‘I thought it was a scam when I got the call saying my booking was being cancelled’: Tourists shock Darwin accommodation treatment

Two tourists to the NT who had their booking at Darwin’s Quest Berrimah hotel cancelled were told “not to even bother coming” as they would be unable to find new accommodation.

• Minister tight-lipped on NT Health booking out entire hotel

TWO tourists to the Territory who had their accommodation at Darwin’s Quest Berrimah hotel cancelled were told “not to even bother coming” as they would be unable to find alternative accommodation.

The 65-year-old SA tourist and her 73-year-old Queensland travelling companion were among the tourists who had their accommodation cancelled to make way for an NT government block booking at Quest Berrimah.

While NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles has refused to say why the government has booked out the hotel, Jennifer Coleman pulled no punches in slamming the NT government and Quest.

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“Is this really how much the NT government cares about tourists … I thought it was a scam when I got the call saying my booking was being cancelled and they wanted my bank details,” said Ms Coleman, who had paid $1600 for a six-day June stay.

“Not only did they tell us they had cancelled our booking, they told us not to even bother coming because we would not be able to get accommodation.

“We booked in February and there was no sympathy or attempt to help us find any other accommodation. They refused to tell us why our booking was cancelled. It almost destroyed our trip.”

Jennifer Coleman. The South Australian 65 year-old and her 73 year-old travelling companion were victims of the NT Government block booking Quest Berrimah. Picture: SUPPLIED

Ms Coleman said she spent hours trying to find replacement affordable accommodation, but with the asking price triple what she originally outlaid, they had to settle on a budget hotel in Darwin’s industrial area. She also said her refund was returned in part payments. “The government has caused this problem and it has really left a sour taste about travelling to Darwin,” Ms Coleman said.

Comment was sought from Quest Berrimah.