Cairns Hotels?

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Cruiser Elite

Cruiser Elite

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Need a 5* Cairns Hotel for 5nts mid June - have booked Hilton as HH Dia but only basic room showing as available.

I really want bigger Suite type and happy to pay for that to secure EL access - how do other 5* hotels in Cairns compare please. I am certainly not wed to HH so all are on the table - must have pool though.
 
Following this thread too as I've been meaning to ask a similar question as a Cairns virgin.
 
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I prefer Port Douglas over Cairns due to better beach, proximity to outer reef, and less hectic.

There are fewer 5 star properties in Port Douglas (and I dont recommend the Mirage) but always though if budget wasnt an option one of the terrace or penthouse apartments here: Luxurious Holiday Apartments - Coconut Grove Port Douglas which each have private pools would make a nice stay. No Exec Club but they do offer option of private chef!
 
Usually stay at Shangri-La, room 3007 it's a one bedroom Suite(58m2). Royal Suite(140m2) is above it on Level 4 if you want to go all out. Executive Lounge - check. Pool - check. Best to call them rather than playing on the interwebs.
 
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What would folks recommend to someone who has 8 nights in the Cairns area. Split it between Cairns and Port Douglas? Somewhere else nearby? I think I saw some hotels/rests between the two towns. Will be mid-October if that makes any difference.

Will want to visit the reef for a snorkel. Otherwise, relax, eat, drink, swim, walks/hikes.
 
Shangri La and Hilton are showing their age. I don't mind the Hilton though as they always honour diamond to lvl 8 or 9, with a Trinity Inlet view. I was there a week ago, canapés are more substantial now than last year, but still served in the Gin Bar downstairs. Breakfast is quite a good spread in the restaurant downstairs. Late checkout is normally not a problem.
New kids on the block are Riley, Bailey and Flynn (Crystalbrook), which all present extremely well. Last year, there were a lot of "Bali" crowd at each; selfies and string bikinis and the like (but that was also true of Sheraton Grand Port Douglas). CC's at Bailey and Paper Crane at Riley were both excellent restaurants.
 
Daver6 said:
Split it between Cairns and Port Douglas?
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I would definitely split it. The new Cairns Esplanade should be finished by then (it's a bit of a mess at the moment) and there are also many dining options at the marina in front of Harbour Lights and Hilton hotels. The Reef Casino is a bit of a dive, although I sometimes stay at the attached Pullman Reef which is dated but ok. The new aquarium is great, but you can see a lot of it on the reef trip. From Cairns you can do Kuranda Rail and Skyrail combo. Reef trips are from Cairns or Port Douglas marina. There are also boats to Green and Fitzroy Island from Cairns.
From Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge is close but not swimmable right now because of the recent rain. The rainforest walk there is worth doing. Further north, Daintree River (croc trips), Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are easily accessible. October is a great time to visit as it's not too hot and before the wet season and stinger season starts.
You can stay Cairns Northern beaches in between Cairns and PD, but I would opt for Palm Cove, a lovely, restful spot right on the beach. Nu Nu restaurant in Palm Cove was been award winning for many years. My pick of restaurants in PD would be Melaleuca or Salsa's and in Cairns, CC's, Paper Crane or Dundees.
That's just a few things I thought of anyway.
 
I stayed at the Riley in January 2021, very good property. Pool is massive and pretty good for kids. Service at the pool is average though, but late night drinks at their rooftop bar was a good.
 
Daver6 said:
What would folks recommend to someone who has 8 nights in the Cairns area. Split it between Cairns and Port Douglas? Somewhere else nearby? I think I saw some hotels/rests between the two towns. Will be mid-October if that makes any difference.

Will want to visit the reef for a snorkel. Otherwise, relax, eat, drink, swim, walks/hikes.
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We're doing a similar 8 day trip in August and this time we're splitting it 3 days Cairns & 5 days PD.
Usually we go straight from the airport to PD but this time we decided to explore the area south of Cairns to Innisfail and Mission Beach. Researching it, there seems to be some interesting walks and things to see down that way to make it worth a look.

Then off to PD - having done the Daintree / Cape Tribulation etc several times they're off our list this trip and it'll be just boat trips, wine, restaurants and walks along the beach at PD this time around. We always find time for a sunset catarmaran cruise - love sailing because it's unhurried and relaxing without the sound of a motor. You might consider that too.
 
OK FWIW I have booked 5nts at Shangri-La in Cairns Jun 17 to 22 in Horizon Club room 56sq mtrs

Flexible rate direct via Shangri-La web site these 5nts cost $2,990 = $598/nt

By booking first nt direct then 4nts via Citi Prestige Stay 4 / Pay 3 promo total cost is $515 + $1,912.50 ($2,475 less $562.50 rebate) = $2,427.50 = $485.50/nt.

City have now changed supplier for hotel bookings when they changed from VISA to MC - and this rate provided is still flexible and payable at hotel on check in. Rebate is applied 5 to 6 weeks post stay. Horizon Room obviously provides access to Horizon Club (which re-opens tomorrow) and free breakfast.

Yep I am more than happy with this rate - I still have not paid a cent to Citi in annual fees on Prestige for as long as I have held this card which has gotta be close to 10years now.
 
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Cruiser Elite said:
OK FWIW I have booked 5nts at Shangri-La in Cairns Jun 17 to 22 in Horizon Club room 56sq mtrs
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Just be aware that there are Horizon Club rooms & Horizon Club rooms far, far away! Stayed once in 43 or 44 - it's a long walk! Only entrance, reception, lifts, horizon club, restaurant, bar is all in the South Tower.
 

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Limewood said:
Crystalbrook collection 3 new 5 star hotels are all open now, Riley, Baileys, Flynn all highly recommended Riley best IMO, the ocean view rooms are best.
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Bailey Residences are also great, spacious, self-contained, but only sea view up one end.
 
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