Best Where to Stay in Cairns (2026)
From the everyday to the indulgent, here are 125 of the best where to stay in Cairns. Each pick is scored on reputation, popularity and how current our information is, so you can choose somewhere brilliant without the guesswork. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, price or features.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Cairns's options run from central hotels within walking distance of the action to quieter neighbourhood stays and serviced apartments. Book early for peak periods and major events.
Staying in Cairns?
Find places to stay near Cairns — hotels on Booking.com. Sort the rest of your trip too.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
125 spots
Vue Apartments Trinity Beach
Upscale beachfront apartments with full kitchens, balconies and ocean views, plus an infinity pool.
Travellers Oasis
Relaxed hostel with simple dorms & private rooms, plus free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool & a BBQ area.
Roydon Beachfront Apartments
Unfussy accommodations with balconies/patios, plus a BBQ area & 2 saltwater pools.
Crystalbrook Riley
Crystalbrook Riley is a place to stay in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 3088 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Flynn is a place to stay in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 1089 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Pullman Cairns International
Pullman Cairns International is a place to stay in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 2490 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Modern rooms & suites with balconies, as well as a seafront restaurant, a gym & an outdoor pool.
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Modern spa resort offering a sea-view pool and a hip restaurant, plus sleek suites with balconies.
Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach
Casual 1- to 2-bedroom apartments in a beachfront hotel with 2 outdoor pools & a BBQ area.
NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park
NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park is a place to stay in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 451 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Blue Lagoon Resort
High-end apartments with free Wi-Fi and kitchens, plus 3 pools, a tennis court and a fitness room.
Villa Marine
Villa Marine is a place to stay in Yorkeys Knob, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 151 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Unfussy accommodations in an upscale beachfront resort offering a chic restaurant & 3 outdoor pools.
The Reef House Adults Retreat
Upmarket resort offering a restaurant, a bar & sea views, plus an outdoor pool, a hot tub & gardens.
Lake Placid Rainforest Retreat
Lake Placid Rainforest Retreat is a place to stay in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 568 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Crystalbrook Bailey
Casual hotel offering regular art exhibitions & events, plus dining & a rooftop terrace with a pool.
Dreamtime Hostel
Dreamtime Hostel is a place to stay in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 332 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows
Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows is a place to stay in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 520 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Where to Stay by suburb
Zoom in on the best where to stay in Cairns's most popular neighbourhoods.
Where to Stay guides for Cairns
roundupCairns Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
Cairns may be best known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but once the sun drops the city centre comes alive with a compact, walkable cluster of bars, breweries and live
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Cairns
From the Esplanade Lagoon and Botanic Gardens to Palm Cove and rainforest escapes, these are Cairns’ best free outings — plus what costs extra.
Read guide →roundupCairns With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From the free Esplanade Lagoon to the Daintree, here are Cairns family activities worth planning around, with practical ideas for wet and sunny days.
Read guide →Where to Stay in Cairns — FAQs
What are the best where to stay in Cairns?+
Our top-rated where to stay in Cairns are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Cairns where to stay ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter where to stay by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many where to stay are listed in Cairns?+
We currently feature 125 where to stay across Cairns and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.