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About
4.5
#3 of 37 hotels in Darwin
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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Ramada Suites Zen Quarter is often appreciated for its convenient location near the CBD and Waterfront Precinct, though some guests feel it's a stretch for walkers. The hotel's cleanliness generally earns positive remarks, especially for the rooms, but some areas like patios may need more attention. Value is a highlight here, with travelers enjoying complimentary breakfast and secure parking.
Amenities like the rooftop bar and pool are popular, and the atmospheric live music adds charm despite some finding the decor outdated. Guests consistently applaud the welcoming service, noting the staff's professionalism.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Mixed
Value
Good
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-appointed
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This was our first stay in Darwin as a family and we couldn't have had a better experience at the Zen. Our room was fantastic, we had a view over the water and we were on level 13. We enjoyed the swimming pool and LOVED our time spent on the rooftop at sunset, it was beautiful. We had breakfast daily on Level 3 which was delicious, fresh and very filling. We will be booking the Zen again on our next Darwin holiday as we found everything to be fantastic.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michelle H, Marketing at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 4 Feb 2024
Thank you so much Kristie. We are thrilled that we helped towards your great stay> Would you please also do a separate review for the ZEN ROOFTOP LOUNGE? We look forward to your next visit. Please book direct for the best rates and breakfast!
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Very helpful, polite staff. When we encountered a problem with our initial room the staff were very quick and attentive and wasted no time in finding us an alternative room. Our second room was better, open, bright and clean with a nice view over Darwin. The room facilities were good and included a washer-dryer (and a complimentary pack of washing detergent), a fridge, microwave, hob and all kitchen utensils. There was also a good sized pool. Breakfast was included, and whilst being advertised as the best in Darwin, lacked options if you did not want a fried breakfast. It also appeared you had to pay extra if you wanted anything but a filter coffee e.g latte, cappuccino. Located on the outskirts of the city centre it was good for us as there was free, plentiful parking but it was a good 20min walk to the waterfront that appeared to have the only selection of restaurants in Darwin. Nice hotel and had a pleasant stay.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramada D, Front Office Manager at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 10 Mar 2020
Hi LJJayne, we are pleased to hear our reception staff were quick and attentive when meeting your requirements upon arrival. Fantastic to hear you made use of the many appliances in your fully self-contained apartment not to mention took advantage of our facilities within the property such at the 28-metre infinity pool. For breakfast each morning the bacon is baked crispy in the oven and our eggs are poached, maybe you are referring to our yummy fried rice perhaps. We appreciate your feedback and should we have the pleasure of welcoming you back please phone us direct for the best rates.
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Breakfast is superb. Barry and the team do a wide range of food and the place is kept v clean, especially for the longer time period its open and number of people to serve day after day. The RoofTop Terrace bar w amazing 360 degree view is outstanding. Never tired of the sunset from there I was a longer stay of a month and saw consistentcy in the maintenance and service. I paid a premium price which surprised me for a longer stay in the smallest room and that booking confusion detracted rom my stay. Although they offered another larger room (and I paid that higher price) it didn't have the same view or placement to sun. There's some room to improve e.g room floors, outside food service but they are relatively minor things to the bigger picture. If there are problems Michael and his staff are on to it to sort quickly eg lifts. Most unusual in serviced apartments these days that the Managers are on the floor and often seen working with and supersiving the staff. They are entirely approachable and easilly contactable to sort any concerns. This includes hotel, the leaning team and the restaurant/bars. A HUGE PLUS in my opinion Fabulous pool w out look and well supplied gym. Never got sick of sitting there. Modern rooms w pleasant views near to sea. Room had all I needed and room lalced in a way that I didn't even neeed air-con
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramada D, Front Office Manager at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 1 Feb 2020
Thank-you for sharing your extended stay experience with us, we are pleased you enjoyed all of our outstanding facilities such as the roof top lounge featuring 360 degree views of Darwin City and sea, buffet breakfast included in your rate and cleanliness of our apartments. As for confusion with your room type and price, the best way to avoid this would be booking direct over the phone or on our website. We will happily explain our difference room types and views furthermore providing you with the best price guaranteed!
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This place was good for a short stay. We stayed there during the Xmas and New Year's break in Dec/Jan when it was very hot in Darwin.
