Desert Gardens - A member of Novotel Hotels 4.5 stars

TripAdvisor rating 4.0/5 4,051 reviews

Desert Gardens - A member of Novotel Hotels - Image 1
Desert Gardens - A member of Novotel Hotels - Image 2
Desert Gardens - A member of Novotel Hotels - Image 3
Desert Gardens - A member of Novotel Hotels - Image 4

Description

ALLSAFE approved hotel

Hotel extras

  • Delicious hot and cold breakfast buffet

  • Complimentary daily guest activities

  • Complimentary Airport & Resort shuttle bus

  • Complimentary WiFi, lounge area, TV with on-demand movies

  • With over 65 tours, local activities and attractions with Ayers Rock Resort

Our accommodation(s)

Hotel location

Desert Gardens - A member of Novotel Hotels

Yulara Drive, Ayers Rock
0872 YULARA
Australia

GPS:-25.243842, 130.984819

Access and transport

Hotel services

Check-in from - Check out up to

On site
  • Swimming pool
  • Car park
  • Shuttle
  • Restaurant
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wi-Fi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast
  • Meeting rooms
  • Room service

Our guest reviews

Our guest reviews

100% genuine reviews from our guests

Find out more

TripAdvisor Rating  4.0/5  4,051 reviews

Great location but only average hotel

TripAdvisor rating 4.0/5

Ert53 TripAdvisor review

The four stars I have given this place is really about staying in the resort area, rather than the hotel itself, which I would only give three stars. It's hard to choose which hotel to stay in, but once you are there you realise they are all interlinked, so it probably doesn't matter much. At this hotel the reception was lukewarm, and the lobby full of tour groups' luggage. Our room was OK. We were told our luggage would be brought over, which it was, but I was rather surprised to find that the hotel staff member who brought it over basically stood there waiting for a tip. I guess a lot of Americans stay there, who would be used to tipping, but it was pretty confronting! Very little information was given about how to get around the resort, where the shops were etc, but we figured it out ourselves. There is a nice little art gallery near the hotel with a shop, and also lots of (expensive) 'experiences' you can book online, or ask about in an information centre at the little shopping mall. At the hotel there is a nice pool which was underutilised when we were there, so that was good. The pool had very rickety steps by which to enter, though. I am sure that could be fixed. We had buffet breakfasts at the hotel each day which were insanely expensive, and on the first day we were told we would have got a cheaper rate (still expensive however!) if we had booked for the breakfasts on arrival at the hotel. We weren't asked on arrival, so didn't know this option was available. The reception person in the restaurant refused to reduce the price for us, and we had to argue strenuously later to have this cheaper rate applied retrospectively . The breakfasts were OK, but items ran out and weren't replaced speedily. We ate at the hotel once in the evening for convenience, and it was OK but the staff were not friendly. It's understandable that staffing must be difficult so far from major population centres, but I couldn't help wondering why it often seemed like nobody was in charge. So all in all, it's a fairly average hotel, but of course the surroundings are great. Just for your information, there is a service station not far from the hotel where you can get supplies if the shops in the village centre are closed.

Good

TripAdvisor rating 4.0/5

Molars2 Couples - TripAdvisor review

Purpose built hotel near the rock. Service was good and room was clean and reasonably appointed. The hotel itself was tired and could do with a bit of love. However, if you want to see the rock, your choices are limited unless you want a 7 hour drive to Alice Springs

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this feedback of your recent stay with us. We hope you enjoyed your time at Ayers Rock Resort.

An oasis in the desert! Perfect.

TripAdvisor rating 5.0/5

DavidM096 Couples - TripAdvisor review

I’ve read a few other reviews on here and we’re shocked where people have given this hotel a low rating. We’re in the desert for crying out loud!!! What were people expecting?? We stayed here for 3 nights and our experience was fabulous. The resort is only 10 minutes from the airport and we were picked up by air conditioned shuttle. You can see Uluru on the way to resort. Check in was quick and efficient. The room does not look anything special from the outside but inside was perfect. Air conditioned and clean. Rooms were serviced every day and in some rooms there are good views of Uluru. Yes sure, our room did show some signs of wear and tear but they are still at a very high standard in our opinion (considering this is in the middle of the outback!). The staff were exceptionally polite and friendly. Special mention to the Mangata restaurant (in our hotel). Breakfast was great and we ate there on all three nights. Food was fantastic on all three nights. Nothing was particularly cheap but we knew that before we came. The pool area was small but it met our needs. There is a separate pool for each of the hotels on the resort. There are lookouts dotted around the hotel with clear and unobstructed views of Uluru. The one in the centre of the resort is the best one. We went up there for sunrise, sunset and even at night for a bit of star gazing. The resort offers free activities to give some visitors more of an understanding of the local area and the Anangu culture. There is town square with a well stocked supermarket. Plenty of cafe’s and restaurants. We booked ourselves onto the Sacred Sites and Sunset tour which was perfect for us (reviewed separately). Fly nets are a must (for outdoors only) but these can be purchased at the resort for about 10 dollars. If you don’t mind a few flies buzzing about your head (outside the hotel), then don’t worry about it. They’re harmless. All in all, our stay at the hotel and the resort was fabulous. It contributed to a perfect visit to Uluru and I would recommend it to anyone considering a visit.

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience at the desert hotel. Your recommendation speaks volumes, and your insights will surely guide others considering a visit to Uluru.

The worst service ever !

TripAdvisor rating 1.0/5

pascalt115 Couples - TripAdvisor review

The worst hotel service in my life. And it is Accor hotel ! Unbelievable. No hot water for 2 mornings 🥶 (was repaired but didn’t work long), bathroom looks very old and with yellow traces. Room not cleaned at noon and not well cleaned in the end. unfriendly receptionist. For a high price ! By the way, all hotels are situated in the same small area, just choose the cheapest. Of course, no other options if you want to stay close to Uluru. (And Uluru is great). You need a car to avoid buses crowds but it is 25 km from sunset view only. First time I give one star, thank you Accor hotel ! You need to improve urgently.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We sincerely apologise for the experience you encountered during your stay. Your feedback is important, and we assure you that it does not reflect the high standards of service we strive to provide. Please know that we take your comments seriously and will address them promptly with our team to ensure immediate improvements. We appreciate your patience and hope to have the opportunity to regain your trust in the future.

Could do much better. Keep swimmers handy

TripAdvisor rating 2.0/5

Arkay56 TripAdvisor review

Seemed not to be ready for use despite 7 hour drive in 41° heat. Keys and rooms ready fir some guests but they decided to withhold until all rooms were ready. Some of fortunately had swimming costume in hand luggage. The pool dip was nice but to be honest, the water was cloudy and tasted salty so not sure how safe it was. Just as well we went fir a swim as luggage did not arrive to room for 50 minutes.

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We apologise for any inconvenience you experienced upon arrival, including the delay in accessing your room and the condition of the pool water. Your concerns are important to us, and we will address them to ensure a more seamless experience for our guests in the future. We appreciate your patience and hope that despite these issues, you were able to enjoy your stay with us.

In partnership with TripAdvisor

Other web-users rate our hotel

  • 321 reviews 9.1/10 Location
  • 486 reviews 7.2/10 Room
  • 403 reviews 8.4/10 Service
  • 17 reviews 2.7/10 WiFi
  • 230 reviews 7.6/10 Food
  • 200 reviews 6.1/10 Cleanliness
  • 190 reviews 3.9/10 Value
  • 65 reviews 6.4/10 Breakfast

Powered by Trustyou

Our other establishments nearby

All our hotels in Yulara