Cairns is a small city with less than 170,000 population in the North direction of Queensland. Over the past few years, Cairns has become one of the top locations for visitors looking for a mind-blowing vacation in Australia. Flocks of people visit Cairns every year, especially for experiencing the Daintree adventures and the Great Barrier Reef.
Apart from these main attractions, Cairns has a lot more to offer its visitors. But to have that unforgettable experience, you need to find the right accommodation.
Cairns has a good concentration of hotels, from luxurious to budget-friendly ones. However, selecting the right accommodation for yourself can be a bit challenging after looking at so many options. This is especially true for those who are visiting Cairn for the first time.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled this article with some of the best hotels in Cairns that you can select from. We have divided the hotels into two categories: luxurious hotels and affordable ones.
This article will help you in selecting the right accommodation according to your budget and preferences. So, thank us later, and let’s get started!
FUN FACT: Without a doubt, Cairns serves as the entrance to the Great Barrier Reef – the biggest reef system in the world. More than 1,500 aquatic species call the reef home, and each year, visitors from all over the world swarm there to swim, snorkel, and dive alongside them.
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- Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
- Waters Edge Apartments Cairns
- Hilton Cairns
- Pullman Cairns International
- Mantra Trilogy
- Oaks Cairns Hotel
- Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
- Bay Village Tropical Retreat
- Cairns Central YHA
- Crystalbrook Flynn
- Shangri-La The Marina
- Vision Apartments
- 201 Lake Street
- Cairns Aquarius
Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Location: CBD
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, luxurious, and yet budget-friendly hotel, Riley is our first recommendation for you.
The hotel is a part of the Crystalbrook Collection portfolio. As a result, it is one of the favourite stays for Cairns visitors. The playful designs, finer details, and neat and clean environment-friendly environment suit a majority of visitors.
Opened in 2018, Riley has gained significant popularity in less time, no doubt why. Its “playful” design centres at its 1000 sqm crystal clear blue swimming lagoon that has its artificial beach as well as poolside service.
Another gem that takes the sophistication of the hotel to the next level is Rocco, which is the tallest rooftop bar and restaurant in the city, located in the tower of this hotel. Although it’s very hard to select any one dish from Rocco’s mind-blowing menu, the Crystalbrook Signature beef brisket with caramelized onions, mustard, and garlic bread is unbeatable. The specialty of this dish is that it is farmed on their 5,000-acre land at Crystalbrook Station which is 3 hours from Cairns.
Now, coming to those finer details, the room cards are pure 100% recycled wood. You won’t find any plastic bottles, straws, containers, or disposable bags on the site. It is one of the most environment-friendly and luxurious accommodations in Cairns.
Taxis operated by Cairns Taxi take about 7 minutes from Cairns Airport to Crystalbrook Riley, and tickets range from $12 to $16.
Restaurants including Gelocchio, Devine Gelato, and Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium are near Crystalbrook Riley.
Yes, Crystalbrook Riley conveniently provides conference facilities, a banquet room, and meeting rooms.
Waters Edge Apartments Cairns
Location: CBD
Enjoy splashing in the blue swimming lagoon which is nested in the Water Edge Apartments. This hotel is very popular among young visitors, it’s beautiful, and stylish and offers a laid-back environment.
Everything part of this amazing hotel has been designed for comfort and convenience, making it one of the most famous hotels suggested in the Cairns holiday packages. If you want to spend your vacation relaxing at the poolside, consider booking the ground-floor apartments as they offer a private pool entrance. This hotel has a lot to offer. You’ll enjoy the attractions of Cairns during the daytime and the rest of the time, the hotel will keep you engaged!
Moreover, you’ll be able to experience modern apartment-style living with spacious rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and plenty of other facilities. Plus, there are perks like free WiFi, TVs in each room, media rooms, etc, enough to attract flocks of visitors, especially families.
Taxis operated by Cairns Taxi take about 7 minutes from Cairns Airport to Waters Edge Apartments Cairns, and tickets range from $12 to $15.
