Best Hotels in Cairns

"Was nervous due to past reviews, but found the reception staff friendly and helpful & the facilities really good. The room was basic but location was walkable and, whilst a little noisy at night sometimes, the other guests were kind and considerate. Would stay again!"

"I had a great stay at Gilligan’s! The room was spacious and clean, and I was even lucky enough to have the whole dorm to myself one night. I still managed to meet plenty of people, despite being a solo traveller, thanks to the social atmosphere and nightlife. It’s worth noting that the bar/club area didn’t really get busy until late in the evening (11:30pm onwards), and the hostel is pretty deserted during the day thanks to everyone being out on tours/experiences. My room was overlooking the pool/bar area, so did get noisy at night, but the hostel offers free earplugs at reception which did the trick. It was great to have an en-suite in the room, and the bathroom was in good condition. The location is ideal, right within the hub of Cairns City, however I didn’t feel particularly safe as a solo female traveller in the area at night, so it’s definitely important to be aware of that/travel in a group where possible. The on-site travel agency is helpful and approachable, and staying at the hostel means that you can get discounted drinks at the bar and free club entry before 11pm. I didn’t end up going to any of the weekday themed nights, but at the weekend the vibes downstairs were good. I would definitely recommend Gilligan’s to any young solo/group travellers who want to meet new people and experience Cairns’ party scene at a budget-friendly price!"

"Lovely hotel located at the other end of the Esplanade. The broad walk at the back of the hotel was nice to stroll along and an easy way to get to the city center. Kudos to the reception staff, Riccardo for leaving a really good first impression when I first arrived. He was so clear in explaining everything I needed to know before I checked in, and subsequent days when I saw him he was also really helpful with whatever requests I had. The room was big and spacious, very comfy beds!! The housekeeping staff were also friendly whenever I saw them as I head out for the day. Food from the room service was tasty. However, the breakfast buffet options were almost the same everyday though, wish there could have been more variety. But overall, I still had a rather pleasant stay here(:"

"Hotels in Cairns tend to be a bit on the pricier side, which is to be expected for a tourist city. This one is conveniently located, just a 10-minute walk from the reef departure terminal, and there's a large chain supermarket nearby. The room was also quite clean."

"This place is great for families with kids, boasting a playground, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Our children had an absolute blast! The room facilities were a bit cramped and basic, and transportation was limited to taxis. However, we were generally satisfied with our stay and would recommend it."

"We stayed 2 nights, 1 night on 1st floor near the pool and another on 2nd floor. I wouldn’t recommend to stay on 1st floor, the room was damp and had couple mosquitoes, and you can hear everything from the pool. The room on 2nd was much better."

"Crystalbrook Flynn is a vibrant, modern hotel that delivers the perfect mix of luxury, style, and energy. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere feels fresh and upbeat, with a lively yet polished vibe that sets it apart from more traditional resorts. The rooms are spacious, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, featuring contemporary décor, comfortable beds, and stunning views of either the Coral Sea or Cairns city. The attention to detail, from the quality linens to the modern bathrooms, makes the stay feel indulgent. Dining is a highlight – Flynn offers multiple restaurants and bars with diverse menus, from fresh local seafood to crafted cocktails. The Glasshouse is a must-visit, combining elegant design with a fine dining experience, while Flynn’s Italian provides a more relaxed yet equally impressive option. The pool area is stylish and inviting, complete with a glass-bottom feature that overlooks the bustling street below, creating a unique and playful touch. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a drink in hand while soaking up Cairns’ tropical climate. Service throughout the hotel is attentive and friendly, with staff who go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and well looked after. The hotel’s location is another big plus – right on the Esplanade, it’s only steps away from the Lagoon, restaurants, and the marina for reef tours. Overall, Crystalbrook Flynn is perfect for those looking for more than just a place to stay – it’s an experience. Energetic, stylish, and fun, it suits couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to enjoy the best of Cairns in a modern, luxurious setting."

"Large complex with swimming pool access and outlook as our room was on the ground floor. Great to have a walk-in shower and air con worked well. Only gripe was the inadequate sheet that doubled as the blanket - completely lacking in warmth and cover. No extra blanket was provided in the cupboard, only pillows. If there wasn't enough parking available at night, you could park off-street next to the complex."

"The most average hotel in the whole trip. There were obvious stains on the bedding, but the girl at the front desk was very nice and helped to change it immediately. The hotel has its own swimming pool, the water quality looks good, and the water temperature is also suitable. Something unpleasant happened on the first night of stay. The tenant upstairs started to make noise and throw things at around 2 o'clock in the morning. It lasted for nearly an hour and woke up other guests. I contacted Ctrip for help in communication, and they said that the hotel was perfunctory at first, and later said that they called the police to deal with it. Cockroaches and katydids were found in the room......"

"We stayed in an executive room on the eighth (of nine) floors in mid-July.  The executive lounge was generally poorly stocked and food and drinks often unavailable with no staff around for over a couple of hours at a time. We were here for seven nights, so have a reasonably good time frame to judge.  The swimming pool is surprisingly frigid in July, actually unpleasantly cold when there was any kind of breeze or cloud cover.  The bathroom shower drainage was not ideal: every short shower resulted in puddles on the bathroom floor; long showers meant the whole floor was covered in standing water.  Every time the neighbors used the spa or coffee machine, the noises were very loudly transmitted into our room.  The balcony was very nice and the wicker furniture comfortable."