As a self-confessed tourist town, Cairns has a generous selection of stays. While (like everywhere), prices are creeping up year on year, you still get more bang for your buck here compared to southern spots like Noosa, Byron and the big cities.
Cairns houses quite a few Queenslander-style hotels, some of which have seen better days and need a revamp, but others are a good option for those on a budget. There’s also a growing number of plusher 5* pads like the Sheraton, Pullman or Crystalbrook’s recent trio of sustainable-lux hotels. Pretty much all come with a pool as a standard, which will be much appreciated for most of the year!
While I’ve personally stayed in many of these hotels, the ones where my head hasn’t physically touched the pillow have been thoroughly researched. After 14 years of extensive travel and running my own holiday stay in Western Australia, I’ve got a pretty good eye for sniffing out the goodies. I’ve also had to ditch a few since I first wrote this article.
Okay, let’s get cracking with finding you a place to stay in Cairns. ✣
My top hotel picks in Cairns
This article is pretty meaty, so here’s a quick low-down for all youse who need answers now! These are my top accommodation picks in Cairns.
- Best value accommodation in central Cairns under $200: Pacific Hotel
- Best Cairns hotel in a heritage Queenslander: Floriana Boutique
- For something a bit bougie on Cairns Esplanade: Riley Resort
- My favourite place to stay in Cairns for the views: Hilton
- Best beachside resort in Palm Cove: Alamada
- My pick for families: Mango Villa
Lowdown of where to stay in Cairns
The Centre & Esplanade
When I stay in Cairns, I prefer to be somewhere within walking distance of all the goodies, so I don’t have to bother with an Uber. My favourite spots are by the Marina and Wharf Street, or along the Esplanade for a water view. If staying along the esplanade, I prefer the north side of the lagoon (away from the Night Market mall) to avoid the noisy crowds after dark.
I’d also recommend avoiding accommodation around Sheridan Street, as it’s the main road through Cairns and gets busy, unless the hotel has good double glazing. The noise can penetrate pretty well through these wooden Queenslanders!
However, wherever you stay, Cairns is only a medium-sized city, so even if your accommodation is in the outskirts, it won’t take long to get downtown. A lovely local suburb I like is Edge Hill (near the Botanical Gardens), which is leafy and close to many hiking trails, and has some good neighbourhood eateries. It’s best to have a car if you’re staying here though. Uber works great in Cairns, but it can get expensive.
The Northern Beaches
If you’re seeking more beach vibes, then you’ll probably want to stay in one of the Cairns Northern Beaches (there are 8 in total). Palm Cove is the most popular and my favourite. It’s pretty and palm-lined, with the widest range of hotels, great restaurants (don’t miss Nunu!) and boutiques, and it still has a chilled, holiday vibe.
Although if you plan on doing reef trips and other activities in Cairns, then it’s a half-hour ride to the reef terminal and the centre of town, so it’s best to hire a car if you stay here.
There is a cheap, public bus service that goes from Cairns to Palm Cove- Route 110 (just 50 cents per ride), though the travel time is about 50 minutes, and probably not something you want to be waiting around for on holiday!
Another consideration is staying in Cairns for 2-5 days to check it out and book a couple of activities, and then head up the coast to Port Douglas. Although I might be biased, I’d choose Port over Palm Cove for a holiday because it’s bigger so feels less busy, and has more to do. Click here to see what to do there, or where to stay.
Should you stay on the islands near Cairns?
The closest islands to Cairns are Green Island and Fitzroy Island. Both can be reached by ferry from Cairns in about 45 minutes (read more about the islands and how to get there in this post). Both islands have one resort, however, I wouldn’t recommend staying there for the majority of your stay.
If I were to book one over the other, it’d be Fitzroy as I prefer the island itself. It’s great for both snorkelling and hiking, and it’s much bigger than Greenie (339 hectares, compared to Green Island’s 12). Because of its size, it doesn’t feel crammed with day trippers, which Green Island did on my visit.
We enjoyed Fitzy so much when we last came that I wished I’d booked a night or two, but the resort itself is said to need some TLC, and the restaurant is average at best. Prices start at $209 per night to stay at Fitzroy Island Resort, and the ferry is extra (currently $67 return). You can also camp overnight, which we did once, although that’s easier if you have your own boat! (We were guests with Bretto at Windswell in Port Douglas).
Green Island Resort receives marginally better reviews, though my Melburnian buddy who came here a few years ago said it’s in need of an update and was disappointed with the food offerings (I’m not sure if there have been any upgrades since then). Staying here is also more than double the price of Fitzroy, starting at $500 per night, although transfers are included.
