9 Best Hotels in Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

This attractive hotel has an enviable location near the waterfront, a flotilla of services, and classy on-site drinking and dining options. Built around a central, open-air atrium, Hilton Cairns has large, stylishly furnished rooms and suites with all the amenities you'd expect of a modern business hotel and some pleasant additions you might not, including big, breezy furnished balconies. Spa rooms have large hydrotherapy tubs for postdive-trip pummelings. Enjoy a sundowner at Gin Social, or partake from the eclectic menu at Mondo Café Bar and Grill, overlooking Trinity Inlet.

The huge lagoon-style pool—complete with swim-up bar—is the star of the show at this stylishly refurbished resort. But it also gets points for its location; close enough to the Esplanade to be convenient but far enough away to feel removed. The pool has day beds and cabanas to aid with relaxation, and a sandy beach where kids can play. It also has a great open-air restaurant, MOKU Bar & Grill, and a terrace bar.  

Part of a lively entertainment complex in the heart of Cairns, this high-end hotel has spacious rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants and bars, a theater, a casino, and an outdoor swimming pool. All accommodations have ceiling fans, plantation shutters, floor-to-ceiling windows, spa baths, and balconies. Soy Kitchen Street Food serves quality Asian dishes; the acclaimed Tamarind does contemporary cuisine with a twist; Bar36 serves up tapas and cocktails with live music acts often performing, and Flinders Bar & Grill is an inexpensive, tasty option inside the casino.

The sociable public areas at this family-friendly complex include a lovely lagoon pool, a guest laundry, and the terrific Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant & Bar. The main complex offers simple but spacious double, family, and studio rooms, some with balconies. The second-floor rooms are quieter, if you don't mind lugging your bags upstairs. Across the road are two- and three-bedroom apartments that are slightly more modern and larger and have their own, more private pool, internal laundries, and fully equipped kitchens.

The Flynn is one of three five-star Cairns properties owned by the Crystalbrook group, and it's the "fun and energetic" brand. The rooms and suites are all light and bright and thoughtfully designed, and the on-site drinking and dining options—bustling, casual Boardwalk Social; upmarket Whiskey and Wine; and classy Flynn's Italian—appeal to a sophisticated, younger crowd. Of particular note here is the glass-sided swimming pool set on a mezzanine level, providing those having a drink and snack at Boardwalk Social with a rather interesting view.

This modern, contemporary property on Cairns Esplanade is in the heart of the city, and rooms come with a view of the city, the pool, or the sea. The hotel's rooms and suites have chic finishes, a designer feel, and a plethora of amenities, from free Wi-Fi to complimentary movies to an Nespresso machine. Relax in the large resort-style pool, which has a sandy entrance ideal for kids and a view of the Esplanade, or settle in at the city's highest bar and restaurant, Rocco, or kick back on a day bed at the beach club-style rum bar Calypso Club downstairs.  For an amazing view from your bed or balcony, splurge on one of the suites or sea-view rooms and wake up to the Coral Sea greeting you each morning.

Opened in 2020, the Oaks is a much newer hotel than many in Cairns—and it shows, with smart and spacious rooms and one of the city's few rooftop bars and restaurants in Oak and Vine. This hotel is comfortable rather than luxurious, but service is friendly and efficient, and it's in the heart of the CBD opposite the lagoon.

This practicality-meets-luxury hotel near Cairns's waterfront has an impressive three-story lobby, an elegant day spa, and rooms and suites with furnished balconies. The hotel underwent a major rejuvenation in 2021, with much-needed upgrades to public spaces and rooms. All corporate facilities have also been upgraded, and the Vie Spa is also looking sparkling and new. The on-site Coco's Kitchen + Bar, which serves a buffet breakfast, plus lunches and dinners.

With chic modern decor and buzzing on-site bars and eateries, this marina-side resort is among the city's best. Outdoor areas are suitably sleek, with extensive wooden decking, a palm-shaded swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and a poolside cocktail bar. Spacious rooms and suites have muted decor, balconies, and flow-through views of the pool area and gardens, or the mountains, bay, or marina. Paying extra for a Horizon Club room or suite buys you extra amenities and services, including free Horizon Club breakfasts, and sunset drinks and canapés. There is a well-equipped business center, valet parking, and a helpful tour desk that can arrange off-site activities. The Backyard restaurant, featuring fine fresh regional produce, makes it worth dining in-house.