Having lived in the Top End for 2+ years now and used the Novatel / Mercure numerous times prior to renovations, I was so disappointed to stay there recently after flying back in from Sydney. As all people who live up here are well aware, there are a lot of flights that come in and leave early hours of the morning. My flight arrived after 12am and upon arrival at check in there was a long queue of people with only one check in staff working. This was check in for both the Novatel and the Mercure. After a 1 hour wait and the appearance of a 2nd staff member, we were advised that it was a management decision to have only a couple of staff on at night and both staff were very slow and full of excuses. The next morning on checkout, we complained and were rudely given more excuses that they could not predict the amount of flights coming in and once again it was a management decision. Whilst it is convenient and close to the airport, I will no longer be using either hotel. The staff at the Quality Hotel Darwin Airport next to the airport tavern are much more friendly and helpful. I would suggest considering that you are the face of Darwin for international guests arriving that you pick up your socks and treat your guests with more respect especially considering how much you charge per night.