Is parking available at the hotel?

Free self-parking is available on-site, but parking is limited. No reservation is required.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

A buffet breakfast is available daily from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee of approximately AUD 33 per person. Children aged 12 and younger eat free breakfast.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.

What accessibility features does the hotel offer for guests with disabilities?

The hotel features limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and accessible public areas. However, specific facilities may vary.

What is the hotel's location in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is located in Cairns North, within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and a 3-minute drive from Cairns Night Markets. It is approximately 1.4 miles from Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and 1.5 miles from Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, which is accessible from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Please note that the pool is seasonal.

What are the hotel's policies regarding children?

Children aged 12 years and younger can stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

Does the hotel offer extra beds or cribs?

The hotel offers rollaway beds for a fee of AUD 50 per night, subject to availability. Advance request or confirmation is required.

Cairns Harbourside Hotel - Comfort and Views

Average nightly price at Cairns Harbourside Hotel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$107
February	US$107
March	US$107
April	US$107
May	US$131
June	US$125
July	US$171
August	US$165
September	US$147
October	US$129
November	US$115
December	US$116

What guests think

At Cairns Harbourside Hotel, travellers praise the friendly, helpful staff and the scenic Esplanade setting with water views, while noting the property is a 20-30 minute walk or short drive from central Cairns and many attractions.

Rooms are often spacious with balconies and views, but many feel dated, with older bathrooms, occasional maintenance issues, and unreliable in-room Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy the pool, bar and happy hour, free parking options, and a limited-hours shuttle, though the pool is unheated and on-site parking can fill. Cleanliness and housekeeping feedback ranges from spotless to inconsistent. Expect comfortable value near the water, not a modern, city-centre stay.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests like the pool, bar and happy hour and appreciate free parking, but note the pool isn’t heated and on-site spaces can be limited. A free shuttle runs to town, though hours are limited.

Related guest reviews

8

Brent

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is a good value for the money. It isn’t a luxury hotel. It is clean and the beds are great. It is in a great location. The rooms could use some renovation, but overall they are ok. We did notice mold in the heat vent above the shower. One disappointing thing was that the pool and hot tub are not heated. Beautiful pool, but no one uses it since they are not heated.

10

Gregory

4 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were great. But parking is very limited most of guest have to park in street.

8

Anna

15 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful property, friendly staff, great happy hour

10

William

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our group of 4 adults explored by rental car. The Cairns Harborside Hotel was easily located from the Cairns Airport. Staff very friendly. Both outdoor and indoor dining available. Food was good. We especially enjoyed the outdoor dining and live guitar music during Happy Hour. Harborside Hotel is an easy drive to Kuranda National Park for fun scenic railway and skyrail. --- Kuranda is a small, very modest community. Main street is filled with several empty storefronts and many tourist restaurants/souvenir shops. We were disappointed.

10

Deborah

10 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms spacious, bed very comfortable, basic amenities but good quality. Breakfast was hot and plenty of choice and free parking was an added bonus. It is quite far from Cairns night-life and after deciding to walk to our concert and back we ended up getting a taxi half way back. They do have a shuttle bus but stops running at 4:30pm which was a shame

8

Tova

7 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

PROS: FANTASTIC value for money. Excellent location, 20 mins walk to restaurants & shops. Quiet - no street noise or noise from other rooms. AMAAAAZING view from the balcony of the beach. Big rooms - we had a twin share with 2 double beds & there was tons of room to move. Super comfy beds, like sleeping on a cloud. Pillow selection with both firm & soft options. Lovely outdoor & pool areas & very clean pool & spa. Great little bar, excellent pizzas! ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL staff - super friendly, sooo helpful. CONS: Rooms could do with a refresh - our toilet seat was old & damaged, curtains were different material & colour to each other, antique heating/aircon controls. We had to ask property maintenance to fix our safe which wasn't working & to put a globe in the hall light. The ironing board was broken - they had to bring us a new one. Only 1 toilet roll for a twin room & our room wasn’t cleaned 2nd day despite hanging the sign to clean it. Pool was unheated & was FREEZING so we couldn’t swim despite the warmer winter weather - that was a shame as we were so looking forward to hanging by the pool. Buffet breakfast was $30 pp & wasn’t great for the price. All this said, we will most definitely come back & stay - the cons were no big deal compared to all the good things about the place & the staff just made it a joy to stay.

