment, and Marriott’s first partnership with leading independent management company, Trilogy Hotels, make the signing an important strategic advancement and a compelling brand conversion for Courtyard by Marriott.
The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing travellers with an elevated experience to relax and recharge.
Richard Crawford, Marriott International’s Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, noted the importance of this strategic milestone:
“As the world’s largest hotel company there are few capital cities where Marriott International does not have a presence. 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’’.
DCOH, one of the Northern Territory’s largest privately owned development, construction and property companies, has extensive holdings across the hotel and hospitality sector. Shane Dignan, Managing Director of DCOH commented on the transformation: “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. 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”.
Scott Boyes, CEO of Trilogy Hotels, shared his excitement for the partnership: “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.”
Tristan Cooper, Marriott International’s Director of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, highlighted the broad appeal of the new Courtyard by Marriott Darwin: “We are very confident that our 219 million Marriott Bonvoy members across the world will be an important customer base for our latest offering. Darwin enjoys strong proven demand from leisure, corporate, government, defence, and special events markets, which will be central to our vision to take what is already a fine hotel to the next level of excellence and success”.
This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for the property and aligns with Marriott International’s vision to expand within Australia’s key travel markets. Courtyard by Marriott Darwin is set to transform the travel experience in Darwin, offering guests an authentic connection to the city’s dynamic lifestyle and cultural landmarks.
Positioned centrally in Darwin CBD, the hotel places visitors at the heart of Darwin’s entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural scenes. Guests will be within easy reach of popular attractions, including the Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin Convention Centre, The Esplanade, and Mitchell Street’s vibrant dining options such as the new Cinema Collective venues. With thoughtfully designed rooms, plush bedding, and flexible workspaces, Courtyard by Marriott is designed to empower modern travellers to unwind, recharge, and stay at their best.
