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

[markis10]

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.

There are a couple of electric BBQs across the road from the HI that get cleaned every night, I often use them for breakfast with a little preparation in terms of packing a BBQ tool, some plates etc.

 

[robd]

There are a couple of electric BBQs across the road from the HI that get cleaned every night, I often use them for breakfast with a little preparation in terms of packing a BBQ tool, some plates etc.

A BBQ tool? Really?

Well that's got to be a thread starter for sure.

I do see the practicality of it, but ....

 

[dfcatch]

Good choice with the HI.....

With Hilton booked out I would have gone with Trilogy / Harbour Lights / HI as my next options (and probably in that order).

Whilst I have a conflict of interest - Silverswift/Sonic are hands-down the best dive/snorkel trips for day boats in CNS/PD.

On that note - feel free to PM if you are interested as I have organised Family & Friends rates for AFF members in the past.

 

[robd]

Good choice with the HI.....

With Hilton booked out I would have gone with Trilogy / Harbour Lights / HI as my next options (and probably in that order).

Whilst I have a conflict of interest - Silverswift/Sonic are hands-down the best dive/snorkel trips for day boats in CNS/PD.

On that note - feel free to PM if you are interested as I have organised Family & Friends rates for AFF members in the past.

Are you referring to the dive/snorkel trip or the hotels for the Family & Friends rate?

I checked the Trilogy, and like the Harbour Lights, there was no configuration for the bedding, so it was a no-go.

 

[markis10]

A BBQ tool? Really?

Well that's got to be a thread starter for sure.

I do see the practicality of it, but ....

A barbiemate to be precise, bacon and eggs for Breakfast for a few dollars with million dollar views! The HI does not have mini bars so there is plenty of room in the fridge, just stay away from their bottle shop, there is a BWS under the Mantra complex in the next block if the need is there. And check out the barra and yabbies in the HI ponds, no fishing allowed

 

[robd]

A barbiemate to be precise, bacon and eggs for Breakfast for a few dollars with million dollar views! The HI does not have mini bars so there is plenty of room in the fridge, just stay away from their bottle shop, there is a BWS under the Mantra complex in the next block if the need is there. And check out the barra and yabbies in the HI ponds, no fishing allowed

BWS - the need will be there, trust me.

 

[turtlemichael]

Good, cheap call a spade a spade meals at the RSL across the street too.

 

[dfcatch]

Are you referring to the dive/snorkel trip or the hotels for the Family & Friends rate?

I checked the Trilogy, and like the Harbour Lights, there was no configuration for the bedding, so it was a no-go.

Dive/snorkel trips.

Check out the link posted up-thread and if it interest you - send me a PM

 

[robd]

Dive/snorkel trips.

Check out the link posted up-thread and if it interest you - send me a PM

I hope you haven't made the same offer to Turtleman, he'll probably jump in and take all the reservations for that too.

Seriously though, thanks. I'll check it out.

 

[robd]

Good, cheap call a spade a spade meals at the RSL across the street too.

I admit I'm quite partial to the good old parma & chips at the local RSL venues.

 

[Austman]

A high ocean front room at the HI has great views, is modern and quite spacious and has a good size balcony. It's handy to many things and the RSL is on the next block. Just prepare for the smallest bathroom possible!

 

[robd]

A high ocean front room at the HI has great views, is modern and quite spacious and has a good size balcony. It's handy to many things and the RSL is on the next block. Just prepare for the smallest bathroom possible!

Pretty sure I saw the smallest bathroom at the Surfcomber Miami a couple of months ago, but hey, as long as you can sit down and close the door, it's all good. The cat will remain at home whilst I'm away!

 

[markis10]

Just prepare for the smallest bathroom possible!

You have not stayed at the YMCA in HKG, where a loo visit means the door cannot be closed, and a 2 ft bath! Agree they are small at the HI, but adequate.

 

[Austman]

Agree they are small at the HI, but adequate.

And nicely renovated too. Just swing a very small cat if you have to.

 

[robd]

You have not stayed at the YMCA in HKG, where a loo visit means the door cannot be closed, and a 2 ft bath! Agree they are small at the HI, but adequate.

I've heard about Chinese loos from my boss - middle of the street - hole in the ground kind of thing. Not something I'm keen to experience in my lifetime.

 

[robd]

And nicely renovated too. Just swing a very small cat if you have to.

The kitten will remain at home too, but I get the analogy.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

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.

You still can.

You just hire a stinger suit for $7 per person (on the boat), which is a lycra body suit. It also protects from the sun.

In addition the stingers are more prevalent near the coast that the outer reef.

 

[robd]

You still can.

You just hire a stinger suit for $7 per person (on the boat), which is a lycra body suit. It also protects from the sun.

In addition the stingers are more prevalent near the coast that the outer reef.

That's great to know. Jnr got a dive certificate earlier this year and is excited to do this! This arguably, has got to be one of the best places in the world to dive. For me, I'm just happy to see there is a bar on the boat

 

[SFSC]

When we were at the HI in early September we spent a pleasant couple of evenings listening to live jazz/piano/blues at a little bar about 120m SE along Abbott street. Can't remember what it was called, though.

 

[robd]

When we were at the HI in early September we spent a pleasant couple of evenings listening to live jazz/piano/blues at a little bar about 120m SE along Abbott street. Can't remember what it was called, though.

We'll just follow the music and find it then.

Thank you.