Name: Cairns Plaza Hotel
Address: 145 The Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, Cairns, Queensland, AU
Price range: $118–$182 per night
Rating: 8.68

What guests think

Cairns Plaza Hotel is praised for its quiet yet convenient Esplanade location and friendly 24/7 staff, with many spacious rooms offering balconies and water views, making it a good value base for families and short stays.

Guests appreciate the refurbished pool, generally easy on-site parking, and a handy guest laundry, while noting the property lacks an on-site restaurant. Several reviews mention an older building with small or dated bathrooms, occasional weak water pressure or noisy air conditioning, and limited soundproofing that allows noise from corridors, lifts, streets, or neighboring rooms. Cleanliness is usually rated highly with regular servicing, though a few stays reported lapses such as missed bathroom cleaning, mold, or unpleasant odors. Expect a comfortable stay with simple amenities.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests highlight the refurbished pool, convenient free on-site parking, and a useful guest laundry. There is no on-site restaurant.

Related guest reviews

10

Mercedes

Jul 4, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location is wonderful bc it is on the Esplanade... so literally on the sidewalk where the restaurants and shops are located and only 10 mins from the boats to the reef. Staff was helpful. The apt was very spacious, lovely balcony, good kitchenette, and closet space. They don't serve breakfast but there are nearby convenience shops and restaurants within 5 mins walking.

10

Sam

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

New pool area was great and staff were lovely. It feels like they are doing their best with an old building. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Walkable distance from the shops and Muddy’s playground and cafe is right outside if you can’t be bothered walking. Top tip: great food in muddy’s but be prepared for the wait as it gets very busy.

10

Joanne

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Large, clean and modern rooms. Inviting pool area.

10

X

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

It was an absolutely amazing experience at Cairns Plaza Hotel!!! We stayed here for four nights. This hotel is underrated! They are located about than 10 mins walk away from the lagoon. I can't say enough about the amenities they provide!! So thoughtful selections - excellent free Wi-Fi, located at CBD, a kitchenette that even includes milk, tea, coffee, cookie! The guest laundry is on the 1st floor.. just $4 for wash and $4 for dry.. very quick machines! There is a beautiful swimming pool, including towels. They even placed novels for us to borrow! I love their customer service!! They have always been so kind and confident in their response and knowledge to my queries about the night market, restaurants availability! I moved from Cairns Colonial Resort after a night stay because their Wi-Fi was minimal and when I spoke to this resort about maybe options to pay for better Wi-Fi, they didn't care. Another major difference between these two hotels are - Cairns Plaza Hotel staff offered to email me when the room was available... Whereas Cairns Colonial Resort staff told me don't depend on her to email me to notify me when the room was ready!!

10

John

Feb 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very nice medium-sized hotel on The Esplanade about 3 blocks out of Downtown Cairns. Location is perfect. appears to be recently renovated, large room, comfortable bed, good WIFI and large flatscreen TV. Very helpful front desk staff and wonderful new pool.

10

Elena

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Мы брали люкс с видом на море и он прекрасен. Чистый номер с шикарным видом и всем необходимым. Расположен рядом с прогрулочной набережной и детской площадкой. Очень приветливый персонал в отеле и круглосуточная стойка регистрации. Есть стиральная машина и сушильная, что очень важно, когда вы в длинном путешествии.

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10

Martyn

Oct 28, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Not enough storage space. Good free to use car park.

10

Josephine

Jun 20, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Suite with large lounge and separate bedroom was more than adequate for my stay and had a water view. The hotel was lovely and quiet in a very convenient position for accessing the many dining and entertainment spots in the area. No restaurant on site but great breakfast just accross the road at Muddy's cafe. Checking in was easy and staff very helpful and polite. Had a great stay and would book again.

10

Colin

Jul 11, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Very nice stay in the Plaza, in a lovely location on the esplanade, no problem with parking, nice sized room with lovely comfy bed and all the amenities you would want, also balcony with nice view

10

Ian

Jan 14, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Amazing sea views and lovely spacious suite. The pool area has recently been refurbished. Pool was lovely and warm for a dip. Lots of options in nearby restaurants for breakfast and other dining. Lovely board walk along the sea front just across the road in front of the hotel.

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Cleanliness

Most reviews describe rooms as clean and well maintained with regular servicing. A minority report issues such as missed bathroom cleaning, mold, or unpleasant odors.

Related guest reviews

8

Feng Shan

Dec 5, 2024

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The location of the hotel is very good. It is located on the Esplanade, where many restaurants and shops are operating there. The room is clean and with a reasonable space for 2 people. The tiles in the toilet and bathroom are not so clean. I think it may be a little bit common for aged hotels. The bedroom is very clean.