8

Hemant

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Unheated, cold pool and no indoor spa instead.

8

Paul

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I chose this property as part of an Expedia flight-hotel bundle. It’s kind of half way in between the airport and the heart of downtown Cairns. Meaning there’s not much to walk to nearby it. Except for a fabulous Thai restaurant across the street. I probably shouldn’t put the name here as this isn’t a restaurant review. But just look for a red sign with white letters and a name that’s the same word twice. lol The hotel used to be a Holiday Inn and locals still seem to know it by that name. The staff were friendly and very helpful. I just took off a star because of the location (about a 20 minute walk to the action) and the fact it’s an older property that is starting to show its age. The hotel provides a shuttle bus to downtown but it doesn’t run past 4:40 pm so is of no use for an evening out.

8

Keith

8 May 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Public areas including pool were in excellent condition. Our room was partially updated. Bathroom was dated. Staff were helpful and excellent. Poor wi-fi especially in the room. Included breakfast was good and food service from the bar area was excellent.

10

Maddison

14 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Modern hotel. Clean and comfortable. Friendly staff. Free Off street parking.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness feedback is mixed: many found rooms spotless or well maintained, but others reported mould, dust or pests and inconsistent or missed housekeeping.

Related guest reviews

6

Darryl

16 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 10 nights

In the 2 weeks that I stayed there the room was never hoovered bed sheet and pillowcases were never changed

4

Jianwei

24 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is pretty old. Based on the design and furniture, it has not been renovated for many years. The chair is dirty and has some yellow stains. There are stains and mold between shower tiles, and the tub is very slippery. many small flying bugs on ceiling and walls.

4

Sachin

14 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Cairns Harbourside was not one of the best choices, as we found the photos on Expedia not matching with reality, and house keeping was terrible. The bath towels were left with hairs and the balcony door was kept open after housekeeping was done. And... Even after mentioning this to the reception desk, they were least bothered. There was only one staff who heard us at last!

8

Morris

22 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Every staff member that we came in contact with were very welcoming, attentive and cheery. They couldn't do enough for us. The bar manager was amazing and made great selections for my daughter who is vegan. Everyone was just so welcoming and couldn't do enough for us. The downside was the cleanliness of the room. There was dust on most furniture and the carpet hadn't been vacuumed very well. The shower/bath was dirty, and the glass windows were also dirty. There were dead bugs on the furniture as well. We did opt to have our room serviced each day, however, out of the four nights, we only had our room serviced twice.

10

Sunny

27 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed here for a night before hitting the road to Cape Tribulation. We had a great stroll along the esplanade before hitting the open road in the morning. Our room was spotless and had plenty of space.

10

Victoria

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a lovely slone night stay. The communal areas particularly the pool was lovely as was the bar and restaurant area. The rooms were dated and some mould in the tiles of the bathroom but perfectly comfortable.would stay again

10

Hanife

7 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, easy check in and out, good room service option and immaculately clean room, very happy with our stay.

6

Jennifer

5 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I felt “catfished” by this hotel. It looked really nice in the pictures, but the rooms were super dingy. I had tiny bugs in my bathroom, the tiles were cracked, the shower curtain had mold…I didn’t get in until late, and called the front desk who said they would send someone up to address the issues. No one came. The next morning, I went to the front desk and told them and they did address the shower curtain and I didn’t see bugs after that. The staff were very friendly and kind - and the area is beautiful. The restaurant was convenient as well.

10

Jim

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Room was clean. Bed was very comfortable. Hotel was well positioned from both airport and city centre.

6

John

25 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Unfortunately our room was not what we expected. Very plain and we found a roach crawling by the fridge. We placed a do not enter sign on the door and the staff still came in to add more towels and left the dirty ones and did not even tidy glasses etc. Very strange and disappointing that our wishes were not respected. You must do better. Thank you.

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Rooms

Rooms are often spacious with comfortable beds and balconies offering ocean or mountain views. Many are dated with older bathrooms and fixtures; in-room Wi-Fi is frequently weak, and some note noise or aging TVs/fridges.

Related guest reviews

8

Saibeth

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfortable bed and great location for exploring Cairns. Rooms could do with double glazing as the airport is close and the helipad for the hospital even closer! All in all a great option for a night or two.

