For travellers researching the best area to stay in Darwin, Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin at 55 Cavenagh Street offers a centrally located, self-contained option that consistently earns high marks for location on platforms like Booking.com (9.0/10)Booking.com and Tripadvisor (4.7/5)Tripadvisor. This review examines the property’s apartments, pricing, and on‑the‑ground realities to help you decide if it fits your Top End travel plans.

Last checked: 2026-09-01

Property Name: Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin · Address: 21 Cavenagh Street, Darwin · Phone: (08) 7979 2222 · Price per night (based on guest review): AU$500

Price per night (from unaudited guest review) AU$500
Distance to Darwin Entertainment Centre Walking distance
Property type offered Studios and apartments with kitchenettes

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-01.

Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Northern Territory Government tourism site.

No on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification beyond public listings.

Snapshot: Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin

1 Location
  • 55 Cavenagh Street, Darwin CBD, Northern Territory 0800, Australia (Metro Hotels)
2 Guest Ratings
  • Tripadvisor: 4.3/5 from ~675 reviews (Tripadvisor) (Expedia)
  • Booking.com: 7.9/10 location score 9.0/10 (Booking.com) (Expedia)
  • Expedia: 8.8/10 (Expedia)
3 Room Types
Property NameAddressPhonePrice per night (based on guest review)
Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin 55 Cavenagh Street, Darwin CBD, NT 0800 (08) 7979 2222 AU$500

What is the best area to stay in Darwin?

Metro Advance Apartments sits on Cavenagh Street in Darwin’s central business district, placing guests within a five‑ to fifteen‑minute walk of Mitchell Street nightlife and the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. The Darwin Entertainment Centre is reachable on foot, and a Woolworths supermarket and BWS liquor store are located next door, a detail frequently mentioned in guest reviews for its convenience to those self‑catering. The property’s location score of 9.0 on Booking.com and 4.7 on Tripadvisor confirms that for travellers prioritising walkability to dining, shopping, and cultural venues, this spot is among the most central in town.

The bottom line: If you want to step out of your apartment and be in the heart of Darwin’s activity, this property delivers that convenience with direct access to daily essentials.

How many days in Darwin is enough?

Guest reviews on multiple platforms suggest that three to four nights is a common stay length at Metro Advance Apartments. A typical weekend itinerary might include the Darwin Waterfront lagoon on day one, a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory on day two, and a sunset trip to Mindil Beach Markets (seasonal) on day three. All are within a short drive or a comfortable walk from the Cavenagh Street base. Because the apartments come with kitchens and laundry, longer stays become more manageable; many reviewers describe the property as a “home away from home” and note that the in‑room facilities make a week‑long trip feel less like a hotel stay.

What this means: The property’s self‑contained setup encourages you to extend your visit beyond a quick stopover, especially if you prefer to cook some meals and not live out of a suitcase.

What are some good 3‑month rentals in Darwin?

Metro Advance Apartments markets its short‑stay apartments for seven days or more, and the studio, one‑bedroom, and two‑bedroom configurations are all available for extended booking periods. The presence of a full kitchen, private laundry, split‑system air‑conditioning, and free Wi‑Fi in the two‑bedroom units makes them a practical option for longer stays. The proximity to the Woolworths supermarket and a bus stop on Cavenagh Street means daily errands and commuting are straightforward without a car. However, the property does not advertise dedicated long‑term lease rates; guests booking for three months typically negotiate directly or use OTA platforms that allow monthly pricing. Some Tripadvisor reviews note that apartments are serviced Monday to Saturday, which can be a plus for extended-stay guests who want regular cleaning.

The pattern: For a three‑month stay, the combination of location, self‑catering amenities, and regular servicing makes this a viable option, though pricing should be confirmed directly with the hotel for longer periods.

Is Darwin too hot in summer?

Darwin experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall from November to April. Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 32°C, and humidity can make conditions feel even warmer. The property addresses this with strong air‑conditioning in all apartments (noted in guest reviews and official descriptions of the two‑bedroom units) and an outdoor shaded swimming pool. The pool area includes communal seating and BBQs, giving guests a way to cool off without leaving the building. While some travellers from temperate climates may find the wet season uncomfortable, repeated guest comments suggest the apartment climate control and pool make the heat manageable—even for visitors unaccustomed to the Top End.

The trade‑off: You trade a very warm, humid environment for lower off‑peak rates and fewer tourists; the property’s amenities are designed to make that trade‑off more comfortable.

Pros & Cons of Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin

Pros

  • Excellent central location within walking distance to restaurants, shops, waterfront and entertainment venues.
  • Apartments with kitchenettes, full kitchens, and laundry facilities ideal for extended stays.
  • Consistently high guest ratings for location and cleanliness across multiple platforms.
  • Daily housekeeping (Monday to Saturday) and on‑site parking available.
  • Saltwater swimming pool and outdoor BBQ area.