The positives:
1) The staff at the reception were very good as was the owner who was very hand on and could be seen helping in the kitchen/serving at breakfast etc. 2) The included breakfast was very good with enough choice for most diets. 3) The location was good. Within walking distance to the CBD, the Esplanade, the Waterfront restaurants and bars, the Wave Pool, the WWII Tunnels etc. 4) The rooftop bar was very good to enjoy a cold beer and the panoramic views of Darwin.
The negatives: 1) We were there in Dec for 11 days and the room service was virtually non existent. There was supposed to be a make over on the days when there was no public holidays but throughout our stay we only got a full make over twice after asking for it! The staff thought that by just handing you fresh towels they could tick off their room make over from their task list. 2) Our room even though a two bed apartment had only one shower and toilet. Not adequate facilities for more than 2 guests. The main room was just a space that was cordoned off the main lounge with glass walls. The other room was backing the lift shaft and hence you'd be exposed to noise throughout the night. This room does,t have any windows and hence no natural light. I believe is a feature of all the 2 bed harbour view apartments. 3) Although the kitchen was well equipped the cutlery and crockery in the kitchen was very sparse. We were 3 guests in a 2 bed apartment and there were only 4 plates, forks etc so a dishwash was required after every meal but adequate dishwasher tablets weren't provided. 4) The lifts were very slow and hot. I think the air conditioning had broken down during our stay. There usually was a big queue to use the lifts especially after breakfast. 5) The pool was very dirty. During the whole stay I don't believe I ever saw it being cleaned! There was hair and other rubbish in the water.
This place was ok for short stays. However for longer stays I think I'd go somewhere else next time.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â I would avoid the 2 bed apartment as one of the rooms backs the lift shaft and this can get noisy.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from michelleaK9880BV, Manager at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 13 Jan 2020
Hi Hagar, I love a good mystery - that is trying to find out which room a guest was in so that I can help clear up matters. Clues 1. Near the lift.2. glass partion. 3. No window in 2nd room 4. Only one bathroom 5. 11 days stay These clues and the booking dates and length point you to being in a TWIN ROOM and definitely not a TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT. All of our two bedroom apartments have two bedrooms with windows and two bathrooms. You originally booked a two bedroom but then downgraded to a Twin room for a discount of approx $800 for the stay I would not stay in a Twin room with three people for 11 nights either. You definitely would be better to go for the larger apartment for this length of stay which is why guests appreciate our larger rooms for long stays. This would explain why you had limited crockery as the twin rooms are mostly suitable for 2 people. I am glad you enjoyed the breakfast, location and in room facilities. Extra dish tabs can be requested at reception. Regarding the pool I will have this checked, I go there most days and it usually sparkling clean and beautiful. Thanks for staying with us and I invite you to come again for a longer stay but in a more suitable apartment type for your next visit.
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Good prices and very friendly staff but... it takes an age for the shower water to come out hot. We thought there was no hot water but after 6 mins of running the shower it became hot. The TV/movie arrangements were very complicated to work out. Basically it wouldn’t connect so the trick is to switch off, unplug, wait 5 mins and then try again. The restaurant was open but the roof top bar closed due to lack of customers. Food is OK but lacks finesse in presentation and variety. The steak was excellent! Sitting inside the restaurant gets very cold and sitting outside during the day, especially for breakfast is very hot as there’s no shade from the sun and heat radiates from the glass panels that give your view of the creek. Watching the barges come and go is interesting. Take insect repellant if you are outside in the evening. It’s worth going up top to the bar for the sunset is wonderful. If you eat on the top the food is cooked in the restaurant on level 3 and sent up so is not as hot as it should be. Forgo the cappuccino coffee in the restaurant as it was not very good. Go for the filtered coffee in the pot. Car parking is great, there is covered parking where you drive under the building and can go on any floor. We found it best to park on the ground floor and go through reception to the lifts. Each room has a great verandah with views out. Looking over the creek is preferable. There are instructions to not scrape furniture across the floor but this wasn’t adhered to as there was plenty of furniture moving during our stay and I was woken one night by furniture being moved across the floor above us. Smoking is allowed on the verandas but close your verandah door as there is a hefty cleaning fine if smoke gets inside your room.