Best Places to Stay in Cairns, Australia (2026)
// Accommodation in Central Cairns & the Esplanade
If you’re keeping everything in walking distance of the action, here are my top picks on a range of mid-range and luxury stays, starting with the most budget-friendly.
1. Park Regis City Quays
- Great for those on a budget
- Location: A hop away from Wharf Street [map]
I probably booked this accommodation the most when we visited Cairns. Don’t expect the Hilton- it’s a pretty basic set-up, but the hotel is well maintained and has everything you need, the rooms are well priced, and the location is great. If you’re staying just for a couple of nights, then this is a solid, no-frills option.
Park Regis is at the quieter end of the marina, which is a great area to walk around or go for a morning run. You can grab a coffee or brunch at Wharf One Cafe, or a beer at Hemingway’s Brewery (or a nightcap at the Conservatory Bar downstairs, with the Brit boss Ross 😉). They have paid parking, but we normally go across the road for a very reasonable $5 per day.
This hotel is a good pick if you’re here for a shorter stay and want comfort and convenience for a great price.
- Room rates are from $149 AUD per night. If you want more space, the 1-bed apartments are just a fraction more and offer a generous 55 m². I always book my stays with Booking.com for flexibility and Genius discount offers, or book direct.
2. Pacific Hotel Cairns
- Best place to stay in Cairns under $200
- Location: Cairns Esplanade [map]
We’ve booked here a couple of times and really enjoyed our stay. It’s right in town, so the location is perfect, and their modernised rooms are really well styled with a tropical theme.
I loved staying in the room opposite the pool for easy access, and it’s a great area to sit and sip your morning cuppa. The pool area also gets sun throughout the day. 🙌🏼
If you stay, make sure you book a newly renovated room (which has double glazing) as standard rooms get pretty noisy if they face the main road- we stayed in one and had to move rooms after the first night.
- Rooms start from $179 AUD per night for 2 people with Booking.com’s Genius discount, or $199 if you book direct.
3. Floriana Boutique Hotel
- Best heritage-listed Queenslander in Cairns
- Location: Northern end of Cairns Esplanade [map]
If you want something more heritage and homely rather than a cardboard-cut-out hotel chain, then Floriana looks like a great choice. This beautifully restored Queenslander was originally built in the 1930’s by a Maltese family, and it is the last heritage-listed guesthouse in Cairns (that’s not a pub, aka ‘Hotel’). It seems like a lot of love went into restoring it in 2019; now it’s a stylish, contemporary stay with Art Deco nods to the past.
The rooms look super cosy, charming and bright, and with prices starting at $200 per night, it seems like great value. While I haven’t stayed here personally, the reviews speak for themselves. I would be very tempted to book here on my next stay in Cairns.
It’s perched at the end of the Esplanade in Cairns North, so it’ll take about 30 minutes to reach the Reef Fleet Terminal in Central Cairns on foot. But a perk to being up here is that it’ll be quieter (or, if you don’t mind being in on the action, you may prefer Oaks Cairns Hotel). There’s a Mediterranean restaurant on site too, although the reviews are mixed.
Note that if you have a car, it’s street parking only (except from 12:30 pm to 6 pm).
- Prices start from $200 per night. Check out their reviews on Booking.com and book with extra flexibility, or visit their website.
4. Pullman Cairns International
- Cairns’ cheapest 5* hotel
- Location: Central Cairns, a hop away from Wharf St [map]
We had a great stay at Pullman when we moved back to the region in 2019, as you’d expect from this chain. It’s positioned near the marina and all its perks, but at a quieter location on Abbot Street (and, conveniently next door to a great Italian restaurant, Piccolo Cucina, and a couple of doors down from The Three Wolves cocktail bar).
The building is really grand and stunning, and the King Rooms are a generous 40 m² with an extra-large bed and balcony, which was appreciated. Our room was a little tired on our visit, but it’s been recently rejuvenated and comes with little extras like a Nespresso coffee machine.
The staff were also very friendly, and we enjoyed grabbing a nightcap at their ground-floor bar. We didn’t get to use their facilities, but they have an outdoor pool, hot tub and a gym, plus a Spa if you’re after something special.
- Rooms start from around $216 AUD per night for two people via Booking.com which is great for a 5* hotel, or see their web.
5. Cairns Plaza Hotel
- Spacious stay on the esplanade
- Location: Cairns Esplanade [map]
Cairns Plaza Hotel is perched in a great spot on the quieter end of the Esplanade, just behind Muddy’s Cafe (guests can enjoy 10% off), and it’s a scenic 10-minute stroll into town.
For a little extra, we booked a suite which was nice and spacious at 50 m², with a partial water view and a balcony. The room was clean and comfy, and the hotel is still very well reviewed since I last stayed. They also have free parking on-site.