8

Jay

Feb 10, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Property is at a great location. We had the ocean view patio and it was great. Staff was very helpful and courteous. Less than 10 minutes walk from many dining options and the piers. Room cleanliness can be improved. Glasses, cups, etc., were not clean.

8

Jermilia

Jul 8, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Great place to stay and generally clean except shower which had mould.

10

Richard

Nov 11, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

The hotel was clean and comfortable and the staff was very accommodating and helpful.

8

Mario

Jul 10, 2025

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Stayed 5 nights

Location ist super, alles ist fußläufig super erreichbar. Unterkunft ist aber ziemlich in die Jahre gekommen und ist an vielen Stellen sehr abgenutzt. Bei der Ankunft war die Toilette nicht richtig sauber und es waren Haare im Bad. Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.

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8

Harold

Nov 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room. Exceptionally helpful staff.

10

David

Jan 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything clean and well-maintained

8

Anisa

Nov 11, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

We had a good experience overall . The facilities are basic the reception staff is amazing . The cleanliness is average , I don’t know what happened 1 day but the cleaner didn’t clean the room properly . We left in the morning and When we came back in the evening the toilet stinks wee and poo. The floor was wiped only with tissues some pieces were left on the floor . I spoken to the receptionist she came checked and the next day our room was spotless

2

Arisa

Oct 20, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

Super unpleasant! Super unsanitary! ! Super worst! ! ! 2023/10/14 We stayed in Cairns Plaza Hotel room 408 with 3 people baby. When I lifted the toilet seat cover to use the toilet, the inside of the toilet bowl was sticky with yellow liquid. I was shocked at how dirty it was and went to the front desk to complain. I was told that I had already finished cleaning my room and wouldn't be back until tomorrow, so I couldn't do anything! He didn't even come to check! It was a mistake to choose the Plaza Hotel for our last stay in Cairns. I have stayed in many hotels, but this is the first time I have stayed in a hotel that was so unsanitary, uncomfortable, and had such poor service. I don't think there is any other hotel other than the Plaza Hotel where you have to clean the toilet first when you enter the room.I feel bad, but I took a photo and will send it to you. evidence. How can you explain? PS; They said there would be 3 people staying, but they only had 2 blankets. Is the lighting on the living room wall broken? It's blinking and won't light up. One side of the shade lamp next to the sofa is broken (does not light up)

10

Jennifer

Jul 27, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great hotel with excellent staff who go above and beyond to be welcoming. Hotel has a wonderful location with very spacious and clean rooms. Really enjoyed our stay

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Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious with balconies and water views, and beds are comfortable. Some bathrooms are small or dated, and limited soundproofing and occasional AC or water-pressure issues can affect comfort.

Related guest reviews

6

David

Oct 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The shower was terrible, no water pressure. The rooms are not sound proofed. We could hear the bathroom of the room above us being used. The staff were very friendly, and it was nice to have the room serviced daily. We had no trouble with car parking even though there were not many spaces. Location was great, close enough to walk everywhere.

8

Richard

Nov 13, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Great 1 bedroom suite. Very comfortable separate bedroom. Good TV. Nice view to water. Great location a little away from noisy central area. Bathroom a little small and dated. Otherwise excellent.

8

Katherine

Aug 16, 2024

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Stayed 4 nights

Very spacious room with comfortable bed. We were grateful to be in our room earlier with a small fee due to an early arrival. The only thing that was a bit annoying was hearing the lift ding into the night and the corridor outside being noisy when people were arriving back or leaving due to the timber floors

10

Barry

Jul 5, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Fantastic room on the 6th floor - great view over the Esplanade & out to sea, spacious apartment, comfortable & good value IMO. Staff were also fantastic

10

Joanne

Jul 12, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Large, clean and modern rooms. Inviting pool area.

10

CARRIE-LYN

May 26, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Good enough location towards the end of the esplanade (opposite to where most of the life is but probably only 15 walk along the board walk). Lovely staff who gave recommendations and organised taxi for us. Room is getting a little worn but grand if you’re out all day. The windows are single glazed and we were woken one night by a couple having a drunken row (not the hotels fault!).

10

Jenna

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

This was our 9th trip to Cairns and the first time staying at the Cairns Plaza Hotel, which is by far out favourite place to stay now. It is located in a quieter end of the esplanade which we really enjoyed but still well within walking distance of downtown Cairns. The hotel was very clean, staff were exceptionally helpful, and the room was comfortable and very spacious.