Because of its position in the Cairns City Center district, Waters Edge Apartments is convenient to well-known sites including the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Green Island, and Cairns Aquarium.
Hilton Cairns
Location: CBD
Enjoy a wonderful stay in Cairns with a touch of tropical experience in Hilton Cairns.
The hotel is situated right on the marina. It is a 10-minute drive from the airport, 10 steps from the amazing dining options, and 10 minutes from the Cairns Convention Centre, all these qualities make it a perfect accommodation for a business traveller.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best hotels for business travellers as it has not one or two but a total of 7 well-facilitated meeting rooms, a print room and a business centre that stays open 24/7.
But that’s not all – even if you’re not a corporate traveller, you will be surely impressed by its 6 Degrees Bar and Lounge, which not only serves the most refreshing drinks but also provide you with a stunning night view of Trinity Inlet.
Taxis operated by Cairns Taxi take about 8 minutes from Cairns Airport to Hilton Cairns, and tickets range from $14 to $18.
Yes, throughout their stay at Hilton Cairns, visitors have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and changing facilities at the gym.
Yes, guests can use the dry cleaning and washing services at Hilton Cairns.
Pullman Cairns International
Location: CBD
Perfect romantic accommodation in Cairns!
Staying in Cairns never looked so fascinating, all thanks to Pullman Cairns International. It is a wonderful five-star hotel with charming and spacious rooms. Surely, it has everything you want in perfect romantic accommodation for the Cairns trip.
The hotel is within walking distance of the attractions, night markets, dining, and shopping boundaries of the city. You can explore the main city life on your foot. However, if you don’t want to tire yourself by walking, you can plan your dinner at the on-site restaurant Cocos, which offers a great ambiance and truly delicious food and drinks.
A bus operated by QConnect-Sunbus takes about 4 minutes from Florence Street at Sheridan Street to Spence St at Grafton Street every 10 minutes, and tickets range from $1 to $2.
Pullman Cairns International offers check-in beginning at 3 PM and check-out lasting until 11:00 AM.
During their stay, guests at Pullman Cairns International can savor a breakfast that is well-regarded. Continental, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Asian, American, Buffet, and à la carte breakfast options are available.
Mantra Trilogy
Location: CBD
On a family vacation to Cairns? Mantra Trilogy is the best accommodation for your squad. Mantra Trilogy as the name suggests is a collection of three stunning towers situated in the middle of The Esplanade. These are within walking distance of the Reef Casino, Cairns Lagoon, and some of the best dining places in the city.
With over 230 rooms, you’ll be able to select from a variety of rooms, suites, and apartments with plenty of amenities and modern facilities making it ideal for large families. Not just that, there are fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities in each apartment. Unquestionably, Mantra Trilogy is the most sought-after accommodation for families travelling to Cairns.
A bus operated by QConnect-Sunbus takes about 2 minutes from Florence Street at Sheridan Street to Cairns City bus station, platform 1 every 10 minutes, and tickets range from $1 to $2.
Yes, guests are entitled to free parking at Matra Trilogy Cairns.
Restaurants including Gelocchio, Devine Gelato, and Cairns Burger Cafe are conveniently situated near Mantra Trilogy Cairns.
Oaks Cairns Hotel
Location: CBD
Introducing the brand new addition to the city, the Oaks Cairns Hotel. It’s located on the seaside and just a couple of minutes away from the Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns CBD, and the Esplanade dining precinct.
In total, the hotel has 76 beautiful, spacious, and well-maintained rooms across 4 floors fitted with contemporary decor and luxe furnishings. But wait, the best part about this hotel is its iconic rooftop restaurant and bar. It serves some of the most delicious food and tropical-style cocktails.
Taxis operated by Cairns Taxis take about 7 minutes from Cairns Airport to Oaks Cairns Hotel, and tickets range from $13 to $17.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens, Green Island, and Cairns Aquarium are all close to the Oaks Cairns Hotel and are all situated in the Cairns City Center region.
