Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Cairns is along the Esplanade for its convenient access to the waterfront and city amenities.

This central area stretches along the coastline and is a hub for visitors. It's very walkable and features an artificial lagoon for swimming, numerous restaurants, and direct access to tour operators departing for the Great Barrier Reef. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a prominent landmark, providing a refreshing spot to relax.

Couples often find this area ideal for a memorable and convenient trip. Its proximity to dining, entertainment, and reef departure points means less time spent on logistics and more time enjoying the destination. Many accommodations here offer ocean views, adding to the appeal.

For families, the northern end of the Esplanade, particularly around the Cairns Hospital, offers a slightly quieter environment with easy access to the Esplanade's attractions. This section often features apartments with more space and self-catering facilities, which can be very practical for longer stays with children.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Cairns that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Three of the best hotels in Cairns that travelers highly recommend are the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Crystalbrook Riley, and Hilton Cairns.

The 5-star Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, with an impressive 9.4 rating, is praised for its spacious and clean rooms, as well as its friendly and helpful staff. Guests also appreciate the comfortable beds and the nice balconies. It is conveniently located near Muddy's Playground and the Cairns Historical Society Museum.

Crystalbrook Riley, a 5-star hotel with a 9.2 rating, is known for its beautiful pool and wonderful facilities. Travelers frequently mention the nice and clean rooms and the excellent location, being just 0.1 miles from Muddy's Playground.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Hilton Cairns, which holds a 9.0 rating. Guests consistently highlight the excellent location, clean rooms, and exceptional service from the friendly staff. The hotel offers amenities like mountain views and a poolside bar, and is close to attractions like Reef Teach and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

For family-friendly hotels in Cairns, consider the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, Cairns Harbourside Hotel, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore, and Oasis at Palm Cove.

The 4-star Cairns Colonial Club Resort, with a rating of 8.4, offers a range of family amenities including a pool for children, kids' meals, and a playground. Guests frequently describe the rooms as comfortable and clean, and the staff as friendly and helpful. It is conveniently located near the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Anderson Street Conservation Park.

The 4-star Cairns Harbourside Hotel, rated 8.8, provides amenities such as free cribs, a pool, and free breakfast for children. Customers consistently praise the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. It is close to Muddy's Playground and Cairns Historical Society Museum.

The 4.5-star Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, with an 8.8 rating, features onsite babysitting, a pool for children, and connecting rooms. Guests often highlight the spacious and clean rooms, the beautiful pool, and the convenient location, being just 0.2 miles from Muddy's Playground.

The 5-star Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore, boasting an impressive 9.4 rating, offers amenities like highchairs, cribs, baby bathtubs, and free rollaway extra beds. Guests frequently comment on the beautiful location and the spacious, clean rooms. It is situated near Palm Cove Beach.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Oasis at Palm Cove, also with a 9.4 rating. This hotel provides a playground, a pool for children, and strollers. Guests appreciate the fantastic amenities, great location, and super friendly staff. It is also located near Palm Cove Beach. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Cairns

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

For the best 5-star hotels in Cairns, consider the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Crystalbrook Riley, Hilton Cairns, and Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns.

The 5-star Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, with an impressive 9.4 rating, is highly praised for its spacious and clean rooms, as well as its friendly and helpful staff. Guests appreciate the convenient location and comfortable beds, along with amenities like 24-hour room service and designer toiletries. It is located near Muddy's Playground and the Cairns Historical Society Museum.

Crystalbrook Riley, a 5-star hotel rated 9.2, offers beautiful and clean rooms and is known for its friendly staff. Guests frequently highlight the excellent location, amazing pool, and wonderful facilities. Many rooms offer resort or sea views, and the hotel features a rainfall showerhead and poolside bar. It's conveniently located very close to Muddy's Playground and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The 5-star Hilton Cairns, with a 9.0 rating, consistently receives excellent reviews for its location, clean rooms, and exceptional service from its friendly staff. Guests particularly enjoy the excellent and amazing breakfast. The hotel offers mountain views, Egyptian cotton sheets, and executive rooms with lounge access. It is situated close to Muddy's Playground and Reef Teach.

Another excellent option is the 5-star Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, rated 8.8. This hotel is commended for its friendly and helpful staff, excellent location, and clean rooms. The pool is a good size, and the beds are comfortable. Amenities include sea views, deep soaking bathtubs, and a poolside bar. It is also located near Muddy's Playground and the Cairns Historical Society Museum. Find more luxury hotels in Cairns

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

For an excellent spa experience in Cairns, consider the Pullman Cairns International, Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove, Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa, or The Reef House Adults Retreat.

