06 June 2025
8 mins Read
Whether you’re looking for the luxury of a five-star stay along the iconic Cairns Esplanade, a stylish 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 when it comes to Cairns hotels and resorts.
From beachfront escapes to urban retreats, Cairns in Tropical North Queensland offers something for every kind of traveller.
Check out our list below to discover some of the best hotels and resorts in Cairns and find the perfect place to lay your head in this thriving tropical destination.
The five-star Crystalbrook Riley resort features a spacious lagoon-style pool spanning over 1,000 square metres. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Stylish sustainability
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. 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, 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.
Location: 131 – 141 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Bed down at Crystalbrook Bailey. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Appreciation for the arts
The second member in the Crystalbrook trio is the innovative Bailey, known for celebrating individuality and artwork of every description. Its goal is to make art accessible, inclusive and empowering for all, so you’ll find dedicated display areas and exhibitions, as well as paint-and-sip classes, poetry recitals or live graffiti sessions.
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, transport your taste buds to the rugged Australian outback at CC’s Bar and Grill. Pet-friendly rooms are also available.
Location: 163 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Crystalbrook Flynn offers incredible views of the esplanade. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Fun and flair
Last but not least of the Crystalbrook trio is the life of the party, Crystalbrook Flynn. From glass swimming pools and DJ sessions to direct access to the esplanade, this social butterfly wants to put on a show, so be prepared to be entertained.
Feast on pub classics alongside live music at Boardwalk Social, enjoy a sophisticated Italian spread at Flynn’s Italian, or treat yourself to some of the best whiskey and wine in Cairns at Whiskey & Wine. When you’ve had enough of the limelight, retreat to your deluxe city views room.
Location: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Best for: Business trips
With first-class business facilities, an executive lounge, a mix of rooms and suites to choose from and a fitness centre, a stay at Hilton Cairns is perfect for those dropping into Cairns for work.
Peckish? Grab a delicious continental or buffet breakfast at its onsite Cafe Sunrise, taste the tropical flavours and freshness of the region at Signature Restaurant, or sip your way through the extensive collection of gins and craft beers at Gin Social.
Location: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Enjoy rooftop drinks at Oak & Vine restaurant. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Simple luxury with rooftop drinks
For a sprinkle of luxury on the simpler side, consider staying at Oaks Cairns Hotel. While you won’t find a pool or balcony here, the rooms are modern and comfortable and are priced at an affordable rate on Cairns Esplanade.
The hotel’s main attraction is the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant, serving up breakfast and share plates daily, showcasing modern Australian cuisine As the sun sets over the Coral Sea, the terrace transforms into a lively cocktail bar where you can take your pick of signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers and botanical gins with spicy tonics.
Location: 59 – 63 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Stay in a spacious room with ocean views. (Image: Mantra Trilogy Cairns)
Best for: Large groups and 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. 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 BBQ facilities before wandering to the nearby attractions along the esplanade.
Location: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Best for: Accessible rooms
Enjoy a stay in one of the accessible rooms at Pacific Hotel Cairns, which carry a tropical paradise theme. Fitted with features that cater to every guest, there’s a wider doorway, lower benches, a walk-in shower, handrails, a specialised toilet, and elbow-operated taps.
For dinner, head downstairs to Bushfire Flame Grill, an award-winning Brazilian-inspired restaurant serving a unique Australian BBQ-style experience where the theatre of the kitchen is brought to your table.
Location: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Pullman Cairns International mirrors the architectural style and grandeur of the city’s past. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Spoiling yourself
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. 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.
For an extra treat, stop in for a massage at Vie Spa before indulging in a delicious high tea experience.
Location: 17 Abbott St, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Relax by the pool with a fresh mojito. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Exceptional service and seascape views
Receiving worldwide recognition for its legendary hospitality, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel is known for its warm welcome (there’s a complimentary shoeshine service for one) and luxury accommodation.
Each room features a private balcony overlooking either Trinity Bay, Marlin Marina or a tropical garden. Relax by the swimming pool with a fresh mojito or sample the flavours of Tropical North Queensland in their waterside restaurant, The Backyard, serving modern Australian cuisine.
Location: Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Each guest room is spacious with its own private balcony. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar
Treat yourself to five-star resort-style accommodation in the heart of Cairns at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. There’s a range of bright guest rooms to choose from — each with its own private balcony or terrace with views overlooking either the lagoon pool, the hotel’s tropical gardens or Cairns city. With its sandy lagoon-style pool with a fun swim-up bar, guests can relax by the pool with a drink in hand.
For sustenance, head to Moku Bar & Grill for drinks and daily specials, including 1kg of Buffalo wings for $23.
Location: 122 Lake Street, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Laze by the outdoor pool with spa at Cairns Harbourside Hotel. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Kids stay and eat free
Located on Cairns Esplanade, check in to paradise at the family-friendly Cairns Harbourside Hotel for relaxed holiday vibes all year round. Unwind with cocktails on tap by the outdoor pool with spa, enjoy a moment of serenity in the lush secret garden, taste the local produce at the on-site Harbourside Bar & Kitchen and take advantage of the free shuttle bus to the Central Business District and night market.
Location: 209-217 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Soak up the picturesque Coral Sea from one of the pools. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Direct beach access
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore is the only resort in Tropical North Queensland with direct beach access, making it easier than ever to unwind.
If you’re looking to drop and flop, join a beach yoga class or relax by one of the three pools (choose between family-friendly and adults-only options), indulge in a treatment at the hotel’s famed L. M. Spa, or dine at the fabulous Nu Nu beachside restaurant nearby.
Location: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$$$
Take a relaxing dip in the Japanese-style pool. (Image: The Reef House Adults Retreat)
Best for: A couple’s retreat
Another Palm Cove favourite is The Reef House, the perfect adults-only getaway for a peaceful stay in Cairns. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a gin-infused drink, and that’s just the start.
Enjoy award-winning dining on the deck overlooking the beach at Reef House Restaurant, rejuvenate in the tranquillity and heated mineral pools, join in on the daily wellness and interactive classes (including cocktail mixing and wine tasting) or relax with cruiser bikes, chess sets, the guest library, or complimentary sketch pads.
Location: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$$$
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