Hilton Cairns

The Hilton Hotel has the best location of all hotels in Cairns - right on Trinity Inlet, no road between the hotel and the waterfront. The hotel has a central atrium full of tropical plants, even palms and coconut trees, making it very natural and open to the environment and surroundings. It is located at the start of the boardwalk which runs the full length of the waterfront and is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. The departure point for reef excursions is also located along this same boardwalk. The rooms are a reasonable size and have been recently upgraded, including the carpet. The views over Trinity Inlet and the mountains beyond are stunning. The public areas of the hotel, such as the Lobby and Lobby Bar, (Gin Social), are very open and full of light - also with that same incredible view. This is the 2nd time I have stayed at the hotel this year - a week each time - and I would not stay anywhere else. The Executive Lounge is very popular, and available with certain room catagories. And to say that the staff are wonderful is an absolute understatement.

Gotta give my girl, Simone, big props!! Recently stayed at the Hilton Cairns on the Esplanade where I enjoyed cocktails at the Gin Social lobby bar — all expertly crafted by Simone. What a joy she is! Crazy lovely and friendly from the get-go! What an absolute gem! Simone will leave a lasting impression and make your hotel stay feel special. I hope the Hilton knows what an asset she is to their team!

This was the absolute worst Hilton we have stayed in. From the moment we entered everything went wrong and continued throughout our 2 days there. Room was not ready which was fine because we were early but we had a sick child and said when ready please let me know. They never did. I asked 3 times. Then I went back to them close to 3pm and they said oh yes it’s ready. Later that night we requested a spare bed for a sick daughter where we were told $100 a night so we requested 2doonas and she slept on the floor. Then we went to open door and the keys didn’t work and the reception said some staff had been mucking them up. We had 4 people in the room and only given 3 towels the next day when they cleaned, only 3 towels again, had to request extra towels twice. Then when you order room service there’s an $8 tray charge everything was just wanting extra money and no customer service or compassion for sick child just honestly was an horrible experience and all about money. Dripping water noise outside windows all night, rooms are old with shower over bath definitely not worth the money. Not even basic items in bathroom for $370 a night plus there was mould all in the bathroom along shower as there is not even a fan. Do yourself a favour, go to Crystalbrook Flynn’s so much better value. The company will reply with their standard “we will strive to do better” but never do. I got better service and rooms in a 3rd world country. Don’t stay here!!!

There is no regret from adding breakfast to the stay as its the gem of the 5 days. Good variety in spread and staff service was excellent, by a team led by Ms. KK Kwan. She always did her best to please in all occasions. This dated hotel has her staff to thank to make up the scores in this review. If one treasures heritage, it's here for you. Most hotel decor, fittings, furniture and floor finishes could be decades young. They can't reflect the hotel class from their conditions. Balcony door was not properly sealed that the daily 4am irrigation noise would be a wake up call. There is a bonus though, a mini rainforest in the hotel. The internal courtyard on third floor was always atmospheric and wet, thanks to the ancient irrigation system used. It could be a safety hazard for some though. Housekeeping was average. The room was not vacuumed till a feedback was sent. No changing of bedsheets etc during the 5 days. This is far from a high-end hotel's standard.

Great location. Really great location. Nice sized rooms with balconies which are a great perk. Good secure parking. Nice swimming pool. Hotel is a bit tired however. We had a cracked bathroom sink, broken blinds, wobbly balcony chairs, and insufficient coffee in the room. In fairness probably better than the competition but for the price it’s average.