We will be staying in the city of Cairns for 3 days in February... looking for sugestions on hotels - even if it's just someplace to avoid. 3 adults. Looking more for a full service hotel than a B&B. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

I'd suggest the Oasis Resort Hotel in Lake Street which is handy for the centre of Cairns and not far from the Esplanade - reasonable price and has a lovely pool area.

If you're looking for 5 star the only two are Sofitel Reef Casino (excellent Thai restaurant, Tamarind) and the new Shangri-la which is right on waterfront. Haven't eaten there yet but believe its very expensive.

Oasis is good value and well-positioned, as Sunbird says. Also Outrigger on the Esplanade is worth a look at. Hilton is being refurbished, some floors are completed and Cairns International is good. Lovely foyer and bar area - fine dining in Kingsford Room

and innovative and inexpensive lunch buffet in Coco's.

There's a new boardwalk in front of Shangri-la with several open-air restaurants overlooking the harbour, lovely on a warm evening - Donnini's Ciao Italia is our favourite.

Has anyone ever tried the Rydges Esplanade Hotel? We've been recommended it by somebody, but don't know much about it.

The photos online are pretty old, has anyone stayed there recently?