10 Of The Best Hotels In Cairns For That Tropical Vacay You’re Craving

If you’re looking for a taste of the quiet life without sacrificing those creature comforts, book in a night at The Reef House just north of Cairns. This boutique, colonial-style hotel offers the best escape from city life at its tranquil site in Palm Cove.

With three swimming pools, two spas, and countless tropical gardens, the Reef House promises an indulgent holiday experience unlike any other. The rooms really dial up the romance, making it the perfect stay for couples—or gal pals who don’t mind sharing a spa bath alongside a hefty glass of wine.

If you’re travelling to Cairns with kids in tow, you’re going to want a hotel with enough to keep the little monsters entertained. Cairns Colonial Club Resort is a tempting option, thanks to the family rooms it has on offer (some with kitchenettes) among 11 acres of tropical rainforest.

The children will be kept busy for hours at the playground or in one of the three lagoon-style swimming pools, plus added activities can be arranged, like nine-hole outback-themed mini golf and adrenaline-pumping pedal karts. Add in the pool bar (cocktail anyone?) and yoga classes for the adults and you’re all set for the best Cairns stay.

Fed up with pokey hotel rooms and prefer something with enough space to, well, move? You'll love the fact that Pullman Cairns International has the largest guest rooms in Cairns, coming in at over 40 sqm. If that's not enough to roam around in, you'll find the outdoor swimming pool is a top spot to explore as its surrounded by tropical gardens, and the hotel itself is just a short walk away from the popular Cairns Pier.

The on-site spa has ten treatment rooms, meaning it’s less of a challenge to score yourself that well-deserved massage after a long day lounging by the pool. BRB, just booking a flight...

Looking for a hotel that's a little fun and puts you in the heart of all the Cairns action? Set your sights on Crystalbrook Flynn. Footsteps from Cairns Esplanade boardwalk, this hotel has a whopping 311 rooms and suites, which will have you snapping Insta-worthy Coral Sea sunsets within hours of arriving.

Pay a visit to the indoor pool, and soak in the sights of palm trees swaying in the breeze as you sip on a cocktail (or two). Downstairs, you can satisfy your carb-cravings with a gastro-pub feast at Boardwalk Social. Count. Us. In. 

Love your holidays with a serving of art on the side? Crystalbrook Bailey is a five-star hotel that has dedicated art spaces on every floor. Every one is designed to feature a different artist, and when you pair that with stylish accommodation, a rooftop pool and sweeping views of the city, you're in for a memorable stay.

Prefer to wine and dine your way to happiness? No worries. Grab at table at the hotel's sustainable wine bar Arte and sample the delicious drops on offer. Or order yourself some frozen margs and a taco from Pachamama, the Mexican-inspired open-air bar on the hotel's roof and get the party started early.

Live like a celeb with a five-star stay at this Shangri-La hotel offering the best waterfront views of Cairns Marlin Marina. You’re just three minutes’ walk to the Great Barrier Reef departure terminal here, which is handy if you’re in the market for some world-class snorkelling.

Take a load off on your own private balcony before heading to the hotel's on-site eatery, The Backyard, for a pre-dinner bevvy while you watch the boats glide by. There’s an outdoor swimming pool for lazing in at this Cairns hotel and a well-equipped fitness centre so you can get a spot of cardio in too.

Okay, okay—so we’re a little obsessed with Crystalbrook. Can you blame us? If you thought Bailey and Flynn were worth a visit, you won’t want to miss a trip to Riley.

This hotel takes luxe to the next level—think a complimentary pillow menu, extra towels and coffee pods all ordered through a tablet kept by the bed. Their man-made beach is guaranteed to become the star of your Insta feed; that is, if you can pull yourself away from the rooftop bar (we couldn’t). 

Looking for a spot where you can both relax and play? The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino offers some top-class Cairns accommodation as well as four bars with live music and a casino. 

Described as “Tropical North Queensland’s most prestigious hotel”, it not only looks pretty fancy, but it practically guarantees you’ll have a whole lotta fun, thanks to its variety of award-winning restaurants and selection of gaming machines and table games (you know the deal, always gamble responsibly). If you’re not checking out the entertainment, we reckon we’ll find you at the lush rooftop swimming pool, or having a moment in the on-site spa or sauna.

Knock back a pina colada poolside thanks to the swim-up bar at Novotel’s Cairns Oasis Resort. They have a separate children’s pool and kid’s club so you can enjoy a cheeky tipple without having to keep one eye on the littlies at the same time.

After all that hard work, why not treat yourself to a facial at Novotel’s on-site spa, and feel all your worries wash away? Novotel offers all the benefits of Bali but without the hassle of a six-hour flight and that inevitable Bali belly.

With the beachfront on one side, and lush rainforest on the other, Oaks Cairns offers the best of both worlds. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and soak up the salty sea air as you duck in to the city’s coolest restaurants and rooftop bars.

The night markets are only just downstairs, along with the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. We hate to say it, but this seaside swimming hole puts Brissy’s Streets Beach to shame. The hotel’s spacious rooms and modern amenities are like a home away from home—unless you’re anything like us, in which case it’s much, much nicer.