The best area to stay in Portsmith is the city center, particularly around the Esplanade and the Cairns CBD, which offers convenient access to key attractions and services.This area is the primary hub for visitors, characterized by its waterfront promenade, the Esplanade, and its grid-like street layout within the Cairns CBD. Here, you'll find a concentration of dining options, shopping, and tour operators. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a prominent landmark, offering a large, man-made swimming facility right by the ocean.For couples, staying near the Esplanade is ideal. You'll be within walking distance of many excellent restaurants, bars, and the scenic waterfront, great for evening strolls. Many hotels in this area offer views of the Coral Sea or the lush mountains.Solo travelers will also find the Cairns CBD appealing due to its central location and easy access to public transport and tour departures for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.