Your go-to list on where to spend your next luxury escape in Cairns.
Whether you’re looking for luxury of the five-star variety along the iconic Cairns Esplanade, a haven in the heart of the city centre, or perhaps an award-winning resort in the peaceful community of Palm Cove: you’re spoilt for choice on where to lay your head in this thriving tropical city. Check out our list below to see which Cairns hotels and resorts pique your interest.
1. Crystalbrook Riley
Best for: Responsible luxury
Part of the five-star Crystalbrook Collection portfolio, Crystalbrook Riley is a luxury resort situated on Cairns Esplanade with a huge focus on its environmental responsibility.
Spend a relaxing time with your family at the lagoon pool in Crystalbrook Riley.
Inside the beautiful yet sustainably modern rooms, choose between feature views of the Cairns city skyline, the iconic Cairns Lagoon, or spectacular Coral Sea views.
With luxury in mind, make sure to bring out the best of yourself at the resort’s Eléme Day Spa ahead of rooftop cocktails and share style Mediterranean food at Rocco or tastes of Asia with a playful spin at Paper Crane.
Enjoy your room with a view.
Address: 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City
Price: $295 – $1650 per night.
2. Crystalbrook Bailey
Best for: Appreciation for the arts
The second member in the Crystalbrook trio is the innovative Bailey known for celebrating individuality and artwork of every description. Its goal is to make art accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all so you’ll find dedicated display areas and exhibitions, as well as paint-and-sip classes, poetry recitals, or live graffiti sessions. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, transport your taste buds to the rugged Australian outback at CC’s Bar and Grill. Dog-friendly rooms are also available.
Address: 163 Abbott St, Cairns City
Price: $265 – $565
3. Crystalbrook Flynn
Best for: Entertainment
Last but not least is the life of the party Crystalbrook Flynn. From glass swimming pools and DJ sessions to direct access to the esplanade, this social butterfly wants to put on a show so be prepared to be entertained.
Take a dip at Crystalbrook Flynn.
Feast on pub classics alongside live music at Boardwalk Social, enjoy a sophisticated Italian spread at Flynn’s Italian, or treat yourself to some of the best whiskey and wine in Cairns at Whiskey and Wine. And when you’ve had enough of the limelight, retreat back to your deluxe city views rooms.
Wake up next to city views at Crystalbrook Flynn.
Address: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City
Price: $295 – $1015 per night
4. Hilton Cairns
Best for: Business trip
With first-class business facilities, an executive lounge, a mix of rooms and suites to choose from, and a fitness centre, a stay at Hilton Cairns is perfect for those dropping into Cairns for work. Grab a delicious continental or buffet breakfast at its onsite Cafe Sunrise, taste the flavours and freshness of Tropical North Queensland at Signature Restaurant, and sip your way through the extensive collection of gins and craft beers at Gin Social.
Address: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City
Price: $297 – $576 per night
5. Oaks Cairns Hotel
Best for: Simple luxury with rooftop vibes
For a sprinkle of luxury on the simpler side, consider staying at Oaks Cairns Hotel, located on Cairns Esplanade. While you won’t find a pool or balcony here, the rooms are modern, comfortable and priced at an affordable rate.
The hotel’s main attraction is the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant which serves up breakfast and sharing plates daily showcasing a unique blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. As the sun sets over the Coral Sea, the terrace transforms into a lively cocktail bar where you can take your pick of signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and botanical gins with spicy tonics.
Bottoms up at Oak & Vine restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: 59 – 63 Esplanade, Cairns City
Price: $239 – $479 per night
6. Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Best for: Families
Looking for a hotel the whole family can enjoy? Mantra Trilogy offers spacious, open-plan rooms — some with fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.
Enjoy premium comforts at Mantra Trilogy Cairns.
Kids will love the lagoon-style swimming pool (with ocean views) and children’s wading area, and there’s a 25-metre lap pool and onsite gym for the adults to enjoy too.
When you’re ready for lunch, hit the outdoor barbeque facilities before wandering to the nearby attractions along the esplanade.
Lounge and sunbathe by the pool.
