AN XMAS FEAST AT HOTELS
HOTELS around Darwin are preparing for one of the biggest days of the year as more and more Territorians kick the tradition of a big Christmas lunch at home in favour of lunch out.
Some families are splurging more than $150 per head for the extravagance of a Christmas buffet.
Even kids are expensive with prices as high as $99 for children.
It’s understood the increased pricing is partly to do with Christmas Day being a public holiday and penalty rates applying for staff wages.
Hilton Darwin head chef Peter Meurer is preparing for a feast.
The hotel is one of many around the Top End that will either be at full capacity or close to on Christmas Day. “We’re pretty much booked out already,” he said.
The chef, who is new to the hotel, said going out for lunch could offer more than staying in which was why more people were opting for the new tradition. It is also a popular choice in Darwin for those celebrating an “Orphan’s Christmas” because they can’t get to family interstate.
“I reckon they have family at home for Christmas Eve and then don’t want to cook themselves on Christmas lunch,” he said.
“Instead they want to come and have someone else cook.
“And it’s not only the cooking, it’s also the aftermath, so the cleaning up and everything else.”
A Hilton spokeswoman said the trend was growing.
“We have seen a steady increase in inquiries and booking for Christmas Day lunch over the past couple of years,” she said.
It’s understood some venues are already booked out, or have significant waiting lists.