10

Jillian Mary

Jul 4, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Stayed in a 1 bedroom suite - great value. Reception staff friendly and efficient. Very comfortable sofa and bed. Lovely view over the Esplanade from balcony. Easy walking distance to hospitals, Cairns Central, Waterfront, cafes and restaurants. You can also use the pool and bathroom facilities after checking out - very handy if on a late flight.

10

Pamela

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I love the location, right on the Esplanade and a short walk to the CBD with numerous dining options. The view over the harbour is amazing and there is plenty of on site parking. The rooms are spacious with small balconies

10

Myriam

Apr 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Pros: Staff is available 24/7 and super friendly and helpful. My unit was super spacious. Beds and pillows were comfy. The pool area is clean and well maintained. The view from the balconies is gorgeous. Location is right by the esplanade so perfect to walk/exercise and you can get to the Lagoon area in 15 mins. Cons: the walls are paper-thin so you can hear lots of noise coming from the hallway and neighbours.

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Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, helpful and available 24/7, with assistance for tours, early check-ins and luggage. A few guests reported unfriendly interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Geoffrey

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay fairly close to the action free parking is great lo ely views from ocean side room. Lovely helpful staff a 24/7 desk is a bonus

8

Guyanne

Oct 28, 2024

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Stayed 6 nights

Our stay would have been perfect if it wasn’t for the young lady who checked us out our last day. She needs some friendly customer relations training for sure. All the other staff we interacted with was excellent. Saying goodbye to Cairns was difficult & last contact with a person of her sorts was a bummer to top it off.

10

Madhu

Jan 4, 2025

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This was a nice property to stay at. Rooms were quite big. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Location was good as tours picked us up outside the hotel.

6

JOHN

Oct 26, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Would remove Sharon or however you spell her name from the front desk. Very condescending and sarcastic and made faces and rolled eyes and even heard her talking negatively about guests.

10

Richard

Nov 11, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

The hotel was clean and comfortable and the staff was very accommodating and helpful.

4

Sarah

Sep 1, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

The day staff were disinterested in any feedback from clients and when we checked out Lesley didn’t talk to us to even ask if we enjoyed our stay

10

barbara

Oct 4, 2025

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Stayed 8 nights

This property is in an ideal location. It is close to all the Cairns restaurants but just far enough away to be much quieter than most. It is on the Esplanade and opposite the amazing Muddy's playground area which provides hours of free entertainment for young children. The staff were all helpful and friendly, with special mention going to liv, for her friendly and helpful service.We had a room on the top floor facing the Cairns waterfront and we enjoyed watching all the boats/ships coming and going. I probably shouldn't be sharing this hidden gem as we will definitely want to be returning in the future!

10

Brian

May 17, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The staff went above and beyond to accommodate me.

10

Kathryn

Nov 26, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The staff were really amazing, pleasant, professional, friendly and so very helpful with tour information and general directions! Best ambassadors for a property we have encountered on our Australian holiday! In addition the condition and location of the property were great.

10

Leandro

Nov 10, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Gaia, from the hotel staff, was amazing!

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Location

Located on the quieter end of the Esplanade, it’s an easy walk to restaurants, the lagoon, marina and Muddy’s playground, which suits families and sightseeing.

Related guest reviews

10

Mercedes

Jul 4, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location is wonderful bc it is on the Esplanade... so literally on the sidewalk where the restaurants and shops are located and only 10 mins from the boats to the reef. Staff was helpful. The apt was very spacious, lovely balcony, good kitchenette, and closet space. They don't serve breakfast but there are nearby convenience shops and restaurants within 5 mins walking.

10

Srinivasan

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice and clean. Right across fromocean. Restaurants required 15 to 20 min walk

10

Anna Monika

Jan 5, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Great rooms with balcony and bathroom. The reception personell were very serviceminded and gave us several suggestions of trips and restaurants for example. The location at the esplanade is fantastic!

10

Robert

Nov 7, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Great location next to seafront and Muddies for sunrise breakfast

10

Jenna

Sep 27, 2025

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Stayed 7 nights

This was our 9th trip to Cairns and the first time staying at the Cairns Plaza Hotel, which is by far out favourite place to stay now. It is located in a quieter end of the esplanade which we really enjoyed but still well within walking distance of downtown Cairns. The hotel was very clean, staff were exceptionally helpful, and the room was comfortable and very spacious.