6

Siddharth

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location was good. The property is dated and needs modernisation.

8

danny

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms need updating, very old tv. Survey they could put a smart tv in. Shower is old goes hot and cold . Unsafe wiith hot water burning

8

Troy

24 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location of this property on the water is very nice. The walk along the ocean is a great way to start the morning. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Unfortunately the room was basic and a little dated. It was clean. It just needs to be updated.

8

Dawn

12 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was spacious and comfortable. Buffet breakfast is nice.

8

Luke

21 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was good, curtins could not block sun in morning but fantastic views

6

Cedric

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is very dated and need some major upgrades. Staffs were very friendly and helpful

10

Leslie

24 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room had an incredible view and balcony. It was clean and spacious. However, it lacked style. It has so much potential, but needs some decorating attention. I would stay again however because it’s in a great location and everything else was good. Just room for improving aesthetically.

8

Angelika

27 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Ein Hotel, was ich grundsätzlich als gut bewerte, sollte dann aber auch sicherstellen, dass in jedem Zimmer ausreichend WLAN zur Verfügung steht. Das WLAN war eine Katastrophe in den Zimmern.

Translate

8

Tina

24 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rigtig dårligt internet på værelserne.

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Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, accommodating and professional, with help on early check-ins, tour bookings and thoughtful touches. A few guests reported poor follow-up or unhelpful responses and early check-in or billing issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Rosalie

20 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Staff were very helpful when booking tours.

10

Angela

11 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Extended check out and a bottle of complimentary wine for our anniversary! Very impressed. We will be back! Thank you

10

Charlie

20 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

WIFI in our room was almost non-existent (116) when i contacted reception the phone was placed on hold but i could hear all the conversations going on at reception. The second time i was asked if i could hold for a few moments and then i was hung up on. The third time the phone was hung up on me without any conversation.

10

Mark

9 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Reception staff were excellent..cheerful and friendly..

10

Beth

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommended.

10

Jackie

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Staff in EVERY department performed OVER & ABOVE my expectations. The BEST hotel I've ever stayed. In Reception, the housekeeping, the kitchen, the bar, the yard staff ... wherever I came in contact with STAFF, they more than met my needs ... and then asked if there was anything else they could do. And ALL so neatly and proudly wearing their Company Uniforms. I've travelled 10 years in a good variety of hotels. This one has age showing, but remains most comfortable. Room 627 is simply brilliant. It's in a great location, too - yes, the hotel is 3 k from the CBD, but oh, how lovely and quiet that makes it! Definitiely commendable - and I HAVE already recommended it to others. Job well done Cairns Harbourside Hotel staff. Thank you so much. Jackie O'Neill

2

Henrik

26 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Called a day before arrival and asked if early check-in at 7am was possible, since we were flying all night and arriving at Cairns airport 6am... Was told that if I would accept a downgrade from the (booked and paid) Junior Suite to a standard double room they would let us check in at 7am. We arrived at 7am, tired after a very long flight, now early check-in was not possible - and they could not tell us when check-in was possible at all. The Receptionist did not care at all - and had no interest in doing anything to get us a room, did not even try. I have never been treated like that at a Hotel before. After many polite attempts, we finally got a room at 11 am - after 4 hous wait, when I called the main number and asked for help. Worst hotel experience ever (have been traveling for 30 years - professionally and privat)

10

Julie

10 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The Staff were extremely helpful and nice. We arrived hours early so I thought we would see if we could store our luggage. Turned out, we could check in. We were swimming 10 minutes later. The Buffet Breakfast was terrific- highly recommend you take up that option. What a great stay. Thank you very much

10

Erika

23 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was friendly and went above and beyond to accommodate all my requests. 10/10 would recommend and would stay again.

10

Maddison

14 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Modern hotel. Clean and comfortable. Friendly staff. Free Off street parking.

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Location

Right on the Esplanade with water views and pleasant walks; about a 20–30 minute walk or short drive to the CBD and marina. Convenient for the airport, though some mention occasional aircraft or road noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Michael

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good price, nice vibe, superb views on the ocean side. Away from the noise of the tourist area. About 1km walk along the boardwalk into the party zone.