Address: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City
Price: $295 – $810 per night
7. Pacific Hotel Cairns
Best for: Accessible rooms
Enjoy a stay in one of the accessible rooms at Pacific Hotel Cairns which carry a tropical paradise theme. Fitted with features that cater to every guest, there’s a wider doorway, lower benches, a walk-in shower, handrails, a specialised toilet, and elbow-operated taps.
For dinner, head downstairs to Bushfire Flame Grill, an award-winning Brazilian-inspired restaurant serving a unique Australian BBQ-style experience where the theatre of the kitchen is brought to your table.
Address: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City
Price: $232 – $421 per night
8. The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights
Best for: Rooftop swimming pool and harbour dining.
Set on the waterfront of Cairns, take your pick of harbour-view hotel rooms and one and two-bedroom apartments at The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights and you’re guaranteed an incredible view.
After a swim at the rooftop pool, there are a number of restaurants on the first floor of the hotel to try, including Australian beef from the grill or the freshest of seafood at Dundee’s, or pop into Ochre Restaurant which specialises in sustainable Australian regional produce.
Address: 1 Main Parade, Cairns City
Price: $278 – $673 per night
9. Pullman Cairns International
Best for: Large rooms and high tea
Pullman Cairns International offers the ideal fusion of convenience and comfort in the city. Its rooms are the largest in Cairns at over 40 square metres and mirror the architectural style and grandeur of the city centre’s illustrious past.
Stay in style and modern comforts at Pullman Cairns International.
The Deluxe Room Harbour View, which has plenty of natural light and stunning views of the harbour, is our top pick. From here, you can watch the boats return from a day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
Stop in for a massage at Vie Spa before indulging in the Le Papillon Seasonal High Tea which celebrates the changing seasons.
Bask in the tropical sun by the pool at Pullman Cairns International.
Address: 17 Abbott St, Cairns City
Price: $295 – $650 per night
10. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Best for: Exceptional service
Receiving worldwide recognition for its legendary hospitality, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel is known for its warm welcome (there’s a complimentary shoeshine service for one) and luxury accommodation. Each room features a private balcony overlooking either Trinity Bay, Marlin Marina, or a tropical garden.
Luxury comforts at Shangri-La The Marina.
Relax by the swimming pool with a fresh mojito or sample the flavours of Tropical North Queensland in their waterside restaurant The Backyard.
Chill on your balcony overlooking Marlin Marina.
Address: Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
Price: $295 – $620 per night.
11. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Best for: Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar
Treat yourself to five-star resort-style accommodation in the heart of Cairns at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. With its sandy lagoon-style pool boasting the only swim-up bar in Cairns, guests can relax by the pool with a drink in hand.
There are a range of bright guest rooms to choose from — each with its own private balcony or terrace with views overlooking either the lagoon pool, the hotel’s tropical gardens, or Cairns city. For sustenance, head to Moku Bar & Grill for drinks and daily specials including one kilogram of Buffalo wings for $19.
Relax by the pool with a drink in hand at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: 122 Lake St, Cairns City
Price: $247 – $399 per night
12. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Best for: Direct beach access.
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore is the only resort in Tropical North Queensland with direct beach access, making it easier than ever to unwind.
The beach is just a stone’s throw away. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
If you’re looking to drop and flop, join a beach yoga class or relax by one of the three pools (choose between family-friendly and adults-only options), indulge in a treatment at the hotel’s famed L. M. Spa, or dine at the fabulous Nu Nu beachside restaurant.
Dine by the pool. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Address: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove
Price: $650 – $1050 per night. A two-night minimum is required.
13. The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa
Best for: A couple’s retreat
Another Palm Cove favourite is The Reef House, the perfect adults-only getaway for a peaceful stay in Cairns. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a gin-infused drink and that’s just the start.
Enjoy award-winning dining on the deck overlooking the beach at Reef House Restaurant, rejuvenate in the tranquillity and heated mineral pools, join in on the daily wellness and interactive classes (including cocktail mixing and wine tasting), or relax with cruiser bikes, chess sets, the guest library, or complimentary sketch pads.
Grab a glass of wine at sundown. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Price: $700 – $1000 per night. A three-night minimum stay is required.