10

barbara

Oct 4, 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

This property is in an ideal location. It is close to all the Cairns restaurants but just far enough away to be much quieter than most. It is on the Esplanade and opposite the amazing Muddy's playground area which provides hours of free entertainment for young children. The staff were all helpful and friendly, with special mention going to liv, for her friendly and helpful service.We had a room on the top floor facing the Cairns waterfront and we enjoyed watching all the boats/ships coming and going. I probably shouldn't be sharing this hidden gem as we will definitely want to be returning in the future!

8

Andreena

Jul 6, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Great location for families being across the road from a great play area. Easy walk to marina.

10

Trevor

May 20, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Nice and easy to walk to everything

10

Donna

Aug 16, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Great location, walk everywhere.

10

Sandeep

Jan 10, 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location, spacious and clean...super areas for food and drinks ...walking distance most

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Dining

No on-site dining or breakfast, but there are many nearby cafes and restaurants, including Muddy’s across the road; some stays mention available breakfast boxes.

Related guest reviews

8

Kaleb

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Restaurants nearby

10

Mercedes

Jul 4, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

The location is wonderful bc it is on the Esplanade... so literally on the sidewalk where the restaurants and shops are located and only 10 mins from the boats to the reef. Staff was helpful. The apt was very spacious, lovely balcony, good kitchenette, and closet space. They don't serve breakfast but there are nearby convenience shops and restaurants within 5 mins walking.

10

Srinivasan

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice and clean. Right across fromocean. Restaurants required 15 to 20 min walk

8

Jay

Feb 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Property is at a great location. We had the ocean view patio and it was great. Staff was very helpful and courteous. Less than 10 minutes walk from many dining options and the piers. Room cleanliness can be improved. Glasses, cups, etc., were not clean.

10

Jamie

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A short, 2 night stay to recover from a Brisbane to Cairns Roadtrip prior to flying home to the UK. Nice hotel, friendly and helpful staff. Walking distance to decent restaurants, cairns central train station, beach, splash parks etc. would recommend.

10

Gillian

Jan 14, 2023

·

Stayed 19,370 nights

Very clean, huge studio room with great little kitchenette which was ideal as there was no restaurant breakfast provided. Breakfast boxes were available and a discount was given at the local cafe also. A good small pool also. Very helpful and friendly staff. 15 minute walk to Cairns lagoon.

10

William

Apr 25, 2025

·

One bedroom ocean view suite. Very comfortable. Close to restaurants and market. Friendly staff. Christina was very welcoming at check in. AC in both living room and bedroom was a plus, as the weather was quite hot.

10

barbara

Oct 4, 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

This property is in an ideal location. It is close to all the Cairns restaurants but just far enough away to be much quieter than most. It is on the Esplanade and opposite the amazing Muddy's playground area which provides hours of free entertainment for young children. The staff were all helpful and friendly, with special mention going to liv, for her friendly and helpful service.We had a room on the top floor facing the Cairns waterfront and we enjoyed watching all the boats/ships coming and going. I probably shouldn't be sharing this hidden gem as we will definitely want to be returning in the future!

10

Josephine

Jun 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Suite with large lounge and separate bedroom was more than adequate for my stay and had a water view. The hotel was lovely and quiet in a very convenient position for accessing the many dining and entertainment spots in the area. No restaurant on site but great breakfast just accross the road at Muddy's cafe. Checking in was easy and staff very helpful and polite. Had a great stay and would book again.

10

Deborah

Sep 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Located on the beautiful Cairns esplanade, an easy, pleasant two block walk to the main restaurant strip. The balcony of our 6th floor room overlooked the side street and had a good view of the harbour. Muddy’s Café across the Esplanade serves breakfast and lunch, discounted for hotel guests. The room was spacious, had a queen and two single beds, table and chairs and a bench fitted with sink, frig, microwave, plates and cutlery. Bathroom had a large walk-in shower. Reception is 24-hour and the staff were welcoming and helpful.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$123
February	$128
March	$125
April	$131
May	$137
June	$142
July	$154
August	$150
September	$143
October	$145
November	$129
December	$132

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $163	2 $174	3 $143
4 $133	5 $133	6 $134	7 $151	8	9 $133	10 $133
11 $139	12 $118	13 $133	14 $133	15 $149	16 $133	17 $133
18 $129	19 $134	20 $134	21 $153	22 $149	23 $135	24 $134
25 $130	26 $118	27 $133	28 $128	29 $133	30 $118	31 $150

Cairns Plaza Hotel

Prices for Cairns Plaza Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Studio

Standard Room

Guest reviews of Cairns Plaza Hotel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Cairns Plaza Hotel

Considering this hotel for your Cairns trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24 $136	25 $126	26
27 $132	28 $148	29 $143	30 $182