Hilton Cairns

We stayed at the Cairns Hilton for five nights in late March 2025 on one leg of a memorable 37 day visit to Australia. It is a beautiful hotel in an ideal location adjacent to the waterfront esplanade. We had booked a waterfront king room and were upgraded to the Executive Floor because of our Hilton Gold status. The lobby of the hotel is light-filled and airy. Our spacious and well-appointed room provided both a spectacular view of the harbour and a bonus balcony furnished with two lounge chairs and a table. Housekeeping services were of a high standard. The Executive Lounge provided a congenial atmosphere and outstanding service and we took all of our breakfasts and evening drinks and canapés there; the Lounge also provided us with the opportunity to chat with many interesting fellow travellers from across Australia and around the globe. We also enjoyed the resort-style pool on our one rest day during a very busy visit to Cairns. The location of the hotel made restaurants and harbour-based activities easily accessible on foot. Our one critical observation about the hotel is that the air conditioning controls (at least in our room) needed to be updated. That issue aside, we very much enjoyed our stay at the Cairns Hilton and would not hesitate to stay there again or to recommend it highly to others.

It's a great hotel on the water, so great location. We were only there a couple of nights. We got there late the one evening, went out to see Great Barrier Reef the next day, got back for night, and left early the next morning. The are several restaurants within walking distance along the water. Would recommend reservations. Also, the Reef Tour we took was about a block up, and there were several in the building, so if you're doing a reef tour it's convenient. They had a gift shop with snacks, drinks and postcards. We still got up at 6:00 for breakfast as we had to check in at 7:00. Our room overlooked the water as well as the restaurant. There were two drawbacks which kept it from being a 5. One was an open concept. There is a rainforest nearby and I think they were trying for the effect, but with the open middle with foliage, it had rained and the walk way from elevator to room, which was tile, was wet, and I was very worried I would fall. I had on Sperry's, but if you aren't sure footed, well...I stopped and my husband got our luggage to room and came back to get me so I could hold onto him. The other was you had to push a button for a taxi and there is a surcharge for a cab coming so not good. We've traveled to 45 countries and I've never seen that before. Fortunately one dropped off that morning at the time we got down there, and my husband was able to get him to take us to airport for the normal fare. All in all it's a great view and conveniently located.

The hotel is in an excellent great location with rooms overlooking the marina having a beautiful view, esp at sunrise /sunset. Just a short walk to lots of quality restaurants. Breakfast at the hotel is excellent and the staff so helpful and attentive. Having said all of that I do think that the rooms need a bit of a refurb. Our room was a king spa room and I’m not sure that I would have used the spa bath. Could do with a refresh and then would be much nicer.

This is possibly the best hotel I have ever stayed in. Get the king with the ocean view. This is right on the marine so any Great Barrier Reef excursion or any other excursions leave from this hotel. The staff is the best ever. Getting water for a CPAP or any other request was promptly provided. Get the breakfast. You want it. This is the best brekkie on the continent. The lady in charge is magnificent and you will thank me for the breakfast trust me. The ocean view is spectacular.

The staff are the highlight of this hotel. Nothing was too much trouble. I found the Hilton Cairns to be very relaxing and comfortable. It is certainly well-located near the oceanfront promenade. The breakfast buffet had something for everyone and the hard-working staff were most cheerful and accommodating. I liked the design of the hotel as it incorporates the rainforest effect, which is in keeping with the Cairns vicinity. I also enjoyed access to the executive lounge, which while not over the top was pleasant enough. Management might consider investing in some exterior upgrades as the hotel is showing signs of age (mold/rust on walls and beams). I’m sure that due to the humidity in this area, exterior finishes need much maintenance. I would certainly return to the Hilton on a future visit.