Upscale places to stay in Cairns on your Queensland Holiday
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Luxury Hotels in Cairns
2.1 Cairns Aquarius
2.2 Crystalbrook Flynn
2.3 Waters Edge Apartment Cairns
2.4 Cairns Luxury Seafront Apartment
2.5 Hilton Cairns
2.6 Cairns Luxury Waterfront Apartment
2.7 Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
2.8 Vision Apartments
2.9 Crystalbrook Riley
2.10 Pullman Cairns International
2.11 Shangri-La The Marina
2.12 Crystalbrook Bailey
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Read Time: 10 Minutes
Introduction
Are you looking for luxury hotels in Cairns? Then you have come to the right place!
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or family holiday or are heading there for business or a wedding you are going to need somewhere to stay.
Unless you have family or friends that live in this part of Tropical North Queensland, this will involve booking accommodation. Sure you can book something through Air Bnb or Vrbo, but why not stay somewhere a bit more upscale?
Ok, so I know what you are thinking, luxury hotels in Cairns are expensive. Well, it might surprise you to learn that depending on what time of the year you visit this Queensland holiday destination, it can be a lot more affordable than you would imagine.
Outlined below are 12 luxury hotels in Cairns you can make a reservation at. Each of them is situated less than 1 km from the city centre and a 10-minute drive from the airport. They are also close to many of the city’s main tourist sites.
So if you need some inspiration of where you can stay during your Queensland Beach Holiday in Cairns, you can’t go wrong with any of these places.
Luxury Hotels in Cairns
Here are 12 luxury hotels in Cairns I recommend you check out when planning for your next Tropical North Queensland holiday.
Cairns Aquarius
For those searching for luxury hotels in Cairns Esplanade, the Cairns Aquarius is an excellent option.
Situated just 450 metres from the City Centre it is less than a 5-minute stroll to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. This is the departure and arrival point for many of the islands and reef cruises and tours.
For those flying in for a Cairns holiday from abroad or out of state, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive or taxi ride from Cairns airport. Similarly, the Cairns train station is just a 5-minute car ride away.
Once there, you will be able to enjoy comfortable and lavishly decorated self-contained apartments that come with full kitchens including a refrigerator, microwave and stove. They also have an excellent air conditioning system which will keep you nice and cool on those hot tropical days.
Other in-room features include a flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player, private bathroom and laundry facilities. While all of them offer partial or full ocean views.
Whilst at the hotel, guests can use two outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub and a tennis court. They can also enjoy a sauna or prepare a meal in the BBQ area.
Crystalbrook Flynn
The Crystalbrook Flynn is another of those luxury hotels in Cairns you should consider booking.
The holiday accommodation here is very stylish. Comprising attractive neutral tones and modern furniture they have been thoughtfully designed with guest comfort in mind.
Each of them features air-conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. They are also equipped with a coffee machine, flat-screen TV and desk should you need to work. Some of these Cairns hotel rooms have a balcony that showcases tremendous views of the city.
For guests’ convenience, the hotel offers free bikes which are perfect for exploring the city. They also offer private parking, an excellent restaurant, a fitness centre, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Should you fancy it, a buffet breakfast is also laid on every day, which will set you up perfectly for a day of sightseeing.
If you do decide to stay at this property, you will find yourself not far from local attractions like the Cairns Convention Centre, The Cairns Civic Theater and Cairns Regional Gallery.
Waters Edge Apartment Cairns
One of the best luxury hotels in Cairns for couples to stay at in the city is the Waters Edge Apartment Cairns.
Presenting deluxe, self-catered tourist accommodation, the property is based on the seafront in Cairns holiday. So it provides guests with an excellent base in which to explore the city.
Perfect for those who want the comfort of home, each apartment has two bathrooms, one of which includes a spa bath. It also comes with a full laundry, state-of-the-art TV, WI-Fi, ironing facilities and a security intercom to keep you safe.
One of its best features is the kitchen which is equipped with a range of appliances and stainless steel and granite decor that makes cooking both a breeze and a pleasure.
Any meals you prepare can be enjoyed on your room’s spacious balcony which will showcase either sea or esplanade views. Should you prefer to dine out, however, its position close to the Esplanade Boardwalk means there are several exceptional cafes and restaurants you can choose to visit instead.
