Cairns is popular for its timeless tropical beauty. It is the gateway to Great Barrier Reef, so it has always been an idyllic base camp for leisure travelers as well as adventure enthusiasts. But the city has something for everyone. There are non-touristy things to do in Cairns for those who feel like going offbeat while there are popular sites ever-present in the itinerary. Cairns Botanic Gardens, for instance, is great for a family outing. It houses one of the country’s finest and largest collections of tropical plants. If you want to know more about local marine ecosystems and the fascinating biodiversity of Great Barrier Reef, head to Cairns Aquarium. For a luxurious stay to unwind after your adventures, the hotels to stay in Cairns will be the most fitting spots. Check out these top 5-star hotels in Cairns, Australia, below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 30, 2024.
1. Crystalbrook Flynn (from USD 195)
Raved for its trendy styling and central Cairns location, Crystalbrook Flynn is the place to go for a fun and energetic stay. The property features a restaurant that not only offers gourmet food but also live music. Its outdoor swimming pool and fitness gym are sure to delight those who still love to stay active while away. For complete relaxation, you can visit the hotel’s spa and wellness center for a relaxing treatment.
The luxury vibe is also exuding in the rooms, which are thoughtfully fitted with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, plush beddings, and a desk. Some rooms feel more premium because they have their own private balcony with sea and harbor views. It even gets more convenient as the property offers complimentary perks such as private parking, WiFi, and buffet breakfast.
Crystalbrook Flynn
Address: 85 Esplanade
105 meters (345.5 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
2. Pullman Cairns International (from USD 194)
Competitive pricing with great value for money. Some rooms slightly outdated.
Beautiful lobby, spacious rooms, convenient location, pool area needs renovation.
Excellent location in the heart of the city, close to waterfront restaurants and attractions.
Buffet breakfast with good variety, restaurant meals and drinks were excellent.
The sleek Pullman Cairns International boasts some of the largest guest rooms in Cairns. These grand rooms measure over 40 square meters (430.6 square feet) and are appointed with premium amenities. Meanwhile, all the rooms come with large balconies overlooking the harbor or mountains. But by no means stay indoors as the world-class facilities of the hotel await to please you.
The inviting outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens will be a highlight of your stay. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at the deluxe Vie Spa, which offers body scrubs, massages, and packages in 10 treatment rooms. You also don’t need to venture far for delectable food and drinks. Onsite, there’s a restaurant serving buffet breakfast options and an à la carte dinner menu as well as a bar putting out exotic cocktails and light-bite treats.
Pullman Cairns International
Address: 17 Abbott Street
495 meters (0.4 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
3. Travellers Paradise (from USD 53)
Palm trees will be waving you into Travellers Paradise, a premium accommodation surrounded by lush tropical gardens. It’s a hostel that shows off a large outdoor swimming pool so you can soak up the sun and get some tan. Aside from that, you’ll also enjoy a TV room, small library, and unlimited complimentary WiFi during your stay. Each room here is air-conditioned and has shared bathrooms. Some even feature high ceilings for a more spacious and luxurious vibe. You’ll also find a communal kitchen with free tea and coffee, where you can whip up meals at any time you please.
Although tucked in a heritage-listed building, the property does not detach you from modern conveniences as it is located just opposite Cairns Central Shopping Centre. The Event Cinemas and Cairns Regional Gallery are also within a short drive from the hostel.
Travellers Paradise
Address: 187 Bunda Street, Parramatta Park, Cairns Central
868 meters (0.6 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
4. The Reef House (from USD 354)
Situated in Palm Cove, The Reef House offers breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. It is the perfect tropical retreat for couples, featuring an adults-only swimming pool and activities such as aqua aerobics and yoga. After a long day, visit Reef House Spa, the award-winning in-house spa, to indulge in some pampering.
You can get more with the hotel’s boutique tropical escape packages for adults, available for three- to seven-night stays. The basic package includes a daily a la carte breakfast, a candlelit three-course dinner for two (one night), and a welcome package with a bottle of premium sparkling wine and local chocolates.
The Reef House Palm Cove
Address: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Cairns, Australia, 4879
22.52 km (14.0 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
5. Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (from USD 198)
Delivering luxurious hospitality, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino houses tastefully furnished guest rooms and suites. It offers a private balcony with spectacular views of the city in each room, ensuring you a pleasurable stay. After a long day, you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa bath in the ensuite bathroom. This hotel also provides many entertainment opportunities, including catchy live music at BAR36 Live Lounge. Of course, the on-site casino is another highlight of this property.
There’s no need to search far for dining spots in Cairns as this 5-star accommodation has six dining outlets, including the award-winning Tamarind Restaurant.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Address: 35-41 Wharf Street
539 meters (0.4 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
6. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns (from USD 182)
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, is ideally positioned on Cairns Marlin Marina. Aside from 255 elegant guest rooms and suites, it features an outdoor swimming pool for you to have a rejuvenating dip anytime during your stay. Some of the rooms offer excellent views of the sea.
This hotel also has an in-house restaurant and two bars. At the restaurant, called The Backyard, you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast every day. It also remains open for lunch and dinner.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Address: Pierpoint Road
349 meters (0.3 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
7. Crystalbrook Riley (from USD 198)
Whether you are visiting Cairns for work or leisure, Crystalbrook Riley has got you covered. It is home to 311 well-appointed rooms and suites, which are available in various configurations to meet the needs of different guests. After a tiring day of meetings or tours, you can visit the in-house spa, Eleme Day Spa Cairns, for some well-deserved treatments. This spa does not only offer signature treatments but also specializes in many techniques, such as skin firming and super-circulation stimulation.
Moreover, this hotel houses Paper Crane, an Asian restaurant, and Rocco, a rooftop restaurant-cum-bar.
Crystalbrook Riley
Address: 131-141 The Esplanade
553 meters (0.4 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
8. Hilton Cairns (from USD 179)
Reasonable pricing, exceptional lunch offer for $18, but $20/night for parking
Beautiful waterside location, private verandahs, spacious rooms, pool with water views
Conveniently located near all activities in Cairns, optimal waterfront location, close to tour departure points and restaurants
Breakfast buffet with a huge variety, special care for dietary needs, good selection and quality, but some room for improvement in hot food variety and quality
Hilton Cairns boasts a prime location in the city, overlooking the waterfront. Acting as a gateway to the famed Great Barrier Reef, it is only 0.8 km (0.5 mi) away from Reef Fleet Terminal. While Cairns Botanic Gardens is 4.2 km (2.6 mi) the property, Crystal Cascades is about 21 km (13.1 mi) away. If you plan on coming here just to relax, you can unwind in the lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool or book an appointment at the on-site spa.
You do not have to leave your room or suite to eat, thanks to the room service. This hotel features a lovely restaurant, Cafe Sunrise, which offers views of tropical gardens.
Hilton Cairns
Address: 34 Esplanade
473 meters (0.3 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
Take a well-deserved break in Cairns
Cairns offers a dream Australian getaway with its immense tropical treasures and proximity to Great Barrier Reef. For a luxurious stay during your visit to Australia, check out these top Cairns luxury hotels.
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