Pullman Cairns International – Hotel Review

Luxury abounds in small details at Pullman Cairns International. Sip a chilled pear water on arrival in the sweeping colonial-style hotel lobby; sink your feet into plush designer carpeting in your room; or nibble on a signature handmade chocolate truffle before bed — it’s all part of the property’s purposefully indulgent atmosphere, perfect for guests escaping to the Tropical North with R&R on the agenda. Read on for the full review.

Where is Pullman Cairns International?

A short 15-minute drive from Cairns Airport will have you arriving swiftly in the city to check into the Pullman. A five-minute walk takes you to the Fleet Terminal: your gateway to the glorious Great Barrier Reef.

What’s near Pullman Cairns International?

Located on Abbott Street, Pullman Cairns International is central to a large array of Cairns restaurants, pubs and bars, and is a short walk to the serene lagoon pool on The Esplanade. For a memorable daytrip off the water, take the scenic railway about 90 minutes up the ranges to the idyllic rainforest town of Kuranda where you can peruse First Nations art galleries and enjoy a plethora of fresh local produce and market wares.

Room types

It’s a combination of comfort and class in the rejuvenated rooms on levels 3 to 11. Each stun with sophisticated monochrome palettes, with geometric carpet and striking wall decals providing an interesting contrast to peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and harbour. In the morning, enjoying a Nespresso coffee on your private balcony or courtyard should be mandatory.

The Grand Superior City Mountain Twin is ideal for a family stay, and the light-filled Deluxe Room Harbour View includes a writing desk, chaise lounge and pristine marble bathroom to help you relax (or get a little work done) in luxury. All accommodation types offer interconnecting options, and three accessible rooms are available.

Restaurants and bars

The in-house Coco’s Kitchen + Bar to the right of the vast hotel lobby delights with an extensive modern Australian menu. The bar has you covered for cocktails, light eats and pizzas, and the restaurant, flanked by a stunning oversized First Nations art installation, is open for breakfast (where you can chisel off a piece of fresh honeycomb), lunch and dinner (the smoked kangaroo with grilled halloumi entrée is a must-try treat). The hotel’s High Tea selections have recently had an upgrade and now offer two new delectable menus. The Pullman is also nestled between fine-dining restaurant Tamarind, The Secret Jungle — a quirky café serving tea and mocktails — and locals’ favourite bar Three Wolves.

Travel for work

Not only is the Pullman in close proximity to the Cairns Convention Centre, the hotel itself offers multiple boardrooms as office space and for meetings and conferences of any size. Writing desks in your room offer comfortable privacy and fast and free wi-fi to stay on top of work in style.

Spa

Open each day from 9am to 5pm, Vie Spa — one of Cairns’ most well-regarded day spas — is a calming sanctuary located on level two of the Pullman. Change into a comforting gown in the beautifully appointed locker room before meandering through a short labyrinth of understated and peaceful recovery hubs into one of 10 treatment rooms. With a large but well put-together set of relaxing treatments to choose from including rejuvenating full body-scrub treatments, facials, infused baths, massages and the seriously special Vichy Shower, there is an experience to suit every mind and body. Slowly return to real life after your treatment with a sip of herbal tea and a spoonful of invigorating sorbet.

What you need to know

Pullman Cairns International is dedicated to cultivating culture and connectivity in the Tropical North region by showcasing accessible, inclusive, conversational and empowering First Nations art. There are striking and thought-provoking works on each floor foyer by local Indigenous artists from Melanie Hava to Netta Loogatha, represented and purchased through the likes of Umi Arts, Northsite and Cairns Art Gallery (incidentally all well worth a visit if you have the time).

SEE ALSO: The Best Resorts to Book in Cairns