The 5-star Pullman Cairns International, with an 8.8 rating, offers a wide range of spa treatments including body wraps, detoxification wraps, hydrotherapy, deep tissue massage, and aromatherapy in its treatment rooms. It also features a hot tub for relaxation. This hotel is conveniently located near the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Cairns Marlin Marina. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, spacious rooms, and great location.

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove, a 5-star hotel with a 9.0 rating, provides an extensive spa experience with amenities like hot stone massage, hydrotherapy, body wraps, and couples treatment rooms. It is situated close to Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. Travelers frequently praise the attentive staff, clean rooms, and fantastic facilities.

Another superb option is the 5-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa, also rated 9.0. Its spa features include Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy, body scrubs, and facial treatments. The resort is very close to Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. Guests consistently highlight the amazing facilities, food, and service.

The 3.5-star Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa, with an 8.4 rating, offers a variety of spa services such as Swedish massage, Thai massage, and hot stone massage. It also provides couples treatment rooms and body scrubs. This resort is located near Palm Cove Beach. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and fabulous rooms.

Finally, The Reef House Adults Retreat, a 5-star hotel with a 9.0 rating, is another excellent choice for spa lovers. Its spa services include body wraps, detoxification wraps, manicures, pedicures, and a hot tub. It is conveniently situated near Palm Cove Beach. Guests frequently highlight the excellent service. See all spa hotels in Cairns

Question 6

Which beach resorts in Cairns do travelers love?

Accepted Answer

For beach resorts in Cairns that travelers love, consider the Palm Cove Beachside Resort Apartment and The escape luxury apartment Peppers beach club palm cove.

The Palm Cove Beachside Resort Apartment boasts an exceptional 9.8 rating and is conveniently located near Palm Cove Beach, just 0.6 miles away. Guests appreciate its well-equipped kitchen, private deck or patio, and secured yard, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Another highly-rated option is The escape luxury apartment Peppers beach club palm cove, also with an outstanding 9.8 rating. This resort is situated close to Palm Cove Beach, approximately 0.9 miles away, and features a shared outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. The apartments come with a kitchen and a balcony or patio, superb for enjoying the coastal surroundings. See more stays near the beach in Cairns

Question 7

What hotels in Cairns offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Cairns that offer free breakfast, consider the Hilton Cairns, Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, Cairns Harbourside Hotel, Cairns City Palms, and The Balinese.

The 5-star Hilton Cairns, with a 9.0 rating, offers complimentary continental breakfast in its Club Level Lounge. Guests frequently praise the excellent and clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the amazing breakfast. The hotel is also conveniently located near attractions such as the Cairns Regional Gallery and the Cairns Historical Society Museum.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, rated 8.8. This hotel provides a free buffet breakfast in its Club Level Lounge and is praised by guests for its friendly staff and great location near Muddy's Playground and the Cairns Regional Gallery.

The 4-star Cairns Harbourside Hotel, with an 8.8 rating, also offers free breakfast for children. Travelers appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, the helpful staff, and the fantastic breakfast. It is located near Muddy's Playground and the Tanks Arts Centre.

The 4-star Cairns City Palms, rated 8.6, provides a free continental breakfast in its Club Level Lounge. Guests often highlight the comfortable and clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the good facilities. The hotel is close to Muddy's Playground and Cazaly's Stadium.

Finally, The Balinese, with an 8.2 rating, offers both a complimentary continental breakfast and a general free breakfast. It also provides free toiletries and free self-parking, and features an outdoor pool. It is conveniently located near Muddy's Playground. Find more hotels with free breakfast in Cairns

Question 8

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

For a top pet-friendly hotel in Cairns, consider Cairns Queens Court.

This 3.5-star hotel, with a 7.6 rating, warmly welcomes both dogs and cats, even providing food and water bowls for your companions. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff, clean rooms, and comfy beds. Complimentary parking is also available, adding to the convenience. Located within walking distance to Muddy's Playground and The Cultural Place, it offers easy access to local attractions. See more pet-friendly hotels in Cairns

Question 9

What are the top boutique hotels in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

For top boutique hotels in Cairns, consider The Benson Hotel and Oasis at Palm Cove.

The 4-star Benson Hotel, with a rating of 8.6, offers a comfortable stay with amenities such as lake, mountain, sea, and ocean views. Guests frequently praise its nice, clean rooms and the fantastic, helpful staff. Its convenient location places it near the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Reef Teach, and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Another excellent boutique option is the 4-star Oasis at Palm Cove, which boasts an impressive 9.4 rating. This hotel provides spacious rooms and is known for its super friendly staff. It is well-suited for families, offering amenities like a children's pool, cribs, and highchairs. It is located near Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove.

