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The 10 Best Budget Hotels in Cairns, Australia

Check out our pick of great cheap hotels in Cairns

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Conveniently situated in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns train station, Travellers Oasis presents an inviting accommodation option featuring an outdoor swimming pool complemented by relaxing hammocks. Just a brief stroll from The Esplanade and The Pier, this establishment offers a prime location for exploring Cairns. Guests can enjoy complimentary unlimited WiFi throughout their stay.

Owners personal touch is felt throughout the property

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9
Superb
1,314 reviews
Price from
£22
per night

Located just less than 1 km from Cairns Station, Estilo Bed and Breakfast provides accommodation in Cairns with access to a garden, a terrace, as well as private check-in and check-out. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens is 4.1 km from the bed and breakfast and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is 13 km away.

Very friendly and helpful owner. Good communications. We could let our luggage at the apartment and pick it up later. The breakfast area and living room was very relaxed. The place was a foot walk away from the main station and therefore perfect to go to Kurunda by train. You can go back by cableway and bus. Great tour.

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9
Superb
187 reviews
Price from
£52
per night

Located in Cairns, near Cairns Station and The Cairns Civic Theater, JDs Tropical stays is a recently renovated property, featuring, a garden and barbecue facilities. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the apartment free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre.

Spacious and well appointed with many thoughtful touches, plusa charming little garden to relax in. Very good value for the money. Jenni was a super gracious host, even meeting us out at the taxi upon our arrival with umbrellas.

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9.6
Exceptional
20 reviews
Price from
£76
per night

Set in Cairns, Cairns Esplanade 2BR Waterfront Apartment Sleeps 6 offers accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. The air-conditioned accommodation is 3.3 km from Cairns Station. The property is non-smoking and is located 3.4 km from Cairns Convention Centre.

Great location, well appointed with plenty of space inside and out. Pool was fantastic. Direct access to Esplanade walkway space was a real treat.

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9
Superb
8 reviews
Price from
£192
per night

Located in Cairns, 1.5 km from Cairns Convention Centre and 800 metres from The Cairns Civic Theater, Charming Queeenslander in City Centre offers a garden and air conditioning. The property features garden views and is 1.1 km from Cairns Regional Gallery and 4.5 km from Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Cairns Station is 300 metres away.

It is an amazing house which is 100 years old equipped with historic furniture which maintained very well and clean. The host is so kind who prepared bread, milk and fruit for our late arrival. Besides relaxing and comfortable, Living there became part of tour which is unexpected.

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9.4
Superb
19 reviews
Price from
£167
per night

Featuring garden views, City centre, tropical home, minutes walk to shops. Provides accommodation with a garden and a patio, around 1.5 km from Cairns Convention Centre. The air-conditioned accommodation is 200 metres from Cairns Station, and guests can benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located less than 1 km from The Cairns Civic Theater.

Super hosts, Peter and Sarah are professional, kind and very hospitable. Their property is well-equipped, nice, tidy and clean, great and quiet location. Strongly recommend!

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9.5
Exceptional
13 reviews
Price from
£165
per night

Set in Cairns, near Cairns Station and Cairns Convention Centre, Privately Owned Apartment 'Sunset View Studio' in Cairns City is a recently renovated property, featuring free WiFi, a rooftop pool and terrace. The property has mountain and city views, and is 300 metres from The Cairns Civic Theater. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Cairns Regional Gallery.

The unit was fresh and clean and well catered for. Great location straight across the road from Cairns Central Shopping Centre. High up on 11th floor. Very comfortable bed

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9.1
Superb
8 reviews
Price from
£112
per night

Located in Cairns, 18 km from Cairns Station and 20 km from Cairns Convention Centre, Villa Thirty One - Balinese inspired Escape provides air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. This villa also features a private pool. The property is non-smoking and is set 14 km from Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

A beautiful location with a stunning house. Enjoyed the outdoor entertaining area and features of this accommodation.

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10
Exceptional
9 reviews
Price from
£176
per night

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Pembroke House - Inner city luxury is set in Cairns. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the apartment free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.4 km from Cairns Station.

Very spacious, clean and comfortable. Great rooms and bathroom for many couples . Very easy to get in and out of town

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9.2
Superb
10 reviews
Price from
£363
per night

Located in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Station and 1.7 km from Cairns Convention Centre, Stylish Park View City Apartment 103 offers a terrace and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The apartment provides an outdoor swimming pool with a fence, as well as a fitness centre and a lift.

spacious, clean, comfortable and convenient

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9
Superb
6 reviews

Looking for a cheap hotel?