10

Thach N

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Beatiful located along the beach, and within walking distance to the wharf.

8

Kenneth

22 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Located right across the road from the beach and walking path.

8

Andrew Geoffrey

19 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great place to stay, walking distance to CBD, great pool and bar with restaurant, easy parking, Will definitely come back for another stay

10

Michael

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is my second time staying at this hotel. It is an easy drive to and from the train station and airport. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and you get great views of either Trinity Bay or the green mountains that border the city. It is worth ordering the delicious and varied breakfast buffet. The Esplanade walkway is close to the hotel and allows you a beautiful way to see Cairns and an easy walk to the shops, restaurants, amusement park and many other sites. The staff truly make you feel welcomed and assist you in making your visit that more enjoyable. There is free wifi and a free hourly shuttle bus to the town center. The laundry service was good and same day return if you turn it in on time. The hotel will also store your luggage before you depart Cairns so you can enjoy the town without worrying about it. I went on a week-long diving trip and was returning to the hotel and they stored the bags I didn't need and gave them back to me upon my return. This is a hotel that tries to make you feel you're at home.

6

ROBERT

20 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

It was nice property but it was described as 20 minutes walk to CBD but it was actually double that time. We ended up spending $100 to hire taxis during the stay. Also the large commercial airlines flew over the hotel which made it noisy. If I did it over again I would select a hotel downtown.

8

Shahin

26 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

great place, reasonbaly good breakfast, just a bit far from city centre, about 30 minutes walk , but along the water side which is nice , not in summer though

10

Paula

3 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great location. Nice walk along the esplanade to bars and restaurants. We had a great sunrise view from our room looking out over the harbour.

10

Jenny

22 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel. Friendly staff. Good location and quiet.

10

jason

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice position right on the sea esplanade but not right in the noisy part.

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Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised for quality and variety, and many enjoyed tasty meals and happy hour, though some found the dinner menu limited and coffee average.

Related guest reviews

10

Julie

15 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The staff were very professional, welcoming and helpful. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was delicious and varied. We would definitely recommend the hotel and hope to stay again in the future

10

Randy

15 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and brilliant breakfast buffet

8

Jeanette

5 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Clean room, helpful staff. Great dining area.

10

Alice

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely being right at the Esplanade and the ocean. Helpful and pleasant staff. Wonderful breakfast buffet.

8

Jairaj

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Overall the stay was good except for the breakfast which needs more variety.

8

Craig

6 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Business hotel, fittings dated but all clean, breakfasts great value but evening menu very limited.

10

James

13 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

This was a very nice property. We enjoyed it a lot. I was sorfy the restaurant was not open for dinner, but the breakfast buffet was very nice

10

Michalynn

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Super helpful staff. Tasty dinner and breakfast. Willing to help with most anything!

8

Keith

8 May 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Public areas including pool were in excellent condition. Our room was partially updated. Bathroom was dated. Staff were helpful and excellent. Poor wi-fi especially in the room. Included breakfast was good and food service from the bar area was excellent.

10

Anand

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Lovely hotel in an excellent location Staff are very friendly and welcoming and the breakfast is adequate although a bit monotonous with the same menu everyday -discontinued the porridge after 2 days which my elderly father had for breakfast but otherwise would highly recommend it.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10 $80	11 $84	12 $87	13 $91	14 $92
15 $83	16 $89	17 $91	18 $91	19 $91	20 $91	21 $93
22 $89	23 $89	24 $91	25 $91	26 $91	27 $91	28 $93
29 $89	30 $90

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1 $91	2 $91	3 $91	4 $91	5 $93
6 $89	7 $89	8 $91	9 $91	10 $91	11 $91	12 $93
13 $90	14 $90	15 $92	16 $92	17 $91	18 $91	19 $93
20 $90	21 $90	22 $91	23 $91	24 $91	25 $108	26 $108
27 $108	28 $108	29 $123	30 $127	31 $131

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Prices for Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

King Bed Premium with Sofa

Premium Twin Seafront

Premium King Seafront Room

One Bedroom Suite with Sofa

Premium King Room

2 Double Beds Standard

2 Double Beds Standard with Sea View

One Bedroom Suite with Seaview

2 Double Beds Premium Seaview

King Bed Standard

Guest reviews of Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Prices for upcoming dates