Cairns Luxury Seafront Apartment
If you are looking for luxury hotels in Cairns, near the city centre, then look no further than the Cairns Luxury Seafront Apartment.
As its name suggests, this property directly overlooks the water, providing Queensland tourists with exceptional views out towards the Great Barrier Reef. You can also see the marina, lagoon and city centre too.
Comprising self-contained, two-bedroom deluxe apartments, this property can be found along the Cairns Esplanade, on the 7th floor of the Northshore Tower.
Providing a fully equipped kitchen, guests are also lavished with a range of complimentary amenities including smart TV’s in every bedroom, Netflix, WI-FI and a selection of sports equipment, which can be used at the parklands on the esplanade.
If you stay here you will also be given full access to the facilities at the Rydges Esplanade Resort. This includes two swimming pools, a tour desk, bar and restaurant. The latter of which is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Hilton Cairns
No list of the best luxury hotels in Cairns would be complete without adding the Hilton Cairns into the mix.
Another hotel on the Esplanade, the property is situated just a five minute stroll to the Cairns Convention Centre and CBD. It is also just a 2 minute walk to the Reef Departure Terminal, should you want to book yourself a tour.
Offering some of the city’s most recently modernised rooms, all accommodation comes with a private balcony that looks out to either the city skyline, rainforest mountains or Trinity Inlet. Beautifully designed with comfort in mind, they possess all of the little touches and mod cons you would expect from luxury hotels in Cairns.
Arguably the best thing about this property is the quality of the amenities it offers guests. This includes a big outdoor lagoon-style pool as well as a spa pool, which makes the perfect spot to bask in the Tropical Far North Queensland sun.
There is also a lovely pool bar for guests to enjoy, as well as a hotel lobby bar. For meals you can dine at one of two onsite gourmet restaurants that showcase stunning water views and an exceptional menu of meals that champion the best in local produce.
For those who would prefer to dine in their room, there is also a terrific room service menu with a wide range of choices.
Cairns Luxury Waterfront Apartment
If you think the best luxury hotels in Cairns are all situated by the beachfront then you should consider a stay at the Cairns Luxury Waterfront Apartment.
Situated within the Rydges Esplanade Resort complex, the first thing you will notice is the sensational views of Green Island and the Green Barrier Reef it offers. These are best viewed from either of the two balconies that come with each apartment.
Featuring an open-plan lounge, dining and living room area that offers plenty of space, the self-contained accommodation also comes with a fully equipped kitchen. In addition, free WI-FI, Netflix and sporting equipment are also complimentary.
Guests can also use several swimming pools found within the complex, as well as a tour booking desk. There is also a very good restaurant onsite that is open for all meals throughout the day.
The apartments are situated just 200 metres from the Cairns Base Hospital. It is also just a 10 minute stroll to the CBD and about a 10 minute drive to the airport.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Considered by some to be one of the best luxury hotels in Cairns has to offer, the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is a terrific base to enjoy your Queensland beach holiday.
One of the main reasons for staying here is that you have immediate access to the Cairns Wild Dome. This popular local attraction is situated within the complex of the hotel and features crocodiles, wallabies and koalas.
Situated just 250 metres from the Esplanade, rooms at this luxury hotel in Cairns come with balconies that look out to the Trinity Inlet or the cityscape. You can see some pretty amazing sunrises from them too.
Beautifully decorated and well appointed, these rooms all have spa baths in large bathrooms. There is also a good sized flat-screen TV and a coffee and tea maker for travellers to use.
The hotel is renowned for its exceptional amenities. This includes a rooftop swimming pool, sauna and spa pool, as well as a casino and different bars. Each of which provides a unique space and vibe in which to enjoy a drink.
For meals, the hotel provides two options. One of them is an award-winning Thai-inspired establishment called Tamarind Restaurant. The other is a more casual Flinders Bar & Grill.
Should you want to enjoy tours or activities like snorkelling, diving or a snorkelling trip to the Great Barrier Reef, there is an excellent tour desk onsite that can organise them for you.
Vision Apartments
If your idea of a dream Qld holiday involves you booking a 5 Star Aparthotel then you should be interested in what is available at Vision Apartments.
