How to find the best hotel deal in Cairns
Booking flights with us is a breeze, right? Well, that same clever search engine can also help you find amazing prices on Cairns hotels. Follow these hacks to uncover great prices fast.
Save on your Cairns hotel and get the room type you actually want by booking early. You'll also have more time to compare and choose the perfect place.
That said, booking at the last minute can end up being a good move. Some places cut their rates a day or two ahead of check-in to keep rooms from sitting empty.
Stay flexible with your dates, unlock better rates. Search for hotels in different seasons or months. Even going midweek (instead of weekends) can lead to huge savings.
Browse around for stays with free cancellation. Lock in a deal today and easily cancel later if your plans change.
Where to stay in Cairns
Central Cairns
To experience the best of central Cairns, you'll want to be near the attractions that inspired your visit in the first place. Here are a few standout stays close to the highlights.
Find a room at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. One of the leading hotels near Barrier Reef Park, set yourself up here and you'll be around 3 kilometres from this sight. This Cairns hotel gets a lot of bookings from couples and holds a 5-star rating.
When it comes to hotels near Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard, Crystalbrook Flynn is hard to beat. Set your bags down at this 5-star hotel in Cairns and you'll be roughly 0.32 kilometres away. While it's a crowd pleaser overall, couples find it especially appealing.
Or check current rates for hotels near Skyrail-ITM. Crystalbrook Bailey is 0.64 kilometres or so from this sight. Couples often choose this 5-star option as their base for exploring both this area and the wider city.
When to go to Cairns
If your perfect getaway involves a packed itinerary, book your hotel in Cairns in July. It's peak travel season, so be ready for the city to feel extra lively.
Enjoy a slower pace by locking in a Cairns hotel in March. This is the quietest time to visit and is usually cheaper too.
Knowing what to expect weather-wise makes planning easier. January offers the warmest conditions, with temperatures reaching a high of 31ºC.
The weather is at its coolest in August. Expect lows of 16ºC.
Search for Cairns hotels in September to enjoy mostly clear skies. Averaging one day of rain, this is the driest month.
Rain is most common in January, which gets around 16 days of wet weather.
Best hotels in Cairns
Best budget hotels
Make your travel money go further by choosing from at least ten budget Cairns hotels. Ideal for when you want to spend less on the room and more on adventures, these stays come with essentials like fresh linens and towels, and simple breakfast options.
Koala Beach Resort Cairns promises comfort without breaking the bank. Make use of a laundry, luggage storage and more at this 3-star option.
Lake Central Cairns offers conveniences such as internet access and air conditioning. Book this 3-star Cairns hotel and make the most of your trip for less.
Another easy win for your wallet is Hides Hotel. This 3-star stay features Wi-Fi in designated areas and room desks.
Best 4-star hotels in Cairns
When you want a little extra from your stay, the 4-star hotels in Cairns deliver. With around 30 choices, they generally feature well-designed rooms, exceptional service, and extras such as gyms, spas, and restaurants. These hotels feel upgraded without feeling overdone.
Golden Sands Beachfront Resort gets the 4-star guest experience right. An outdoor swimming pool and diving services help make this option a go-to for many.
A lobby bar and a pool are just some of the amenities available at Pacific Hotel Cairns. This Cairns hotel hits that sweet spot between practical and premium.
Need more to choose from? Oaks Cairns Hotel proves you don't need a fortune to feel fancy. Make the most of room service, a restaurant and more during your visit.
Best hotels in Cairns for families
Travelling with the kids? You need a hotel that brings more to the table. Baby-sitting services, cribs, kids' menus, and connecting rooms make family stays easier. You'll find roughly 20 family-friendly hotels in Cairns standing by for your crew.
If you'd like something a little more luxurious, treat everyone to a stay at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. This 5-star Cairns hotel features billiards and a pool.
Best hotels with a spa
Add some self-care to your travel plans. Book one of the 20 or so Cairns hotels with a spa and schedule in time to truly relax. Steam rooms, saunas, and beauty treatments are the types of features they offer.
Ready to hit the reset button? Make it happen at Cairns Southside International. This popular accommodation option features a spa along with other thoughtful extras.
Reef Encounter is another leading hotel in Cairns where you can let your cares fade away. Offering things like a spa and more, your every need will be taken care of here.
Best hotels with a pool
Add a splash of fun to your trip with a pool. If you choose a city hotel, expect rooftop and indoor options. Resorts? They usually come with expansive outdoor layouts and the occasional swim-up bar. There are at least 50 pool hotels in Cairns ready to put you in holiday mode.
Relaxing by the water will be high on your agenda at Koala Beach Resort Cairns. With an outdoor swimming pool, Wi-Fi and a golf course, this Cairns hotel makes it easy to recharge your batteries.
Lose track of time in the best way at Golden Sands Beachfront Resort. This popular option features an outdoor swimming pool, Wi-Fi and express check-out.
Or add a playful twist to your getaway at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. You'll have access to an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk at this hotel.
Flying to Cairns
Cairns Airport (CNS)
Book a flight to Cairns and step off the plane at Cairns Airport (CNS), the main airport for this city. It's about 5 kilometres from the centre.
The drive to central Cairns takes about 15 minutes, while public transport is roughly 25 minutes.
Koala Beach Resort Cairns is a handy place to stay if you're flying in after dark. Within easy reach of the airport, guests speak highly of this 3-star option's cleanliness.
Cairns Harbourside Hotel is a trusted 4-star stay that's also close to CNS. It's earned a solid overall rating of 4-plus out of 5 from satisfied guests.
Need another solid pick? Crystalbrook Bailey might be just the ticket. It has a 5-star rating and often appeals to couples.
