Marriott International has introduced its Courtyard by Marriott brand to Darwin for the first time, representing several significant milestones for the global hospitality giant in the region.
Courtyard by Marriott Darwin, at 81 Smith Street, is Marriott International’s inaugural property in the Northern Territory and expands its presence to every state and territory in Australia.
“We’re super excited to be in the Northern Territory,” Marriott International Regional Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific (ANZP), Jason Nuell, speaking exclusively to HM.
“We now have a Marriott [hotel] in every state and territory in Australia. For us, as a company, it’s a big step forward.”
The 186-key property is managed by Trilogy Hotels and owned by Darwin-based DCOH.
It marks the first time Marriott International has partnered with a white-label operator in ANZP, a strategic move that presents an opportunity to drive further growth in the region.
“We’re always looking for great partners, and Scott Boyes and his team at Trilogy is a great example of that,” Nuell told HM.
“It has been a seamless partner experience with Trilogy and the owner, [DCOH].
“We’ll always look for partners to continue to ensure that we have the right product in the right destinations.”
In this case, the Northern Territory presents a compelling opportunity for Marriott, not only for its lure as a tourist destination, but due to a growing corporate travel market.
In 2024, there were 590,000 business travellers to the Territory, up 28.6% from 2023, according to state government data.
“Year on year, Darwin has seen an increase of almost 30% on business travellers,” Nuell said.
“We’re starting to see Darwin as a great opportunity for us – we need to be here.
“Fundamentally, Marriott’s goal is to have a hotel and a brand everywhere that people want to travel.”
The Courtyard by Marriott brand is the largest brand by global footprint in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio with over 1300 locations worldwide, four of which are in Australia.
Originally designed to meet the needs of business travellers, it has evolved over the years to also fulfil leisure demands, Nuell explained.
The Darwin CBD hotel features a modern interior design, self-check-in technology, and a newly furnished lobby with communal space to work or relax.
The fitness centre has undergone a full renovation, now kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment looking out on Darwin city.
The multi-phase renovation project – which will see guest rooms refurbished with modern additions and flexible workspaces, and the swimming pool upgraded – is slated for completion in 2027.
An all-day dining venue, with seating for up to 100 guests, is expected to open in early 2026.
DCOH Managing Director and CEO, Shane Dignan, said the hotel is an important addition to the local accommodation landscape.
“We are thrilled to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Darwin, marking a new era of modern and sophisticated accommodation in the Top End,” said Dignan.
“This hotel is set to become a key destination for visitors seeking quality, comfort, and a seamless travel experience.”
The latest opening takes Marriott International’s ANZP portfolio to 35, with a growing team of 7500 across the region.