We chose Rydges because of excellent experiences, and delicious meals at other Rydges properties. Rydges Darwin had two positives, the helpful and attentive reception staff and the well designed, spacious room. Room had all the usual amenities, good sized bathroom, large desk with chairs. The blackout blind was excellent. Rooms on higher floors would have good views of Darwin. Ours did not.
Otherwise our stay was disappointing. The new self check-in kiosks were not functioning properly, the helpful reception staff were clearly frustrated with the on-going malfunctions. So were we.
There is no restaurant on the premises. For breakfast we were given vouchers to a “greasy spoon” down the street, which we had inspected and rejected the day before when looking for a quick lunch. The three options for breakfast, all featured fat, carbohydrate, sugar or cholesterol. “Orange” juice was a bottle of brown sludge, which we refused, and paid extra for the freshly squeezed variety. We also paid extra for wholegrain toast, which was barely warm bread, drenched with butter. There was no fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurt or vegetables. I suspect room service meals come from the same place.
We will take care to enquire carefully into the amenity of Rydges properties before booking at another.