Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

The hotel is located on a helicopter pad. Paid for a suite. Like sleeping at an airport. Avoid at all costs

I really rate this hotel. The location is fantastic if you are heading out to stay on an island or just going on a day trip to the reef - it is across the road from the reef terminal where the ferries depart. Being at the marina also gives it a holiday vibe. The rest of Cairns has a vibe but it's a bit more Surfers Paradise a la 1990. All the staff - five stars. Every interaction was excellent. This is a solid choice for families - our room had two Queen beds plus a day bed/couch. The bathroom is large (but no bath). We had ample room with two young kids. Half the rooms are on the ground floor and they have chain locks on the door to the outdoor area above small child height. Magnificent - no more small child balcony stress! The buffet breakfast was something to behold. Barista coffee was included and basically everything you could want was there but also good quality. You know those danishes you normally regret taking and only eat one bite of - not here. You will eat the whole danish and go back for the mino croissant. My six year old had the following feedback - the waffles are too sweet and she would prefer an automatic pancakes machine. But honestly, we are nit-picking at this point. The pool is large and although heated was still a little cold for me (we visited in winter and there had been a lot of rain). They are great for bigger kids. Little kids might want a shallower, warmer pool. Lots of loungers and a bar for those who lounge. Final note - the gardens. If you are at all a green thumb- they are a real treat. I understand they grow some rare plants and have tours on certain days. They are not enormous, but they are quite beautiful tropical gardens.

Excellent stay in Cairns. The location is unbeatable, the hotel is right next to several popular restaurants and the Cairns Esplanade. It is also conveniently located next to the Reef Terminal. The atmosphere is exceptional; I enjoyed the openness and plants in the lobby. The one-bedroom suite was beautifully clean and spacious, and the outdoor patio was beautiful. The staff was kind and accommodating in bringing in a roller bed. Everything in the hotel was clean, including my room. Noise was minimal, except for a party on the marina one night. The breakfast buffet was excellent, as were the canapès at the Horizon Club. Would stay again!

Exceptional stay at Shangri-La Marina Cairns. Room was spacious and comfortable and we had access to The Club. View was amazing over Trinity Inlet with a large balcony. Upgrade to the Club Room was highly worthwhile. Breakfast and evening canapes and drinks were both wonderful. While there were plenty of breakfast options on the buffet, we were also able to order other dishes (eggs Benny and others). Evening canapes and drinks were great with a great selection of food and drinks. The Team Members we interacted with were very friendly and customer focused. The gardens and pool area were so relaxing

The bellhop needs to polish his shoes.