13 hotels and resorts in Cairns you should know about

Your go-to list on where to spend your next luxury escape in Cairns.

Whether you’re looking for luxury of the five-star variety along the iconic Cairns Esplanade, a haven in the heart of the city centre, or perhaps an award-winning resort in the peaceful community of Palm Cove: you’re spoilt for choice on where to lay your head in this thriving tropical city. Check out our list below to see which Cairns hotels and resorts pique your interest.

1. Crystalbrook Riley

Best for: Responsible luxury

Part of the five-star Crystalbrook Collection portfolio, Crystalbrook Riley is a luxury resort situated on Cairns Esplanade with a huge focus on its environmental responsibility.

Inside the beautiful yet sustainably modern rooms, choose between feature views of the Cairns city skyline, the iconic Cairns Lagoon, or spectacular Coral Sea views.

With luxury in mind, make sure to bring out the best of yourself at the resort’s Eléme Day Spa ahead of rooftop cocktails and share style Mediterranean food at Rocco or tastes of Asia with a playful spin at Paper Crane.

Address: 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City

Price: $295 – $1650 per night.

2. Crystalbrook Bailey

Best for: Appreciation for the arts

The second member in the Crystalbrook trio is the innovative Bailey known for celebrating individuality and artwork of every description. Its goal is to make art accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all so you’ll find dedicated display areas and exhibitions, as well as paint-and-sip classes, poetry recitals, or live graffiti sessions. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, transport your taste buds to the rugged Australian outback at CC’s Bar and Grill. Dog-friendly rooms are also available.

Address: 163 Abbott St, Cairns City

Price: $265 – $565

3. Crystalbrook Flynn

Best for: Entertainment

Last but not least is the life of the party Crystalbrook Flynn. From glass swimming pools and DJ sessions to direct access to the esplanade, this social butterfly wants to put on a show so be prepared to be entertained.

Feast on pub classics alongside live music at Boardwalk Social, enjoy a sophisticated Italian spread at Flynn’s Italian, or treat yourself to some of the best whiskey and wine in Cairns at Whiskey and Wine. And when you’ve had enough of the limelight, retreat back to your deluxe city views rooms.

Address: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City

Price:  $295 – $1015 per night

4. Hilton Cairns

Best for: Business trip

With first-class business facilities, an executive lounge, a mix of rooms and suites to choose from, and a fitness centre, a stay at Hilton Cairns is perfect for those dropping into Cairns for work. Grab a delicious continental or buffet breakfast at its onsite Cafe Sunrise, taste the flavours and freshness of Tropical North Queensland at Signature Restaurant, and sip your way through the extensive collection of gins and craft beers at Gin Social. 

Address: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City

Price: $297 – $576 per night

5. Oaks Cairns Hotel

Best for: Simple luxury with rooftop vibes

For a sprinkle of luxury on the simpler side, consider staying at Oaks Cairns Hotel, located on Cairns Esplanade. While you won’t find a pool or balcony here, the rooms are modern, comfortable and priced at an affordable rate.

The hotel’s main attraction is the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant which serves up breakfast and sharing plates daily showcasing a unique blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. As the sun sets over the Coral Sea, the terrace transforms into a lively cocktail bar where you can take your pick of signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and botanical gins with spicy tonics.

Address: 59 – 63 Esplanade, Cairns City

Price:  $239 – $479 per night

6. Mantra Trilogy Cairns

Best for: Families

Looking for a hotel the whole family can enjoy? Mantra Trilogy offers spacious, open-plan rooms — some with fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.

Kids will love the lagoon-style swimming pool (with ocean views) and children’s wading area, and there’s a 25-metre lap pool and onsite gym for the adults to enjoy too.

When you’re ready for lunch, hit the outdoor barbeque facilities before wandering to the nearby attractions along the esplanade.