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramada D, Front Office Manager at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 20 Jun 2020
Hi Aussiecatwoman, thank-you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your troubleshooting skills with regards to the hot water and TV. We have 95 Foxtel channels which can take time to navigate through. Should you have any issues working the appliances within the apartment there is an in room guide and additionally we have staff available 24/7 to assist. We are pleased you enjoyed our secure car parking, yummy steak in the Horizen Cafe and the sunset views from the Penthouse Lounge. As for your comments on the barista made coffee during your stay, we will be sure to investigate this without team. Lastly, it is fantastic you were able to take advantage of the views from your balcony, and by creek I am assuming your referring to the scenic Francis Bay Harbour & the ocean surrounding the city. We look forward to welcoming you back, please phone us direct for the best rates guaranteed.
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We stayed for 6 nights in a standard 1 bedroom apartment. We arrived at 11am but were pleasantly surprised to be able to get into our apartment straightaway and had been upgraded to a harbour view. The apartment was on the 4th floor overlooking the pool area, which was great. They also let us up to the Horizon Cafe to get a takeaway coffee, even though they were cleaning and had closed after breakfast. We had been up since 4am so were really grateful to get a coffee.
The apartment itself was very clean and had all the facilities you would need, cooktop, oven, full sized fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. The balcony was a really good size and had a table and three chairs.
It was nice to have two celling fans, one in the lounge area and one in the bedroom. We tended to runthe air-conditioning while we were out, and turned it off when we returned, this kept the apartment cool without being freezing.
As other people have commented, the shower can overflow due to the position of the drain, but all we did was put the mop next to the edge of the shower, and then mopped up any extra water that was on the floor. It worked fine for us.
It was great to have all the foxtel channels, as we tended to stay in after dinner and it was nice to have the choices to watch.
We went up to the restaurant/bar on the penthouse level, wow what a view, and the staff working there were so friendly and helpful. We ate dinner one night, barramundi in tempura batter which was really nice. Prices for both food and drink were reasonable.
The bed was comfortable, and it was really good to have decent reading lights for night time. The only small improvement would be to include a floor lamp for the lounge area, as you only had the large lights in that area.
Pool was excellent, really big and plenty of sun lounges.
the location was handy to the city centre and the waterfront, just a 10 minute to walk to either location. To go longer distances we just uber or took a taxi.
We got a really good deal price wise for this apartment, so would definitely stay again.
Staff were friendly and helpful. Thank you.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michelle H, Owner at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 4 Oct 2020
Hi Kylie, wow thank you for that really detailed review of your stay with us. It is really helpful to have so much information. I am happy that you got a good deal, our best prices are for people booking directly on our website or via phone and they also include breakfast if booking direct. We look forward to welcoming you back.
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I really can't speak highly enough about this place from check-in, to check out. We arrived a little early but were able to check in straight away. We had asked for a room on a high floor and were given the 15th of 15 floors. The room was airy with a view over Darwin Harbour and the mangroves and river beyond. The balcony was well furnished and large, even the airconditioning unit was made to look unobtrusive. The kitchen was well equipt and there was even a washing machine with a sachet of washing powder. The bathroom was very functional and was another one where the extractor fan actually worked, not like many these days! We watched the sun come up every morning before enjoying breakfast on the veranda. There are a penthouse bar and restaurant which we didn't use, although prices seemed quite reasonable. The wifi was first class and the television had plenty of satellite channels to choose from. The room had a comfortable couch, a desk, a table in and out and a nice comfortable King Bed. Downtown Darwin was within walking distance. We walked into town every night and even to the waterfront and the Botanical, Gardens. There is a very secure car park underneath the hotel and a nice long (swimmable) pool with plenty of sun loungers. I would like to thank reception for their attentiveness and friendly manner, They even printed our border passes for us, for our return to Queensland. Well done and thank you.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michelle H, Owner at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 4 Oct 2020
Hi Steve, thank you very much for choosing to stay with us and for your detailed review of our services, location and rooms. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back to Darwin again.
