We booked the Alatai Apartments for a week long stay in Darwin. It was the most reasonably priced we could find, knowing that Darwin accommodation is typically expensive. It's well located, within walking distance of most of what Darwin city has to offer. Bear in mind if you do plan to walk that Darwin's extreme weather may not lend itself to lengthy trekking. If you do decide to hire a car (as we did), there is plenty of free parking in the apartment complex.

The rooms are basic and the decor is a little tired but it is comfortable, reasonably sized and clean. We had a studio apartment which had a king sized bed, kitchenette and decent bathroom. We made good use of the pool on most days and the air conditioning and fan kept the room comfortable.

Unfortunately, the major issue with this venue is the noise factor. The shape of the complex, with the internal walkways and stairways and shared balconies coupled with very little in the way of sound insulation meant that sound travelled around and through windows, walls and doors. Darwin's warm night weather means people tend to hang around outside, on balconies, and leave their doors and windows open, adding to the noise. And have you ever noticed how people are physically unable to close a door quietly when they're on holidays . . . ?

We were unlucky enough to be next to the German solar car challenge team who were extremely noisy and boisterous for the first half of our stay and who we had to ask repeatedly to turn their TV down, keep the noise down etc (late at night, 5.30 starts in the morning) and eventually speak to the front desk staff about them. Even so, once they had calmed down, we could still hear talking, cupboards being opened, spoons being used in bowls etc.

If the Alatai Apartments were able to better soundproof their rooms, this would be a really pleasant place to stay. If you happened to stay when all the other guests were quiet, you'd enjoy a nice relaxing visit.