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  5. Reviews of Mad Monkey Waterfront

Reviews of Mad Monkey Waterfront 3 stars

93A Esplanade, 4870 Cairns, Australia

#33 of 75 hotels in Cairns

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 304 hostel reviews

8.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.2

  • Comfort

    8.2

  • Location

    9.7

  • Facilities

    8.1

  • Staff

    8.9

  • Value for money

    8.4

  • Free WiFi

    8.6

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2024

    8.0
    Good cost benefit
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Bathroom (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location and great employees

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 March 2024

    8.0
    i like it
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Bathroom (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    a bit noisy, supermarket is like 15min walk

    private bathroom, big room (& a mirrow!!), best shower i had for a while, free breakfast, small hostel, no key but an app to unlock the door, near night market & water

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 March 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Bathroom (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    My room didn’t have a locker and the walls are extremely thin, with windows all in the bathroom which go out to the communal area, so it’s very loud up until about midnight

    Beds are very comfy

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 January 2024

    9.0
    Great hostal. Definitely one to recommend
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noise on night! Sadly it was the night we had to get up at 4:30am to fly and a couple were shouting at 2am. A shame as everyone else was very respectful.

    Location staff and facilities. Very organised and super clean. Everyone very friendly 😊

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 December 2023

    7.0
    Great location, everything else good enough
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    Limited lighting throughout, thin walls, skinny corridors

    Perfect location, bathrooms were clean, no issues with room/AC, was able to store luggage through next day (but in locked general storage room that had all bags out)

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 October 2023

    7.0
    Great location, fair accomodation for the price
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beds were somewhat uncomfortable and extremely creaky so that if one person moves in their bed the whole room wakes up. The breakfast is pancakes and cereal. The place is not as clean as it could be.

    Contactless door entry and washing. Location was super central and staff were super friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 October 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Too little Bathrooms, Beds are shaky and squeaky

    The Room was very spacious, great hangout area, nice free breakfast.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 October 2023

    7.0
    Cool place!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 11 nights

    I stayed alone in a double room that smelled mushroomy during my entire stay. It got better when I aired it out, but then worse every time I've kept the window closed. I guess it's just really humid in Cairns, but then maybe don't have a carpet on the floor? I don't know, maybe it was just my room. Also, not enough bathrooms or showers and I had to wait for my turn many many times.

    Friendly staff was always around and I liked being greated and had everything explained when I arrived. I liked that you didn't need a key and instead unlock doors using either an app or a pin code. And that they minimized dirty dishes by giving everyone assigned plates. However, these creative solutions were confusing on my first day though. Washing machine and dryer worked well and were convenient. I liked the huge TV in the kitchen and would always watch Netflix while eating. Amazing location, super close to great bird watching, buses, restaurants and the cruises!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 September 2023

    7.0
    If you are a solo traveler I highly dissuade you from staying here as its not social and people really spread out their
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Bathroom (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not for solo travelers. Almost everyone here is long-term and thus it is not social at all. Also because of this, people in the dorms really spread out and weren’t very respectful. Bathrooms/ counters inside the rooms also make it much louder at night as people get ready.

    Location - right on the water although you cannot swim at the Cairns beach (its muddy not sandy) you can go to the “lagoon” pool next-door. Right near a ton of restaurants. Free pancakes and toast for breakfast.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 September 2023

    8.0
    Amazing spot for the price
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The metal bunk beds were very noisy.

    Great staff, clean facilities

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 September 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room was really small and not cozy at all

    Nice common areas, great wifi, great location

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 September 2023

    9.0
    What an incredible staff!!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The showerhead in room 1 is broken and you have to hold it while using it. The top bunk beds aren't very easy to reach (my hips don't fit in the ladder). The aircon can be cold, but the blanket will keep you warm.

    The staff has gone above and beyond to help me out with literally anything, from general information, to help me carry my luggage across the stairs (no lift available), with the luggage storage (free of charge, as far as you go back to the same hostel). I loved the fact that you can hire a towel for as little as $3 and even get a fresh one after a few days. The blanket and bedding are provided and already on the bed, you don't need to make the bed yourself. Comfy mattresses. You'll find the hairdryer already in the room. The bathroom is private for the dorm. The location is just amazing, although I must say that it's tough to sleep any earlier than 11 pm during the weekend because of all of the bars. The kitchen is well organised, the laundry as well, although the drying racks aren't enough unfortunately. Very clever key system through your phone. Cheap rates. I ended up prolonging my stay more than once. Good WiFi. Mad Monkeys Waterfront is DEFINITELY the way to go compared to the rude staff from Global Backpackers!!!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 August 2023

    7.0
    Nice
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Reception opening time is limited

    Not noisy

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 August 2023

    9.0
    Great location, great rooms, would stay again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Bathroom (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The reception staff were lovely. The room I stayed in was a good size, with charging points (power point and usb) at each bed. Having a private bathroom was great. The location was perfect, so close to the waterfront with lots of food choices.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 July 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bed was a little firm and a little short, but still had a decent sleep.

    We had a very short stay on our way passing through Cairns. The room was small, but it was very clean and good value for money when it comes to accommodation in Cairns. The staff and atmosphere was great, and the location unbeatable.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 July 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not the most sociable hostel as most people seem to live there long term, however there are events on at the other mad monkey you can go to

    Great location just next to all the restaurants and the lagoon. Also quick walking distance to the reef terminals. Comfy stay, very clean bathrooms and free breakfast everyday!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 July 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 6 nights

    Having one toilet for the upstairs rooms did not seem like it was enough.

    The location was great, right on the Esplanade! The room was small but comfortable and all we needed when we were out all day exploring Cairns and surrounds!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 July 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No windows in room. Lots of up and down stairs to get to room from front of hostel. Goki didn't always work to open doors.

    Close to laundry machines.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 June 2023

    9.0
    I spent 3 nights at mad monkey waterfront and I had such a great time. The en-suite dorm was very clean, all guest very
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Sometimes there’s a slight smell of food coming from the restaurants downstairs. Not their fault, and it’s not bad.

    Location, free breakfast, social and respectful with other guest resting time. Free access to a nearby gym, digital keycards for rooms and main entrance. The common areas (living room) feels like a house! Video games and Netflix available

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 June 2023

    7.0
    Great location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    A bit rustic

    Location

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 June 2023

    9.0
    One of the best hostels I’ve stayed in
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Poor wifi & kitchen on the smaller side but manageable

    Great location, free breakfast & free gym pass. Very friendly & social hostel

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2023

    7.0
    Fair & friendly hostel, but not for relaxing there over day.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The venue was not that beautiful and also there was no pool or any outdoor relaxing space. The windows in the rooms weren‘t able to be opened.

    The rooms including bathroom as well as the kitchen was pretty clean. Also the staff was very kind and helpful and there was always a friendly vibe. For breakfast there was free pancakes which were delicious. Each guest got its own cutlery and plate set.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    One of the reception staff was quite unfriendly which wasn’t the best start. One bathroom shared between 14 people. Room was painted all dark grey & a state from other longer term residents. Global backpackers (nearby) was cheaper & a nicer hostel.

    Good location on the waterfront, big tv in the social area was nice in the evening.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 29 March 2023

    9.0
    Perfect base to get to know cairns and the surrounding area from!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-35 years only)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Can’t think of any improvements. Thanks for the hospitality.

    Ideal location, comfy common area and well equipped kitchen. Exactly what I was looking for!

    Stayed in March 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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