Question 10

What are the best budget hotels in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly accommodations in Cairns, consider Cairns City Apartments, Elysium Triton by the Sea, and Cairns City Sheridan.

The 3-star Cairns City Apartments, with a 9.0 rating, offers free WiFi and kitchens in its accommodations. It is conveniently located near Muddy's Playground at 0.7 miles and the Cairns Regional Gallery at 0.4 miles. Guests appreciate the nice, quiet pool.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Elysium Triton by the Sea, boasting an impressive 9.6 rating. This hotel provides free toiletries, free WiFi, and a 24-hour airport shuttle, making it very convenient for travelers. It features an outdoor pool with sun loungers and free cabanas, along with a poolside bar. Palm Cove Beach is just 0.5 miles away.

The 3-star Cairns City Sheridan offers free WiFi, free toiletries, and self-parking. Many guests have praised the clean, great pool, and the nice, spacious rooms. The staff and service are also frequently highlighted as great. It is located 0.4 miles from Muddy's Playground and 0.6 miles from the Cairns Regional Gallery. View all budget hotels in Cairns

Question 11

What are the most romantic hotels in Cairns for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic getaway in Cairns, couples should consider the Sea Change Beachfront Apartments or the Bellevue At Trinity Beach.

The 5-star Sea Change Beachfront Apartments, with a superb 9.8 rating, offers breathtaking ocean and sea views, superb for a romantic escape. Guests can enjoy a private hot tub and easy access to the nearby beach. The hotel also provides a convenient 24-hour airport shuttle.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Bellevue At Trinity Beach, also boasting an impressive 9.8 rating. This hotel offers direct beach access and stunning ocean views, providing a beautiful backdrop for couples. It also includes a private hot tub, adding to the romantic experience. See all romantic hotels in Cairns

Question 12

What are the best hotels in Cairns near Moon River Beach?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Cairns near Moon River Beach, consider the Sea Change Beachfront Apartments, Roydon Beachfront Apartments, or Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach.

The 5-star Sea Change Beachfront Apartments, with an excellent 9.8 rating, is located just 0.8 miles from Moon River Beach. Guests consistently praise its beautiful location and friendly, helpful staff. This hotel also offers an airport shuttle service available 24 hours a day and features ocean views.

Another great option is the 4.5-star Roydon Beachfront Apartments, also rated 9.8, which is 1.1 miles from Moon River Beach. This property is highly recommended for its location in a quiet neighborhood. It also provides amenities like a pool gate and games for children.

The 4.5-star Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach, with a 9.8 rating, is 1.2 miles from Moon River Beach. Travelers appreciate its superb and quiet location and report that the rooms are clean, and the customer service is great. The hotel also offers amenities such as cribs and highchairs for children.

Question 13

When is the best time to go to Cairns?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.

This period offers consistently sunny days, lower humidity, and more comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). The dry season is ideal for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, as the waters are generally clearer, and for visiting the Daintree Rainforest, with less risk of heavy rainfall impacting your plans. It's a great time for couples and families looking to enjoy outdoor activities without the intensity of the wet season's heat and humidity.

While the dry season is popular, the shoulder months of May and October often provide a good balance of pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds, making it a great option for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Question 14

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Cairns.

Question 15

How can I save on a Cairns hotel booking with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Cairns hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 16

How much is the nightly rate at a Cairns hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Cairns often vary, but you can find a great deal from $56 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

Month	Price
January	$122
February	$124
March	$124
April	$138
May	$128
June	$146
July	$176
August	$164
September	$155
October	$142
November	$125
December	$133

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Find hotels in Cairns from $56

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Go beyond your typical stay in Cairns

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Our top choices for Cairns hotels

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Hilton Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Bailey

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Hotel Tropiq

Pullman Cairns International

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Mantra Esplanade

Oaks Cairns Hotel

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Cairns Plaza Hotel

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

The Benson Hotel

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Vacation Rentals in Cairns

Cairns Beach Resort

Where to stay in Cairns

Palm Cove

Cairns Central Business District

Trinity Beach

Tropical North Waterfront

Yorkeys Knob

Stay near popular attractions in Cairns

Cairns Esplanade

Cairns and related destinations

Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Hilton Cairns

More cheap stays in Cairns

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Hotels in Cairns with star-rating

Price trends for hotels in Cairns

Find out more about Cairns

Top reasons to visit Cairns

Find great hotels in Cairns

Where to stay in Cairns

Things to do in Cairns

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns

Find the best attractions in Cairns

Best time to go to Cairns

The nearest major airports for your trip to Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Go further with the Expedia app