Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

I had an outstanding experience during my stay at the Shangri-la Carins in December, 2025. They are very welcoming to guests regardless of whether they have a loyalty status or not. This is a great property if you want to be by the waters, enjoy jet skiing, want to be on the boardwalk in front of the hotel with many restaurants and cuisines to choose from in a casual and semi-casual atmosphere. They do have an indoor club lounge if that is something you would like to invest on. It is located about 15 minutes from Cairns airport. They have a classic breakfast buffet at their restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating options as well as for dinner at the same spot they offer fine dining and wine pairing packages. They have city view rooms as well as partial-ocean view rooms, and Executive Balcony rooms overlooking the boardwalk, Marina Bay, and 180-degree views. The value of what you pay for at this property is well worth it. The rooms are very clean and was last refurbished in 2019. It is a very quiet resort style atmosphere and fit for families, couples, and solo travelers.

Nice enough refurbished 1980s hotel right next to the marina. Nice pool, lots of good dining right outside the hotel. Friendly and competent staff. Really nice pool and good vibe for families. One thing this is our second trip to this hotel. This the room I was in had clearly been used by heavy smokers. It still smelled. There was a constant smell of smoke coming up thru the bathroom so I had to close the door. The bedding had a stench of smoke, and when I opened the doors there was a constant drift of smoke. It was horrible. DO NOT BOOK A SEA VIEW ROOM WITHOUT CHECKING WHERE IT IS SITUATED. It was a bit of a surprise to find the tourist helipad was right across the road. So heaps of very loud noise every single day. And on top of that my room was right over the top of a quite noisy bar. Not entirely restful. Cairns is lovely. Will stay somewhere else next time.

We had another amazing stay at the Shangri-La - the third time we've stayed there. The hotel suits us and has everything we need. Lovely bright room with a very private balcony. The shower is the biggest we've ever seen and had great pressure and temperature. Breakfasts were wonderful with plenty of delicious fresh fruit plus lots of choices for hot or cold food. We're missing being there and are already making plans to return next year for a fourth visit.

Great rooms Some may say a bit noisy on the waterfront but views beat that Breakfast is first class and all staff have been friendly and helpful Paid for the horizon club which was worth Dori for pre dinner drinks and substantial hours deouvre Gym could do with a bit more weight machines ,a clock and scales…but you don’t want a weigh in after breakfast!

A really wonderful stay at the Shangri la. Check in was stress free,staff friendly and smiley,what a big difference that makes to any hotel stay. We stayed in a horizon club room,large balcony overlooking the marina. Our room was immaculate, very spacious, comfy sofa,light and bright. On a personal note,we found the bed to be a little on the soft side,but didn’t stop a great nights sleep. The bathroom was/is light and bright,the shower possibly the best anywhere we’ve stayed. Talk about a power shower!! Tasteful L’occitane toiletries. Great hairdryer, iron and board,no mini bar in the room,but tea/coffee/bottled water. The Horizon club was such a treat,if you can,it’s well worth the extra.Beautiful brekkie,a great choice of hot and cold food,fresh fruits,yogurts,juice. In the late afternoon,early evenings,canapés and other food is served,along with alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Staff there are so warm and friendly-Thank you. The pool area is quiet,comfortable sun beds,pool towels provided,and the pool bar menu is reasonably priced,and great tasting too. As mention in a couple of reviews,there are a few areas that could do with a bit of maintenance around the pool,but,it I don’t think it detracts from general chilled feel and comfort. Lots of great places to eat nearby,easy walk to shops,a very short stagger to get a boat to the reef! All in all,a great stay.Thank you so much.