Cons

  • Some reviews mention noise from delivery trucks near the loading dock.
  • A few guests report that some furniture and fixtures feel “a little dated”.
  • Occasional maintenance issues (e.g., non‑functioning dishwasher) noted in individual reviews.
  • Check‑in hours end at 9:00 PM (per Expedia listing), which may inconvenience late arrivals.

Best for…

  • Business travelers – Central CBD location, free Wi‑Fi, and apartment work space.
  • Extended‑stay guests – Kitchen facilities, laundry, and weekly servicing.
  • Budget‑conscious travelers – Self‑catering reduces meal costs; competitive pricing relative to full‑service hotels.

Pricing Context

The unaudited guest review figure of AU$500 per night places the property in the upper‑mid range for Darwin self‑contained apartments. Official rates are not disclosed seasonally on the hotel site, but Booking.com and Expedia show typical nightly rates between AU$350 and AU$550 depending on room type and time of year. Note that no verified price history was available, so individual booking results may vary.

Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin – Specification Snapshot
AttributeDetails
Address55 Cavenagh Street, Darwin CBD, NT 0800
Phone(08) 7979 2222
Number of Rooms73
Room TypesStudio, One‑bedroom, Two‑bedroom apartments
KitchenKitchenette or full kitchen (varies by unit)
LaundryPrivate laundry in larger units
Wi‑FiFree
ParkingOn‑site (subject to availability)
PoolSaltwater, outdoor, shaded
Check‑in / Check‑out2:00 PM – 9:00 PM / by 10:00 AM
HousekeepingDaily Monday–Saturday
Nearby SupermarketWoolworths (adjacent)

Location & Getting There

The property is located at 55 Cavenagh Street in Darwin’s central business district. Darwin International Airport is about 12 km away; a taxi or rideshare takes roughly 15 minutes. The Darwin City bus interchange is a 10‑minute walk, and the Darwin Greyhound bus terminal is also within walking distance. For anyone relying on public transport, the Cavenagh Street bus stop is directly outside. Guests arriving by car can use the on‑site parking (space permitting, with a surcharge). The surrounding area includes the Darwin Entertainment Centre, Mitchell Street, the Waterfront Precinct, and numerous restaurants and cafés within a 5‑ to 10‑minute walk.

Alternatives to Consider

If Metro Advance Apartments is unavailable or doesn’t match your requirements, a comparable option is Argus Hotel Darwin. Both properties serve the same market segment – self‑contained apartments in Darwin CBD – but Argus tends to offer slightly lower nightly rates in exchange for fewer in‑room facilities. Differences in guest rating profiles and exact amenities can be checked on Booking.com or Expedia before booking.

FeatureMetro Advance Apartments & Hotel DarwinArgus Hotel Darwin
Price range (per night)~AU$350–550~AU$300–450
LocationCavenagh Street, CBDMitchell Street, CBD
Guest rating (Tripadvisor)4.3/54.1/5
Key featuresKitchen/laundry, pool, daily servicingHotel‑style rooms, no kitchen

What to watch: If you need a full kitchen and extended‑stay amenities, Metro Advance is the stronger choice; for a simpler, budget‑conscious hotel stay, Argus may suffice.

Our Pick

For travellers who want the flexibility of self‑catering and a location that puts Darwin’s top attractions within walking distance, Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin is a reliable choice. Its high location scores and consistent guest satisfaction across multiple platforms support this. However, if you prioritise absolute quiet or brand‑new finishes, you may want to examine recent reviews for potential noise or dated furniture issues. For extended‑stay business travellers and couples exploring the Top End for a week or more, this property offers a solid balance of independence and convenience.

Tip: Book the two‑bedroom apartment if you plan to stay more than five nights – the full kitchen and separate laundry will save you money on meals and laundry services.

Note: Reception closes at 9:00 PM. If your flight arrives late, arrange a late check‑in directly with the hotel in advance.

“A home away from home – the apartment was spacious, clean, and had everything we needed.”

– TripAdvisor review (UK), 2012

“Fabulous base for a weekend in Darwin – we could walk everywhere.”

– InNorthernTerritory.com guest review
Additional sources

metrohotels.com.au, tripadvisor.com, metrohotels.com.au, tripadvisor.co.uk, ar.tripadvisor.com, metrohotels.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel Darwin?

The property is located at 55 Cavenagh Street, Darwin CBD, Northern Territory 0800 (Metro Hotels).

What are the check‑in and check‑out times?

Check‑in is from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM; check‑out is by 10:00 AM (Expedia).

How many rooms does the property have?

Metro Advance Apartments has 73 rooms (Tripadvisor).

Does the property have a swimming pool?

Yes, an outdoor saltwater pool with shaded seating and BBQ facilities (Tripadvisor).

Is parking available?

On‑site parking is available subject to availability and may incur a surcharge (Booking.com).

Sources Cited

  • Metro Hotels – Official Property Page
  • Northern Territory Government Tourism
  • Booking.com – Metro Advance Apartments
  • Tripadvisor – Metro Advance Apartments Reviews
  • Expedia Australia – Metro Advance Apartments
  • Tripadvisor – Pool and Facilities