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Beautiful motel the location is good walking distance to supermarkets,Mitchell street, restaurants or you can use the scooters out the front to get around that’s what we did and it was a fun way to see Darwin. Welcome drink upon arrival was nice, our room had a beautiful harbour view. The roof top bar has amazing views and complimentary nibbles but at $9 a mid strength stubbie the price was a little to steep. The pool area is beautiful and relaxing We had breakfast included in our room rate but it was just ok food. The only thing that we really didn’t like was no housekeeping when we did get it done after asking reception they gave us clean towels but didn’t take the rubbish or make the bed… so we think housekeeping should be a lot better. The free shuttle bus to Mindill beach markets is fantastic. We would recommend to others and we would stay here again.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Complimentary parking
Scooters at front door
Harbour view room was stunning to watch sunset
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michelle H, Marketing at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 10 Aug 2021
Hi Lynette, thanks for staying with us and we look forward to welcoming you back. We are glad you like all of the little touches that we provide. Regarding the housekeeping, we do a full service mid stay and mini services from the third day. Many hotels are now offering only weekly housekeeping however we provide housekeeping every 3 days which is replenishment of towel and tea coffee etc. Glad you enjoyed the pool and see you for your next visit. Please book direct for the best rates.
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Room / facilities: Room number 1413 is on the 14 floor and is clean and well presented. It overlooks the bay, ship yards and receives sun all day. Despite the constant sun, the split system air conditioner and fans keep the room very cool. The balcony has a table and 3 chairs. The glassed in bedroom has a queen bed, roof fan and storage, with ensuite bathroom. The galley style kitchen is fully equipped and includes with a all on one washer/dryer unit. The couch is less than comfortable as you sit and watch TV. Pool and gym are also on level 3.
Parking: Free and undercover and spread over 2 levels.
Wifi Complementary and speed is quiet good
Breakfast: Available at the Horizon Cafe located on level 3. Order is via menu with a number of combo choices or individual items. This comes at an additional cost.
Conclusion: Excellent longer stay hotel/suites, to make a base whilst you travel.
Letdowns: Minor maintenance problems that were dealt with swiftly by management.
Location / Nearby: Darwin City is close 10 minute walk, waterfront is also about a 10 min walk.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michelle H, Owner at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 20 Jun 2021
Hi Neil, thanks for staying with us and providing feedback via your review. Our individual air con systems are great for controlling the room temperature and not sharing air with other apartments. This is a very big plus these days! We do love that we can offer free wifi and free parking this is a big plus and we do also offer free breakfast for direct bookings. We hope to welcome you back if you travel to Darwin again.
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We stayed at the Zen in early jan for four nights to attend a funeral in Darwin. Accomodation on self contained one bedroom units very comfortable with good air con. Has a fabulous 28 metre lap pool and as a swimmer would do a 2 km session at 6 am every day with other friendly swimmers. Brekky included with lovel fresh fruit salad and hotel selection. Top class
Manager very friendly and always around to smooth out issues or help. Onn15 th floor great penthouse bar and BBQ restaraunt that overlooks Darwin Also close to centre of town and waterfront area
Only downside a slow lift service
Incredibly good value at $110 a room. Brekky worth $50.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramada D, Front Office Manager at Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Responded 21 Jan 2020
Thank-you alexgH7338DS for your fabulous review of all the great things Zen Quarter has to offer. This includes our comfortable self-contained apartments and top class buffet breakfast included in your rate. Fantastic to hear you made use of our 28-metre infinity pool looking over the sea. Not to mention, you will be pleased to know our lifts have since been upgraded with air-conditioning, only making the trip up our 16 floors even more comfortable. Should you wish to book again, please call direct for the best rate guaranteed.
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Hi Julie, there is a kettle in the room and excellent barista coffee available at the cafe. All two bedrooms have a good long view over the harbour, and the other room types have views of different aspects. In the breakfast inclusions there are a number of hot options including bacon and eggs and coffee or orange juice.
We have two types of parking. One for regular height cars which is secure, undercover and with CCTV. The second type is for large vehicles, campers, motorhomes, boats etc which is locked nightly.
There is a shuttle from the airport every 20 minutes ( see Darwin airport shuttle website)
Necessity to book depends on how many of you are travelling and whether it is high or low tourist season. If there were 10 of you travelling in July then you should book a week or so in advance. If only one between December and April probably no need to book in advance
There are more places to choose from in the Darwin area.
PRICE RANGE
S$133 - S$209 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaNorthern TerritoryTop EndDarwin
NUMBER OF ROOMS
150
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