Nestled within the heart of the Esplanade, these terrific self-contained apartments feature all the trappings of an upmarket home.
Big living rooms that open up into a patio or balcony, a kitchen with full appliances, laundry facilities and a satellite TV are just some of the facilities waiting for guests at this stylish property.
Situated just 100 metres from an excellent selection of bars, shops and restaurants, these Cairns holiday apartments also offer massage service and a lovely swimming pool for you to enjoy.
Crystalbrook Riley
The Crystalbrook Riley is one of those luxury hotels in Cairns that has really raised the bar with what it offers Queensland tourists.
Enjoying a nice central location toward the northern section of the Esplanade, the hotel presents 311 upscale suites and rooms for holidaymakers to enjoy.
Most of them have their own balconies which showcase city, ocean or resort views, while family rooms are decked out with two bedrooms and bathrooms. Conveniently, all rooms have their own Apple iPad control console that features a range of apps devoted to healthy living.
They also have a huge Smart TV that is 55-inch in length which you can stream videos via Staycast by Google. As well 200 free films which you can watch.
Other facilities include a Nespresso coffee machine that comes with a selection of recyclable pods, rainforest shower head and of course free WI-FI.
Located within the hotel is a huge lagoon swimming pool with its own section of private sand that is perfect for those who want a Cairns beach holiday. There is also the excellent Eléme Day Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, three separate restaurants and Rocco, the highest rooftop bar in Cairns.
Pullman Cairns International
Undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in Cairns you can book for a Queensland holiday is the Pullman Cairns International.
Set just 500 metres away from the Cairns Pier, the hotel offers spacious rooms with good sized, private balconies that look out to the mountains, hinterland or harbour. At over 40 square metres, they are among the largest of all hotel rooms in Cairns.
Showcasing modern design and classy furnishings, rooms provide a comfortable base in which to enjoy a relaxing stay. One of the most relaxing things you can do during your stay is to be pampered at the luxury Vie Spa. Here you can indulge in a range of body scrubs, massages and other spa and treatment packages across 10 separate rooms.
This 5 star hotel also offers an excellent swimming pool for guests to enjoy, as well as a Coco’s restaurant, which plates up a delicious selection of buffet options for breakfast as well as a fabulous à la carte menu for dinner.
For cocktails, the onsite Lobby Bar is a splendid venue to enjoy exotic beverages like Passionate Scene, Peru You or the Nutbush.
Shangri-La The Marina
When it comes to luxury hotels in Cairns the Shangri-La The Marina well and truly holds its own.
Located just a stone’s throw from the Pier Shopping Centre and the Great Barrier Reef Departure terminal, this fabulous property showcases excellent views of the Cairns Marlin Marina, Trinity Bay or a tropical garden.
Best seen from the private balconies that feature in each room, if this backdrop doesn’t get you into the Queensland getaway vibe nothing will!
The stylish and comfortable rooms come with their own laptop, they also have a big flat-screen satellite TV, free WI-FI and a minibar which should ensure your stay is a very relaxed one.
When you finally tear yourself away from the views, you will be able to enjoy a swim in the hotel’s elegant swimming pool. Alternatively you can choose to work out at their state-of-the-art fitness centre.
If that seems a bit too energetic for you then you can choose to enjoy the best of Cairns North Queensland hospitality at their Backyard bar. As well as enjoying exceptional food and delicious dishes, you can even choose to go there after having your shoes polished by their complimentary shoe shine service.
Alternatively, for those who want to enjoy one of the many activities you can do in Cairns, there is also a very good tour desk onsite that will help you book some.
Crystalbrook Bailey
Even though the Crystalbrook Bailey is the last of the luxury hotels in Cairns on this list, it is by no means the least deserving of you to stay at.
Their restaurant, bar, swimming pool and fitness centre are among the best amenities you will find in any of the luxury hotels in Cairns. While their rooms feature some of the most chic designs too.
One of the closest luxury hotels in Cairns to the Airport, you will be able to enjoy watching a film or the big game on its large flat-screen TV. For those who need to get some work done there is also a large desk in your room for your laptop – which you will be able to connect to with their free WI-Fi.
As the property operates a 24-hour front desk, it doesn’t matter what time you arrive for your check in. For this reason it is one of the best luxury hotels in Cairns to stay at for international travellers.
