Desert Gardens Hotel, Uluru

Pros

• Opt for a Deluxe Desert Rock View room to wake up to views of Uluru—from a distance.
• With gardens showcasing native shrubs, flowers, and trees, you can join a free guided walk to explore the property's intentional landscaping.
• You'll have all of Ayers Rock Resort's amenities at your fingertips, including various Uluru lookouts, the Red Ochre Spa, shops, and cafés, all within walking distance or, if you prefer, accessible via a free shuttle.
• After hiking dusty outback trails, you can cool off at the large outdoor pool or sip on artisanal cocktails at Mangata Bistro & Bar.
• Complimentary return transfers from Ayers Rock Airport make your travel logistics hassle-free.

Cons

• Given the large resort complex Desert Gardens is a part of, past kimkim travelers have felt the hotel and vibe to be a bit impersonal.
• Some rooms feel dated, particularly orange tiled bathrooms, and could use a refresh.

Authenticity

While Desert Gardens is one of the many properties within the Ayers Rock Resort and can feel a little less personal, there are elements the hotel embraces to call on its native surroundings. Namely, its outback-inspired gardens highlight flora, bush foods, and trees endemic to Australia. Then there are the Indigenous employees (staff hired from local communities) and Aboriginal elements, including artwork—the hotel's logo is designed by Indigenous artist Louisa (Langaliki) Lewis—and menu items and naming conventions for restaurants and bars (Arnguli is the Pitjantjatjara word for bush plum, and Mangata means desert quandong, a fleshy fruit).

Location

While the hotel is part of a larger complex, it's as close as possible to Uluru, providing a convenient base for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park-centric activities. The property is less than a 20-minute walk to the Uluru and Pioneer lookouts, about 10 minutes to the Imalung Lookout, and a 40-minute drive to Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga). The Ayers Rock Airport is conveniently only a 9-minute drive, with the hotel covering shuttle transfers to and from. Beyond the two restaurants, guests can access numerous other dining options within the resort grounds.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 218 well-sized rooms are divided into three categories, sleeping up to four guests. Garden View and Desert Deluxe rooms open up to a balcony or private courtyard area that either faces the gardens or looks out to the desert. The best rooms, however, belong to the Deluxe Rock View category, where you'll have a balcony or veranda to use for those Uluru views. All rooms come with robes and Nespresso machines done up in earth-toned decor, rust reds, and vibrant or muted greens inspired by the outback landscape and decorated simply. While comfortable, they have received mixed reviews from past travelers stating that they're in need of an update. 

There are wheelchair-accessible rooms as well as cribs and rollaway beds available on request (and subject to availability) and interconnecting rooms for larger parties.

Amenities

Amenities are aplenty at Desert Gardens, all accessible using the free shuttle service. Refresh with a swim at the large outdoor pool, drink and dine at on-site Mangata Bistro & Bar or Arnguli Grill (or head farther out within the resort grounds to numerous other dining options), and take advantage of the many complimentary activities from a guided didgeridoo workshop or garden walk to the self-guided camel farm experience or Gallery of Central Australia visit. You'll also have access to the Red Ochre Spa for massage. 

Family-Friendliness

Desert Gardens caters to families, particularly those with kids under 16 years of age—they stay for free as long as they use the existing bedding. Cribs and rollaway beds can be requested (subject to availability), and while rooms only accommodate up to four guests, there are interconnecting room options for larger families. Babysitting services are available for a fee. There's a children's playground, many (free) activities to entertain the kids, and a pool.