For those on a budget, these cheap and cheerful hotels still have a lot to offer, with most offering WiFi and convenient locations. Popular with backpackers, many properties can be found in central locations and include comfortable rooms with private or shared bathrooms. You’ll also find a number of options which feature a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
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Most booked cheap hotels in Cairns this month

Enjoy breakfast in Cairns!

  • Estilo Bed and Breakfast
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 187 reviews

    Located just less than 1 km from Cairns Station, Estilo Bed and Breakfast provides accommodation in Cairns with access to a garden, a terrace, as well as private check-in and check-out.

    Shower/bathroom. Decor. "Homy" feel.

  • YHA Cairns Central
    Breakfast options
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,702 reviews

    YHA Cairns Central is located just 5 minutes' walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 spas, and a free WiFi hotspot.

    The swimming pool was great. Kitchen was fully equipped.

  • The Benson Hotel
    Breakfast options
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 218 reviews

    Officially opening our doors on 1 July 2021, The Benson Hotel has taken over a previous hotel.

    Location, comfortable beds, pool and amazing decor.

  • Summer House Backpackers Cairns
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,465 reviews

    Summer House Backpackers Cairns features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and shared lounge in Cairns.

    Everything: great great people, great great facilities.

  • Mad Monkey Village
    Breakfast options
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,097 reviews

    Refurbished in May, 2018, Mad Monkey Village featuresa TV, a kitchen, bathrooms with air-conditioners in every room. There is also an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi provided.

    Excellant location, clean and the pancakes for breakfast were Devine

  • JDs Tropical stays
    Breakfast options
    9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 20 reviews

    Located in Cairns, near Cairns Station and The Cairns Civic Theater, JDs Tropical stays is a recently renovated property, featuring, a garden and barbecue facilities.

    i was met at the gate by judy, she was lovely and welcoming....

  • Cairns Esplanade 2BR Waterfront Apartment Sleeps 6
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 8 reviews

    Set in Cairns, Cairns Esplanade 2BR Waterfront Apartment Sleeps 6 offers accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.

    The apartment is clean and offered all necessary houseware for staying

  • Charming Queeenslander in City Centre
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 19 reviews

    Located in Cairns, 1.5 km from Cairns Convention Centre and 800 metres from The Cairns Civic Theater, Charming Queeenslander in City Centre offers a garden and air conditioning.

    Beautiful house, great value for money, lots of lovely goodies in the fridge to welcome us

Great access to the city centre! Check these cheap hotels in Cairns

  • Lux Retreat - Sauna pool & prime location
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1 review

    Located in Cairns, 800 metres from Cairns Convention Centre and 1.3 km from Cairns Station, Lux Retreat - Sauna pool & prime location offers air conditioning.

  • Coastal Chic in Heart of Cairns with Rooftop Pool
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 2 reviews

    Situated in Cairns, 600 metres from Cairns Station and 1.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre, Coastal Chic in Heart of Cairns with Rooftop Pool features spacious air-conditioned accommodation with a...

  • Mountain Air and Modern Flair 'Your Cairns Getaway'
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 4 reviews

    Set in Cairns, 1.6 km from Cairns Convention Centre and 200 metres from The Cairns Civic Theater, Mountain Air and Modern Flair 'Your Cairns Getaway' offers air conditioning.

    Comfortable feeling, heaps of Space, tv in all rooms Amazing location, great city view, privacy, having everything you need in one place.

  • Beautiful Penthouse with Private Rooftop Spa, Gym, TV
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 2 reviews

    Set in Cairns and only 1.1 km from Cairns Station, Beautiful Penthouse with Private Rooftop Spa, Gym, TV features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking.

  • Stunning Coastal 3 Bedroom Apartment in Cairns CBD
    9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 9 reviews

    Offering an outdoor swimming pool and city view, Stunning Coastal 3 Bedroom Apartment in Cairns CBD is located in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Station and 500 metres from Cairns Regional Gallery.

  • City centre, tropical home, minutes walk to shops.
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 13 reviews

    Featuring garden views, City centre, tropical home, minutes walk to shops. Provides accommodation with a garden and a patio, around 1.5 km from Cairns Convention Centre.

    Sehr gute Lage, Geschäfte und Hafen zu Fuß erreichbar

  • Spacious 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Cairns City
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 4 reviews

    Set in Cairns, 500 metres from Cairns Station and 700 metres from Cairns Convention Centre, Spacious 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Cairns City offers an outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning.

  • Luxury waterfront sea view apartment - do not book
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 4 reviews

    Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, city view and a patio, Luxury waterfront sea view apartment - do not book is set in Cairns.

  • Pool View City Centre Apartment 202
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 11 reviews

    Set just 1.7 km from Cairns Convention Centre, Pool View City Centre Apartment 202 offers accommodation in Cairns with access to an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, as well as a lift.