No, smoking is not permitted inside any of the rooms or public spaces at the Oaks Cairns Hotel.
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Location: CBD
If you’re looking to have the most fun on your Cairns trip, Coconut Holiday Resort is where you should go!
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort is a combination of a water park, a caravan park, and a theme park spread over 28 acres of lush tropical land.
This is a place where you’ll not fall short of fun activities to do with your family. You’ll find plenty of options like camping, condo, caravanning, spa villa, and more at your on-site stay.
Undoubtedly, it is one of the best holiday parks in Queensland, especially for families. Surely, your kids will enjoy switching between the water park, jumping pillows, and lagoon pool. Further, there is also a mini-golf course, an outdoor cinema, and a play hub.
A bus operated by QConnect-Sunbus takes about 16 minutes from Mulgrave Rd near Parramatta Park State Sch HnR to Bruce Highway at Anderson Road every 10 minutes, and tickets range from $1 to $3.
Pets are not permitted at Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
Location: CBD
We recommend Bay Village Tropical Retreat for visitors looking for a fun tropical experience. This wonderful hotel will surely give you a taste of Bali. There is an on-site Indonesian restaurant, Bayleaf, serving authentic Indonesian food with the likes of double-cooked crispy whole chicken, mouthwatering braised duck curry, and many more such dishes.
Made Upadana, the head chef of Bayleaf has completed his training at the popular Bumbu Bali Restaurant and creates and serves super fantastic food that it is hard to pick only one dish from the menu.
When you visit the site for booking, you’ll find a great variety of rooms, from luxurious studio rooms to 3-bedroom apartments, each finished with tropical looks, tiled floors, and stylish rattan furniture.
Apart from these, you’ll enjoy all the modern amenities and daily housekeeping services. Plus, if you’re travelling with your vehicle, there is plenty of parking space on-site.
Taxis operated by Cairns Taxis take about 6 minutes from Cairns Airport to Bay Village Tropical Retreat & Apartments, and tickets range from $12 to $15.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat & Apartments offers check-in beginning at 2:00 PM and check-out lasting until 10:00 AM.
At Bay Village Tropical Retreat & Apartments, you may select from a variety of lodging options that can house 2 to 7 people (depending on availability).
Cairns Central YHA
Location: CBD
We would like to call it a perfect hotel for backpackers!
If you’re on a backpacking trip through Atherton Tablelands and Cairns, look no further than Cairns Central YHA. It’s a very affordable stay that is within walking distance from major attractions. It is just opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Accordingly, there are 59 rooms you can choose from, from single, double, and even family rooms at pocket-friendly prices.
Don’t worry about the hot climate and peaked temperatures of Cairns, all the rooms of YHA are air-conditioned, which is a bit surprising for a hotel that charges less than your one-time meal!
Talking about the meals, you’ll be served delicious pancakes for breakfast daily for FREE!
Taxis operated by Cairns Taxis take about 7 minutes from Cairns Airport to Cairns Central YHA, and tickets range from $14 to $18.
There are hot tubs available for Cairns Central YHA guests.
Visitors are no longer required to get a vaccination unless a local health directive specifically states that they must stay in the kind of lodging that YHA provides.
Crystalbrook Flynn
Location: CBD
The Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel in Cairns has a restaurant, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and free use of bicycles. At this 5-star hotel, you can get free high-speed Internet, room service, and a front desk that is open 24 hours a day. Only guests who have signed up can park in the lot. In each of the rooms, there is a desk. All of the rooms at the Crystalbrook Flynn have flat-screen TVs, climate control, private bathrooms with showers and free toiletries, and many also have balconies. Each room has its own set of sheets and towels.
Every morning, you can get a free breakfast buffet at the Crystalbrook Flynn. From the hotel, you can walk to Cairns Station, the Cairns Regional Gallery, and the Cairns Convention Centre. It takes about 6 kilometers to get from Crystalbrook Flynn to Cairns Airport.
