Hilton Cairns – Hotel Review

Making the utmost of its sun-drenched position astride the waterfront, the vista from Hilton Cairns is stunning. Whether admired from your room balcony, the outdoor eatery set under a canopy of palm trees or by taking a short wander to its edge, it’s the hotel’s — and the area’s — biggest drawcard. Read on for the full review.

Where is Hilton Cairns? 

The curved building of greenery-fringed balconies stands over the waterfront, to the east of the town’s centre. Cairns Airport is helpfully only about 10 minutes away by car. 

What’s near Hilton Cairns?

In town to tour the Great Barrier Reef? The starting point for most trips begins from The Reef Terminal, less than 300 metres from your front door. The refreshing Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is about seven minutes away on foot and if you’re an activity-loving family, the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome is just next door. 

Room types 

Simply — and somewhat corporately — dressed, the rooms at Hilton Cairns aren’t decoratively adventurous. The views from them, however, can be impressive: some welcome the sight of lush palms that dot the property and some look onto the foliage that fringes the Trinity Inlet. In all, you’ll find bathrobes, generously-sized workspaces with ergonomic chairs, the brand’s signature microfibre, super-soft bedding and balconies big enough for a relaxed sundowner. In town on business? Opt for a room from the Executive set, which includes access to the Executive Lounge on the hotel’s top floor, which offers complimentary breakfast, evening bevvies and canapes.

Restaurants and bars 

The hotel has its own little galaxy of eateries. The most atmospheric is Mondo on the Waterfront, a sprawling open-air restaurant with views of Chinaman Creek. Fare here is varied and with a little kick, such as coconut milk-based daging rendang and piping-hot Mexican fajitas. 

The Pool Bar is the spot for casual bites at the edge of the lagoon pool. It’s a chips and burgers affair here, with the fun touch of a reachable “Popsicle Hotline” for an out-of-hours iceblock on steamy days. 

Gym, spa and pool

At the hotel’s heart is the lagoon pool, which faces the town’s waterfront. The hotel also hides Banyan Spa, a full-service facility with treatments spanning facials, traditional Thai and hot stone massages. To get the blood pumping, hit the (small) on-site fitness centre.

Travel for work

Hilton Cairns is perfectly positioned for business travellers. The in-room workspaces ensure that remote working won’t be a makeshift, from-lap situation and the Executive Lounge is a great place to stretch out, send a few late-night emails or take an informal call. The hotel also has an extensive amount of space dedicated to on-site events, with room from 10 to 250 people, depending on the selected meeting room. 

Accessibility   

There are a number of accessible rooms at Hilton Cairns, as well as accessibility features – think an accessible concierge desk, audible alarms and automatic, outwards-opening doors in rooms. Travellers with disabilities should note TTY phones aren’t available for guest use and the lagoon pool does not have an accessible entry point. 

What you need to know

Families, rejoice. Kids under 5 eat free and those aged 6-11 dine at 50 per cent off.

SEE ALSO: The Best Resorts to Book in Cairns