    Well appointed, spacious, great layout, comfortable beds

  • 3 BEDROOM CBD WATERFRONT LUXURY APARTMENT
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3 reviews

    Offering an outdoor swimming pool and city view, 3 BEDROOM CBD WATERFRONT LUXURY APARTMENT is located in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Station and 500 metres from Cairns Regional Gallery.

  • Cheerful city house
    9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 36 reviews

    Situated in Cairns and only 300 metres from Cairns Station, Cheerful city house features accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking.

    Super ausgestattet, netter Garten, großzügige Zimmer

  • Martyn st house
    Central location
    9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 55 reviews

    Martyn st house features a balcony and is set in Cairns, within just less than 1 km of The Cairns Civic Theater and 1.7 km of Cairns Regional Gallery.

    Spacious place. Well equipped. Good space outside for pets.

  • Pembroke House - Inner city luxury
    9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 10 reviews

    Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Pembroke House - Inner city luxury is set in Cairns. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the apartment free of charge.

    I loved the spacious lounge room and the swimming pool.

  • Privately Owned Apartment 'Sunset View Studio' in Cairns City
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 8 reviews

    Set in Cairns, near Cairns Station and Cairns Convention Centre, Privately Owned Apartment 'Sunset View Studio' in Cairns City is a recently renovated property, featuring free WiFi, a rooftop pool and...

    Good location, within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, shopping centre.

  • Cairns Apartment Esplanade Ocean Views
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 42 reviews

    Set in Cairns, Cairns Apartment Esplanade Ocean Views offers a patio with mountain and pool views, as well as a year-round outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub.

    Location was fantastic and the host is very friendly.

  • Afternoon Delight
    Central location
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 13 reviews

    Situated in Cairns, 500 metres from Cairns Station and 800 metres from Cairns Convention Centre, Afternoon Delight offers air conditioning.

    location is great, apartment is lovely and welcoming

  • Travellers Oasis
    Central location
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,314 reviews

    Conveniently situated in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns train station, Travellers Oasis presents an inviting accommodation option featuring an outdoor...

    Amazing host, lovely atmosphere and great services !

  • Easy Coastal Living in Cairns with Rooftop Pool
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1 review

    Set in Cairns, 600 metres from Cairns Station and 1.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre, Easy Coastal Living in Cairns with Rooftop Pool offers air conditioning.

  • Stylish Park View City Apartment 103
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 6 reviews

    Located in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Station and 1.7 km from Cairns Convention Centre, Stylish Park View City Apartment 103 offers a terrace and air conditioning.

  • 'Luxury Waterfront' Spectacular Oasis in the City
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1 review

    Situated in Cairns, 1.7 km from Cairns Station and 2.3 km from Cairns Convention Centre, 'Luxury Waterfront' Spectacular Oasis in the City offers air conditioning.

  • 101 High-rise Apartment with Panoramic Ocean Views
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1 review

    Boasting a patio with sea views, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, 101 High-rise Apartment with Panoramic Ocean Views can be found in Cairns, close to Cairns Station and 2.5 km from Cairns...

  • Inner City One Bedroom Apartment with Pool View 22
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 12 reviews

    Set in Cairns, Inner City One Bedroom Apartment with Pool View 22 offers accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.

    Staff were helpful, enabled and early check in on a public holiday. Complimentary Bottle of wine. Very peaceful stay.

  • 325 Harbour Apartment
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 11 reviews

    Set in Cairns, 800 metres from Cairns Convention Centre and 1.3 km from Cairns Station, 325 Harbour Apartment offers a fitness centre and air conditioning.

    Excellent location unit was beautiful and good size would stay again

  • 11 Harbour Lights with Ocean Views
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 2 reviews

    Set in Cairns, less than 1 km from Cairns Convention Centre and a 16-minute walk from Cairns Station, 11 Harbour Lights with Ocean Views offers spacious air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and...

  • Luxury 1BR Apartment @ Harbour Lights Cairns
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 4 reviews

    Located in Cairns and only 700 metres from Cairns Convention Centre, Luxury 1BR Apartment @ Harbour Lights Cairns provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking.

  • 219 Harbour Lights Waterfront
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1 review

    Situated in Cairns, 800 metres from Cairns Convention Centre and 1.4 km from Cairns Station, 219 Harbour Lights Waterfront features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.

  • City Quays Luxury Dual Key
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 29 reviews

    Situated in Cairns, City Quays Luxury Dual Key features accommodation with rooftop pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.