Shangri-La The Marina
Location: CBD
The Shangri-La Hotel is a 5-star resort that is right in the middle of Cairns and has a beautiful view of the Cairns Marlin Marina. You don’t have to pay anything to use the pool or the Internet. You can drive to Cairns International Airport in just ten minutes. About three minutes walk separates the Great Barrier Reef terminal and the Pier Shopping Centre.
Each room has a balcony or patio with a view of the Marlin Marina, the tropical garden, or Trinity Bay. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV and fluffy robes and slippers for your comfort. There is also a safe that fits a laptop and a minibar. The well-equipped fitness center at the Marina Shangri-La is open to all hotel guests. There is also a free shoe shine and a desk where people can get information about tours. The Backyard is a lively and laid-back place to hang out where you can find real North Queensland charm everywhere. Just ask the bartenders about anything you want to know about the area.
From the bar, the deck, or the garden, guests can see a beautiful view of the marina and the mountains in the distance. The outdoor bar is the main attraction of the garden and is open all year. In the bar and restaurant, you can get unique drinks and tasty food.
Scrambled eggs, beans, mushrooms, hash browns, bacon, sausages, and tomatoes are just some of the options available at the breakfast buffet at the Shangri-La The Marina. Guests can also place orders at the omelette and egg bar. Cereals, various loaves of bread and pastries, and assorted fruits would all be part of the deal.
Vision Apartments
Location: CBD
This Cairns property has five-star amenities, and it also has private living spaces for guests. There are two pools, a sauna, and a gym for you to use. Each unit has a large living room that opens up to a balcony or patio. Each apartment has a washer and dryer, a fully stocked kitchen, and a satellite TV. Laze around on the sun loungers by the pool, which is surrounded by palm trees. There is a spa where people can get massages, a place to have a picnic, and a BBQ grill that people can use.
A hundred meters from the Vision Apartments, you can find a lot of shops and popular bars and clubs. You can walk to either the Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal or the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal in less than 5 minutes. By car, it only takes 7 minutes to get to Cairns Airport.
The fitness centre at Vision Apartments is available to all visitors from 6 AM – 10 PM.
Vision Apartments offers early check-in if your accommodation is ready at 8 AM (Monday through Friday) or 8:30 AM (Saturday and Sunday); if not, they can keep your luggage. Let Vision Apartments know when you expect to arrive.
201 Lake Street
Location: CBD
This fantasy place is right off the Esplanade in the middle of Cairns, Queensland, and is close to the main shopping area of the city. Spend some time relaxing by the pool or jumping in. Before you go out, ask the information desk for suggestions. Come back when you’re hungry, and have fun with the barbecue tools. Wi-Fi is, of course, free to use. The lawn of 201 Lake Street has beautiful palm trees and other tropical plants. A 6-story building with air conditioning that has 4.5 stars. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments here are modern and comfortable. Each of the 201 apartments has a lot of space and modern furniture.
Wi-Fi can be accessed without cost at the 201 Lake Street Hotel.
Air conditioning is available in all of our 201 Lake Street apartments.
Cairns Aquarius
Location: CBD
There are two outdoor pools, a tennis court, and a spa at the Cairns Aquarius on The Esplanade. Depending on which apartment you choose, you might be able to see the ocean in full or in part.
The reef and island adventure cruises leave from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, which is a 5-minute walk from the Cairns Aquarius Apartments. In a car, it takes 5 minutes to get to the Cairns Train Station and 10 minutes to get to the Cairns Airport.
Each unit has a stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator, as well as air conditioning that is run by the building as a whole. In the living room of each unit, there is a flat-screen satellite TV and a DVD player. Each unit also has a washing machine and dryer. Take some time to relax in the sauna or cook a tasty meal on the grill. After a long day of sightseeing, you can rest and relax in the hot tub.
Cairns Aquarius has all the cleaning supplies you could ever want.