- I’ve stayed here a couple of times and thought it was excellent value for what you get. Although prices have risen quite a bit since we stayed (we paid $120 a night, now $220 with a Genius discount on Booking.com, or check out their web), I still think it’s a good option.
6. Hilton Cairns
- Best stay for the views
- Location: Cairns Esplanade [map]
We stayed at the Hilton Cairns on a pretty sweet locals’ package. In addition to a discounted rate of $150 per night, we also got a $50 daily dining credit, and they upgraded us to their Deluxe King Waterview Room (not quite sure how we deserved it!), which really made the trip. It overlooked the marina, creek and ranges, which is by far the best view I’ve had in Cairns yet. It was also a peaceful spot to watch the lorikeets come to roost at dusk. They’re one hell of a noisy crew! But it’s a good noise.
The hotel has an outdoor pool, although a bit cold for me during the cooler months unless the sun is pounding (I’ve fully acclimatised to the steamy tropics!). Their hot jacuzzi made up for it though. My only critique is that it had way too much chlorine, and the pool bar was closed… I guess because of ‘Rona though so can’t be helped.
The hotel itself is quite big and the rooms are getting a little tired. I’m not sure the experience would have the same wow factor without the view, which normally you have to pay a premium for.
- Price starts from $225. Check them out on Booking.com, or visit their web.
7. Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel
- Stylish city hotel
- Location: A hop away from the Esplanade [map]
Dubai-based billionaire Ghassan Aboud has transformed the hotel scene in Cairns with the fairly recent opening of three Crystalbrook hotels, all within 18 months! A bit ambitious perhaps, but it’s been a welcome addition to what was a slightly dated hotel scene here.
Bailey was the second Crystalbrook hotel to open in Cairns. I heard that all three of Ghassan’s hotels are branded after his children, so Bailey is the “arty” child. Our room was well designed and to a high standard, though it felt a bit small compared to other hotels in Cairns (26 m²), and there was no balcony, so it felt a bit contained. Cairns is a wonderfully scenic city, so I think they missed a trick here.
Facilities include a gym and a small swimming pool, which doesn’t seem big enough to accommodate all guests. Although Bailey does have the city’s best steakhouse downstairs (which is the only nice Crystalbrook restaurant), with all meat coming from their ranch on the Atherton Tablelands. Our breakfast was a simple but tasty packed brekkie due to Rona, with pastries, fruit, fresh coffee and local Mungalli yoghurt.
- Prices start From $255 AUD per night for two people. Check their reviews and book here, or see their web.
8. Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel
- Modern hotel right in the action
- Location: Practically on the Esplanade [map]
Flynn is located right in the heart of the Esplanade and is known as the “wild” child and social butterfly. It’s easy to see why. They have a large open-plan eating area downstairs called Boardwalk Social which always looks vibey on the weekends with live music or entertainment. But don’t worry, all rooms are soundproofed.
We recently came for a sundowner at their stylish yet chilled Whiskey & Wine Bar, which has a large terrace and awesome views of Cairns esplanade.
Their pool is just next to it, and although on the small side, it looks pretty gorgeous as it’s also open to the views. It’s only available for guests, but visitors are free to use the pool on the first floor above Boardwalk Social, if you dare to brave the all-can-see glass side! Flynn also has an Italian restaurant on site.
Rooms here are modern and to the same high finish as Bailey and Riley, though a tad smaller due to its even more central location. However on the plus, most rooms also come with a balcony.
- Prices start at $255 per night for two, plus an extra $20 if you need parking- see more here on Booking.com, or visit their web.
9. Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort
- The best 5* resort in Cairns
- Location: Cairns Esplanade [map]
Although I haven’t yet stayed at Riley (still waiting for that special occasion), I used to regularly visit their rooftop bar Rocco’s- which is a great spot for a sundowner (remember closed shoes if you’re a guy!), as is their more casual ground floor bar, in case you’re wearing thongs. 😉 I don’t rate their restaurants here though.
Riley is the priciest of all 3 Crystalbrook hotels in Cairns, as the location is in a better spot by the Esplanade overlooking the water (though, it’s quite a bit extra for a room with a sea view!) and their rooms are also more spacious , at 32 m². The downstairs pool & jacuzzi always look very inviting, and their rooms look beautifully decorated. All Crystalbrook’s hotels are 5* and the brand says they’re committed to sustainable luxury.
- If you have the budget to fork out a bit extra, then Riley would be my first choice. Prices start from around $325 AUD per night for 2 people via Booking.com, or see their website.
@travel_mermaidRiley’s Resort in ##Cairns♬ original sound – travel_mermaid
10. Lily Pad Inn
- Cairns’ most luxurious Airbnb
- Location: Northern end of Cairns Esplanade [map]
Getting away from the hotel chains again, for something a little different and special, this Airbnb looks like a luxurious and cosy home-away-from-home.
