BUG Review
Banyan View scores well on cleanliness and the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms are in good shape. Big mirrors and windows make the air-conditioned (or fan-cooled for the cheapest rooms) dorms and double rooms feel spacious. The TV lounge is comfy and internet access is free (a rarity in Darwin) and the outdoor area has a barbecue, swimming pool and a nice spa pool. Banyan View is a part of the YWCA and there is an institutional feel that comes with being run by a large organisation. Party animals might look elsewhere though, it seems like alcohol is more accepted than encouraged. The hostel has a room full of toys for the little ones so the doors are obviously open for families.
Price Dorm bed $21-25 (dry season); $19-23 (wet season) Single room $60 (dry season); $50 (wet season) Prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
This place has a very institutional feel. Like a really old crumbling public hospital. There was nothing inviting, cosy or groovy. I only booked it because everywhere else in Darwin was booked out - which says something. The Bad Bits:The kitchen looked rundown, sparsely equipped and unwelcoming so we didn't use it. Likewise, there was no cosy recreation space. The TV was in a thru-traffic area and with only seating for 3-4. You couldn't really call it a lounge.The garden looked pretty nice but the spa was out of order the whole time we were there (4 days) - so they're no too quick attending to maintainance.Since there is no pool this was a real problem.Note that the bathrooms are co-ed not separate fe/male and not fabulously clean.So-so or good bits: Security was good. Airconditioning worked but was very noisy and rickety.Staff were friendly, informed and tried hard but were in their 60s - a lot older than your average backpacker.The best thing was having your own fridge in your room. Twin rooms were a pretty good size too.It's an easy walk into town which is good.
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(Review ID: 8789)
Great place and worth the money., June 13, 2004
Reviewer:
wal
Pros:
n/a
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Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
After being stuffed around at Cavenagh, we went to Banyan and remained 10 days. Located next to Elkes, it is a quiet and tranquil place well suited for the mature holiay maker, having a locked rear car park, friendly and most helpful staff. The city centre (mall) is easily reachable in 20 min by walking along mitchell st or the promenade. The bus stop in both directions is right in front and inenxpensive. 24 hour diner and super market are only 100 metres away. Would it not have been for the missing bulb in my bed light, no light in the fridge and a tear in the flyscreen, I would have been tempted to give 5 stars. Loved the spa, out doors nestled amongst palm trees and tropical reain forest.
