Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Having never stayed at a Shangri-La hotel before, I was keenly anticipating our one night stay in Cairns at what is the top-rated hotel in the town (on TripAdvisor at least). We had just checked out from the superb Grand Sheraton in Port Douglas and were keen to experience the famed luxury of a Shangri-La facility. I had a slight feeling of dread as we approached the hotel to see (at least from the outside) a faded looking, retro style hotel. I banished the fears, expecting that the interior would make up for the exterior only to find a tired reception to be more befitting a a hotel from the 90’s. Our porter was very polite and helpful and after finding a place to park the car (an alarmingly budget-looking shopping centre on the ground floor of the hotel) we made our way to the room. The feeling of dread grew as we walked through what was a clearly old hotel in desperate need of a complete overhaul and refurbishment. Small nips and tucks had been done throughout the building so I would not call it dilapidated as some reviewers have, but this is quite clearly NOT a luxury hotel. My fears were compounded when we had to criss-cross bags of laundry left outside of guest rooms that had just not been collected throughout the hall. We walked past a pool area that looked all the world like something you would find in a motel. Clean but old and completely uninspired. The room itself was retro with some paint and nips and tucks made to modernise it. The aircon is the old ventilation style from the 90’s and you cannot adjust the air-flow. The in-room fridge is a garish old white fridge that you would buy at your local appliance store. The ‘Deluxe King bed’ room was two single beds jammed together. There were clear signs of age throughout various corners and chips and finishes. The saving grace was the large walk-in shower - another retrofit to the grand old dame the hotel sits on. This place does not need any further touch-ups but the allocation of capex to raze it to rubble and to build a luxury hotel befitting the name. It is a Shangri-La only on name and nothing else. The coup’d grace was the loud music from the dive bar downstairs from the hotel. It went on until 4 am (on a Sunday night mind) and the bass penetrated whatever ancient sound-proofing was on the balcony doors and made sleeping feel like a drum concerto was taking place on our pillows. I repeat. This is not a luxury hotel. It is not even a standard business hotel. It is a two star hotel, charging 5 star prices and is the reason why this will be my first and last ever stay in anything with the Shangri-La name. There simply have to be better hotels in Cairns and if there are not, go stay in Port Douglas and save yourself this utter nightmare of an experience.

The cleanliness was next level, the customer service was amazing and the food was delicious.also so central to everything . The only think I thought was a bit cheeky is you have to pay for your parking

Room was great and bed sooo comfortable 😴 Staff were very helpful during our stay and the location is amazing, close to everything. If we return to Caurns we will definitely stay here again.

Disappointed as all other Shangri la in Asia are lovely. Bit run down beds comfy and decent breakfast. Pool area has seen better days. Great location but garden rooms very dark . Curtains completely see through. Restaurant was surpringly good

It appears that this hotel like many others in Aus charge A$100pn deposit. Wouldn't be so bad had it not debited my card before I had even reached the room!! No mini bar no coffee, so what are they charging me for the use of. Hotel is tired, albeit room is OK. Will not now be using the restaurant or bar, their loss I will expect the deposit to be refunded as quickly as it was taken, in my dreams I think. Advice t o Shangrila hotels don't upset clients on arrival. Take an imprint of customers card which can be used if they default. This is an absolute rip off. I will expect my card charges to be refunded with this crazy deposit. Within seconds of check out.