Hosts Matt & Dan have created a beautifully styled boutique stay, just 2 streets away from Cairns Esplanade. As horticulturalists by trade, they have created an idyllic botanic garden in the private courtyard that leads off the master suite, making the pad look wrapped in nature. The hosts live on site, but give you all the space and privacy you need, and have a separate entrance. While I haven’t stayed here myself, the reviews speak for themselves.
- The suite is $350 per night, book via Airbnb.
// Best accommodation in Palm Cove
As Palm Cove is the most sought-after beach destination that’s closest to Cairns, accommodation here is generally quite a bit pricier than in the city. Compared to Cairns, expect to pay at least $100 more for a stay of an equivalent calibre per night.
Being a relatively small beach town, most hotels here are by the water’s edge, but even if you’re staying at the other end (closer to the highway), it’s only 1km into the esplanade.
Compared to Cairns, Palm Cove’s hotel offerings are a little dated, as there haven’t been the same level of renovations or new builds here yet. These are the places I’d recommend staying at in Palm Cove for quality of offerings and reviews vs price point.
11. Alamanda
- Best 5* beach resort in Palm Cove
- Location: Cairns Esplanade [map]
I think Alamanda is probably the best affordable luxe stay in Palm Cove. The resort is just across from the beach and close to everything (including having Nunu just in front of it, which is one of my favourite restaurants in Far North Queensland!).
The 1-4-bedroom apartments have a beachy style and are very spacious, starting at 85 m², so you can spread out. Each one has a sizey balcony and a full kitchen including a Nespresso coffee machine, which is a nice bonus.
The resort itself has all you could want, from multiple pools, a spa, a gym and free daily yoga on the beach.
- If you’re a Booking.com Genius Level 3 member (like moi), then you can bag a room here for 20% off at $288 per night. Otherwise, for Level 2 members, it’s 15% off at $306, or $360 without. Book via Booking.com or their website.
12. The Sebel
- Best value resort in Palm Cove under $200
- Location: A 5-minute drive from the beach [map]
For something cheaper and less resort-like, but still comfy and good-value, then The Sebel would be my top choice for a shorter stay. While I haven’t slept at this hotel before, it receives great reviews, and it’s a few minutes’ walk from the esplanade where it’ll be a little more peaceful.
The apartments have been recently refurbished so they’re modern and spacious (42m²) with a King Bed. The resort has a pool and free street parking, which is handy if you have a car as parking on the esplanade can be a bit of a mission during the peak season and weekends.
- There’s a 2-night minimum to stay here. Prices start from $183 per night for a studio. See their reviews on Booking.com, or visit their web.
// Bonus beachside stay in Cairns!
There are 8 northern beaches in Cairns, and while Palm Cove is the best for a holiday, it’s also the busiest, so you may want to consider one of the others for something more peaceful or less touristy.
I really like Clifton Beach. It’s just next door to Palm Cove, so you could technically walk down the beach (about 3kms) to access its restaurants and boutiques, or it’s just a 5-minute drive.
There are a few stays here on Booking.com, most are a 2-3 night minimum, with a combination of whole villas and apartments. This would be one I’d go for myself.
Mango Wood Villa // Clifton Beach
- My top pick for a peaceful and private family stay
- Location: Cairns Esplanade [map]
Mango Villa is just a 5-minute walk to Clifton Beach. With 4 bedrooms, beach-luxe furnishings, and a good-sized pool, it’s a great option for families and larger groups, or for folks seeking more space, privacy, and peace and quiet.
The place is huge (340 m²) and awesome value for what you get, with ample indoor and outdoor living space, including a barbecue for cooking a few balmy snags.
- There’s a 3-night minimum to stay. The place is managed by Cozie Homes and listed on the major platforms. Bookings can be made via Booking.com (cheaper, at $372 per night), or Airbnb (listed at $431 per night).
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I hope you found my accommodation picks in Cairns useful. I knew all those staycays would come in handy at some point. 😉
For a small city, it’s got a generous selection of hotels, and it’s often slightly cheaper to stay here than in neighbouring areas because there’s more competition.
If you’re planning to stay in Port Douglas or the Atherton Tablelands, then I’ve also written up my top places to stay there. Or for accommodation in the Daintree, I’ve added some recommendations at the end of this post. Otherwise, free to comment below if you have any questions or think there’s anywhere I’ve missed!x
Map of all the hotels in Cairns
In case you want to compare the pair and see what else is out there, check out the full array of stays in Cairns.
Sticking around?… now you’ve got your accommodation sorted, check out some of the fun things to do in Cairns, or if you’re like me, start by pinning the city’s best restaurants!