Address: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City

Price: $295 – $810 per night

7. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Best for: Accessible rooms

Enjoy a stay in one of the accessible rooms at Pacific Hotel Cairns which carry a tropical paradise theme. Fitted with features that cater to every guest, there’s a wider doorway, lower benches, a walk-in shower, handrails, a specialised toilet, and elbow-operated taps.

For dinner, head downstairs to Bushfire Flame Grill, an award-winning Brazilian-inspired restaurant serving a unique Australian BBQ-style experience where the theatre of the kitchen is brought to your table.

Address: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City

Price: $232 – $421 per night

8. The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights

Best for: Rooftop swimming pool and harbour dining.

Set on the waterfront of Cairns, take your pick of harbour-view hotel rooms and one and two-bedroom apartments at The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights and you’re guaranteed an incredible view.

After a swim at the rooftop pool, there are a number of restaurants on the first floor of the hotel to try, including Australian beef from the grill or the freshest of seafood at Dundee’s, or pop into Ochre Restaurant which specialises in sustainable Australian regional produce,

Address: 1 Main Parade, Cairns City

Price: $278 – $673 per night

9. Pullman Cairns International

Best for: Large rooms and high tea

 Pullman Cairns International offers the ideal fusion of convenience and comfort in the city. Its rooms are the largest in Cairns at over 40 square metres and mirror the architectural style and grandeur of the city centre’s illustrious past.

The Deluxe Room Harbour View, which has plenty of natural light and stunning views of the harbour, is our top pick. From here, you can watch the boats return from a day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Stop in for a  massage at Vie Spa before indulging in the Le Papillon Seasonal High Tea which celebrates the changing seasons.

Address: 17 Abbott St, Cairns City

Price: $295 – $650 per night

10. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Best for: Exceptional service

 Receiving worldwide recognition for its legendary hospitality, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel is known for its warm welcome (there’s a complimentary shoeshine service for one) and luxury accommodation. Each room features a private balcony overlooking either Trinity Bay, Marlin Marina, or a tropical garden.

Relax by the swimming pool with a fresh mojito or sample the flavours of Tropical North Queensland in their waterside restaurant The Backyard.

Address: Pier Point Rd, Cairns City

Price:  $295 – $620 per night.

11. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Best for: Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar

Treat yourself to five-star resort-style accommodation in the heart of Cairns at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. With its sandy lagoon-style pool boasting the only swim-up bar in Cairns, guests can relax by the pool with a drink in hand.

There are a range of bright guest rooms to choose from — each with its own private balcony or terrace with views overlooking either the lagoon pool, the hotel’s tropical gardens, or Cairns city. For sustenance, head to Moku Bar & Grill for drinks and daily specials including one kilogram of Buffalo wings for $19.

Address: 122 Lake St, Cairns City

Price: $247 – $399 per night

12. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Best for: Direct beach access.

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore is the only resort in Tropical North Queensland with direct beach access, making it easier than ever to unwind.

If you’re looking to drop and flop, join a beach yoga class or relax by one of the three pools (choose between family-friendly and adults-only options), indulge in a treatment at the hotel’s famed L. M. Spa, or dine at the fabulous Nu Nu beachside restaurant.

Address: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

Price: $650 – $1050 per night. A two-night minimum is required.

 13. The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa

Best for: A couple’s retreat

 Another Palm Cove favourite is The Reef House, the perfect adults-only getaway for a peaceful stay in Cairns. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a gin-infused drink and that’s just the start.

Enjoy award-winning dining on the deck overlooking the beach at Reef House Restaurant, rejuvenate in the tranquillity and heated mineral pools, join in on the daily wellness and interactive classes (including cocktail mixing and wine tasting), or relax with cruiser bikes, chess sets, the guest library, or complimentary sketch pads.

Address: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Price: $700 – $1000 per night. A three-night minimum stay is required.

If spacious Airbnbs and seaside apartments are more your style, here are some of the dreamiest Airbnbs in Cairns to call home.