Cairns Hotel Opinions?

[Saab34]

Guys

Going for a 3 Day break up to Cairns and beyond next week, looking for any Hotel Advice from AFF's. Never been up that way before, wanting to stay in the Cairns waterfront area, they all seem to be sub $250 which is good.

Good, the bad and Ugly? The Pullman looks ok?

 

[straitman]

Guys

Going for a 3 Day break up to Cairns and beyond next week, looking for any Hotel Advice from AFF's. Never been up that way before, wanting to stay in the Cairns waterfront area, they all seem to be sub $250 which is good.

Good, the bad and Ugly? The Pullman looks ok?

Pullman looks good though I have never stayed there. Be aware it has the Casino attached which may be good or bad for you.

Hilton and Hilton DT are both on the water and the main waterfront shops are between the Hilton and the Hilton DT so any hotel outside of that will be further to walk although once again that is not very far in most cases.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Also consider going slightly further north to Port Douglas or Palm Cove. That is what I do.

 

[quokka77]

Pullman was decent when we did a one night stay earlier this year. Starting to look just a little dated but still v classy.

 

[samh004]

Also consider going slightly further north to Port Douglas or Palm Cove. That is what I do.

I'd definitely recommend this.

Next trip North isn't till October for AFF#9 and will be staying at the Novotel, but that review is a tad too far away for you

 

[Flying mermaid]

Pullman looks good though I have never stayed there. Be aware it has the Casino attached which may be good or bad for you.

There are two Pullmans - one with a casino and one without - they are very close to each other. We stayed at the one without and it was quite pleasant - more 4 star than 5 star but we enjoyed our stay and it was well situated. We generally go to Port Douglas or out to one of the islands, but Cairns is nice for a short getaway.

 

[medhead]

The one without casino is where my school formal was held. If you know the year the that hotel opened in cairns you'd have a great chance to guess my age.

Stayed there 2 (1.5) years ago and agree it was very good. But perhaps not 5 star.

 

[Ansett]

Currently in Cairns and staying at the Mercure Harborside. 4 star well priced great staff and service Internet is very slow. 15 minute walk to the wharf area. We like it as it is quiet and friendly. Would not call it luxurious by any stretch but good quality well presented accommodation at what i would classify as a Fair Price.

Have a good time and perhaps consider Port Douglas too where we can recommend Peppers resort.

 

[Saab34]

Yeah thanks guys.

Will look into Trinity Beach and Palm cove also.

 

[Homer]

I'm a former local. There isn't much going on in Cairns itself these days - empty shops (except for $2 shops frequented by locals), a few pubs, lots of backpackers and the local bogans. The only reason I'd stay in town is if I was heading out to the reef on one of the boats that leave from the marina in front of the Shangri-La (which, while it has some tired parts, has new "executive" rooms and a club level and I think is the pick of the hotels in Cairns itself).

When we visit the family we stay in Port Douglas or Palm Cove. If you've only got 3 days and have never been to Cairns before, then I think Palm Cove is the way to go.

 

[yohy?!]

stayed at the pullman international a couple of months back - it has the best le club recognition of any accor property ive stated at (all benefits provided without being requested). breakfast wasn't the best and it is a little dated but if you can get a good rate it's fine

 

[Steelo]

Agree as much of Cairns has become a generic tourist resort - same trashy markets you see anywhere. There are how ever nice public areas along the Esplanade and around the Marina. Hotels are generally well priced compared to other areas. Food can also range from cough to very good, do some research and stay away from tourist strips. The area around Edge Hill is worth exploring, as well as the botanic gardens, it has some good restaurants in Collins Avenue, ranging from Chinese, Italian, authentic Japanese and some modern Australian tapas, good quality produce and excellent coffee - usually without the backpackers.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Going for a 3 Day break up to Cairns and beyond next week, looking for any Hotel Advice from AFF's. Never been up that way before, wanting to stay in the Cairns waterfront area, they all seem to be sub $250 which is good.

Cairns and beyond? Perhaps you may wish to elaborate. That sounds like you have a car so if that's the case, Palm Cove is a lovely enclave however it's a way out of Cairns city. I wouldn't even consider it if you don't have a car and wish to see some of the Cairns waterfront as you've stated.

I nearly always stay at the Hilton and it's possibly my favourite Hilton in Australia. It's not a flash hotel, but then again neither are any of the Cairns hotels, but it is very "homely" which is what I like about it and of course it's right there at the marina for some nice restaurants and any reef cruises you may wish to go on (just did the Michaelmas cay snorkel trip aboard Ocean Spirit last week with the kids and I think that was good value, very accommodating.......usual disclaimer, I have no association with them), as well as being an easy walk to a lot of Cairns city. If you're into the casino bit (bloody horrid casino, it is) then the Hilton is just as convenient as the Pullman. My daughter did the abseiling bit in the casino dome and enjoyed that (and it's not a million dollars to do either).

I've stayed at a few of the Cairns hotels (Pacific, The Plaza etc) and to be honest, the Hilton is by far the best value in my eyes. A colleague of mine stays at the Accor hotels (about 5 of them I think in CNS) and he tells me they look after him very well, too.

 

[Sprucegoose]

But perhaps not 5 star.

Unlike yourself !!

 

[medhead]

Unlike yourself !!

Hahaha. Yep I'm unlike 5*.

 

[froggerADL]

Hilton Cairns has very good government rates if you're entitled to that. I enjoyed my stay there.

 

[VA777]

We holidayed at a Trinity Beach and stayed at the Seachange Beachfront Apartments in Jan this year and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

 

[kermatu]

Have only stayed at a few places but since one stay at the Hilton I have never stayed anywhere else. I think it is terrific for business and leisure. A little away from the town centre but a very easy walk. Decent views and a very friendly, homely feel as swanning_it says.