    Well stocked, clean, spacious perfect location for trips and restaurants

  • 703 Harbour Lights Cairns Apartment with water views
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 10 reviews

    Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, city view and a balcony, 703 Harbour Lights Cairns Apartment with water views is set in Cairns.

Stay connected in Cairns! Cheap hotels with free WiFi

  • Travellers Paradise
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,347 reviews

    Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travellers Paradise offers accommodation in a historical, heritage listed building in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre.

    super nice and clean. They will offer the best to you if they can.

  • Heritage Cairns Hotel
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,067 reviews

    Heritage, 500 metres from Cairns Esplanade, offers suites and studios a 15-minute walk from Cairns Central Station. It features a swimming pool and a garden with a BBQ.

    Helpful pleasant staff - great location and good value

  • Palm Royale Cairns
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,565 reviews

    Palm Royale Cairns is set amongst 2.5 acres of beautiful tropical gardens and offers rooms with a private balcony and pool or garden views. It features 2 swimming pools and a spa pool.

    Easy check in process, clean rooms, helpful staff.

  • Cairns Colonial Club Resort
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,484 reviews

    Set in Cairns, 3.3 km from Cairns Station, Cairns Colonial Club Resort offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

    It is so relaxing Easy to get to Clean and Friendly

  • Pacific Hotel Cairns
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,983 reviews

    Located on the Cairns Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns offers guests stunning views from private balconies and provides easy access to the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal,...

    Great location , large rooms, efficient and polite

  • Mad Monkey Waterfront
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 416 reviews

    At Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodation in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

    The kitchen is very clean and it's easy to cook. The staff is also very nice.

  • Nightcap at Edge Hill Tavern
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 328 reviews

    Featuring a bar, a restaurant and regular live entertainment, The Edge Hill Tavern is 10 minutes' drive from Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Airport. All rooms offer a flat-screen TV.

    Location is in a great area close to alot of shops

  • Dreamtime Travellers Rest
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 951 reviews

    Dreamtime is an award winning hostel with a difference. We offer travellers a safe, peaceful & cosy place to stay. We are not a party hostel.

    Great place. Nice chilled vibes. Stayed here twice!

FAQ about cheap hotels in Cairns








Cheap hotels that guests love in Cairns

  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,781 reviews
    Private room with bathroom was affordable Good location, short walk to everything and short ride to the airport. Nice kitchen with balcony Some deals with local establishments available.
    Carlijn
    Solo traveller
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 581 reviews
    The apartment was ideal for our family. Excellent location, very clean, great amenities, very easy access to pool
    Cassie
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £111.70
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,786 reviews
    Location was ideal, very clean & modern rooms. Great bathroom.
    Marissa
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: £90.24
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,347 reviews
    Great location. Totally affordable price and exceeded my expectations for budget accommodation. Newly renovated so everything felt fresh and clean. Didn’t use the pool as we weren’t there long enough. Kitchen facilities were good. Aircon in each room is great.
    Alice
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: £165.73
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 643 reviews
    Very clean, relaxing and good amenities. Simplicity check in/out. Serene view with balcony, pool and BBQ area. Additional bed provided.  simper Secure Parking. Good location. Clean. Aircon Just what we needed with the hectic week we had. Couldn’t be more happy, and cheap especially split between a group. Thank you guys!
    Monique
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £116.89
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,217 reviews
    A beautiful hotel in the ideal location of Cairns. Within few minutes walking distance of the promenade and reef terminal. Modern rooms and very clean. Loved having the washing machine and dryer facilities. Staff are really efficient and helpful. Lovely Nespresso coffee station in the public lounge with loads of items to choose from.
    KPS (Suresh)
    Young couple
  • 6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 605 reviews
    Room was exactly as expected. This is budget accomodation in a great location. short walk to the Esplanade and all the restaurants. Building is an older place but that was expected. Room was very clean and with everything you would need or expect in a holiday rental. check-in was easy and the staff were very friendly.
    Joseph
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £72.21
    5.6
    Scored 5.6
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 2,421 reviews
    How clean it was.. Location is fantastic Buffet breakfast was lovely. Very old motel but very clean. Very cheap accommodation
    belinda
    Family with young children
  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 11 reviews
    Exceptional location, well stocked with essentials and very clean. Having 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and two bathrooms made it ideal for our extended family. Would highly recommend.
    Kim
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £51.43
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,355 reviews
    Our rooms were ideal for family, very clean and couldn't fault all of the staff, all very friendly and helpful. The basic breakfast offered suited us, a hot breakfast at an extra charge was very reasonable. The location was a short drive to the middle of Cairns. We were able to walk when we wanted to leave the car at the hotel. The kids loved the pool.
    Dorothy
    Family with young children

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