Cairns Hotels (The Hilton's Booked Out) - Other Recommendations?

[robd]

Looking for accommodation in Cairns. Haven't been there before, so will probably just do the regular tourist stuff (whatever that is - my friend is google).

Unfortunately, the Hilton is booked out. Just looking for something comparable with a nice pool area and close to the centre of it all.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[Agro11]

Pullman Cairns International formerly The Sebel Cairns is where I stay after sampling most of the hotels downtown over the years.

 

[robd]

Pullman Cairns International formerly The Sebel Cairns is where I stay after sampling most of the hotels downtown over the years.

Thanks for your suggestion. It does look nice, but a little too expensive for me.

I'm probably looking more towards 4 star than 5.

 

[Rallo]

Personally I would look at properties opposite the Lagoon eg Mantra especially if you are travelling with kids.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Not on Hotels.....but when you book your reef trip I recommend the Silver Series Sonic/Swift Boats....one is out of Cairns and the other from Port Douglas if you want to maximise snorkelling/diving vs sitting on big pontoon in one location. See Dive & Snorkel Trips, Port Douglas and Cairns - Silver Series - Great Barrier Reef

They are the fastest big boats up there...so you get out and back quicker and visit 3 reefs vs only 1....and have more total snorkel time ( 3 by 1.5 hours).

I am just back from PD and was my second time on these boats. I have done abouta dozen trips on various boats over the years and rate them the best.


A days rafting on the Tully is always a great trip too. NetWizard - Tour Info for Tully Full Day White Water Rafting

 

[robd]

Personally I would look at properties opposite the Lagoon eg Mantra especially if you are travelling with kids.

I'm struggling with this. It's just going to be me & jnr#2 (adult child), so we need a double/double room. I liked the Mantra Trilogy, but I think the queen/sofa 1 bedrooms are all booked out.

The rest is looking average (Novotel, Holiday Inn) or expensive (Pullman or Shangri-la).

 

[markis10]

When are you going? The Novotel and Holiday Inn are OK and pretty much in town, would stay away from the All Seasons (Now Ibis Styles).

 

[robd]

Not on Hotels.....but when you book your reef trip I recommend the Silver Series Sonic/Swift Boats....one is out of Cairns and the other from Port Douglas if you want to maximise snorkelling/diving vs sitting on big pontoon in one location. See Dive & Snorkel Trips, Port Douglas and Cairns - Silver Series - Great Barrier Reef

They are the fastest big boats up there...so you get out and back quicker and visit 3 reefs vs only 1....and have more total snorkel time ( 3 by 1.5 hours).

I am just back from PD and was my second time on these boats. I have done abouta dozen trips on various boats over the years and rate them the best.


A days rafting on the Tully is always a great trip too. NetWizard - Tour Info for Tully Full Day White Water Rafting

We're going between Christmas & NY, but jnr was told that you can't snorkel at that time of year, because of stingers. We would really love to do the dive/snorkel tour.

I'll head over to your link now.

Thanks.

 

[robd]

When are you going? The Novotel and Holiday Inn are OK and pretty much in town, would stay away from the All Seasons (Now Ibis Styles).

Between Chrissy & new years for 4 nts. Any preference for either of the above? Or same, same.

 

[turtlemichael]

I have that problem too. Champagne tastes, beer budget I am not sure about prices but have a look at a very decent hotel, Harbour Lights opposite the Hilton. As it's between Christmas and New Year it's high season prices everywhere sadly. And you can safely snorkel at the reef any time of the year.

 

[markis10]

Between Chrissy & new years for 4 nts. Any preference for either of the above? Or same, same.

I would take the Holiday Inn, twin Ocean View for $169 if booked now via mrrebates.com (they have 15% cash back pomo) is pretty good value as it drops to $143.

 

[robd]

I have that problem too. Champagne tastes, beer budget I am not sure about prices but have a look at a very decent hotel, Harbour Lights opposite the Hilton. As it's between Christmas and New Year it's high season prices everywhere sadly. And you can safely snorkel at the reef any time of the year.

Yes beer budget, but at least I can afford the boutique ones

I checked out the Harbour Lights, and I liked it, but I couldn't see the bedding config. for the 1 bedroom apartment.

I thought it was an odd statement about the snorkelling thing.

 

[Simo]

Have a look at Port Douglas if you are going to hire a car.

 

[markis10]

Yes beer budget, but at least I can afford the boutique ones

I checked out the Harbour Lights, and I liked it, but I couldn't see the bedding config. for the 1 bedroom apartment.

I thought it was an odd statement about the snorkelling thing.

Zipped King or unzipped, two singles. Being an apartment you can save some coin with food (there is a few supermarkets in town), but I suspect the bedding won't work.

 

[robd]

Have a look at Port Douglas if you are going to hire a car.

Just googled that up. An easy car trip. I'm putting that on the agenda.

 

[robd]

I would take the Holiday Inn, twin Ocean View for $169 if booked now via mrrebates.com (they have 15% cash back pomo) is pretty good value as it drops to $143.

Done.

Booked thru PC Family & Friends at the same rate, $143 odd p/n for the twin ocean view.

Thanks to all for the advice.

 

[Simo]

I have stayed there instead of Cairns when have been up there for work.

 

[turtlemichael]

I actually have a room at the Hilton between Christmas and New Year for a couple of those nights so you can blame me for the lack of availability

 

[robd]

I actually have a room at the Hilton between Christmas and New Year for a couple of those nights so you can blame me for the lack of availability

Good on ya mate :-| Have a drink for me in the Exec lounge. Rub it in. Wah wah

 

[robd]

On a side note - what's with the $25 in room internet charge at the Holiday Inn. That's a disgrace at an Aussie hotel, let alone anywhere else in the world.