Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – Hotel Review

Fresh bedrooms, a swim-up bar and a sprinkling of towering palms: it must be Tropical North Queensland. This is the setting for Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, a hotel fit for families, sun-seekers and business travellers alike, complete with a sprawling lagoon-style pool, an on-site eatery slinging fresh favourites and a central Cairns location. Read on for the full review.

Where is Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort? 

You’ll find the low-rise hotel a block back from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon in the town’s central grid of streets. Cairns Airport is a swift 10-minute car ride away. 

What’s near Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort?

Cairns, the famed leap-off site for the Great Barrier Reef, is a pleasant base for any adventurer searching for a slice of nature. The reef is scattered along the coastline and one of the easiest entry points is via a cruise to incredible Fitzroy Island, just 45 minutes by boat from the marina (itself about 15 minutes walk away). The Cairns Night Markets are also just a block from your front door.

Room types 

The simple rooms are strictly fuss-free, with minimal decorative touches and floor-to-ceiling windows for abundant natural light. Notable inclusions are bathtubs, terrace or balconies and Illy coffee machines in all rooms (and spa baths if you opt for the Standard Suite and above). The Family Suite is fit for four – even if the large window from the bathroom lacks a bit of privacy for parents hoping to have a spa bath.

Restaurants and bars 

Moku Restaurant + Bar is a sunny little spot for fresh food and zesty drinks. Centred around the lagoon pool (where the swim bar awaits), the tables are bathed in that inimitable sunshine, with generous umbrellas for relief in the heat of the day. Seafood heroes the menu (naturally), with spiced mackerel soft tacos, Fijian-style kokoda with tuna and even oysters with cocktail-inspired drizzles. There are also burgers, steaks and salads.

Travel for work

Meetings on-site will certainly catch the Cairns breeze, with rooms open to light-flushed gardens and patios. There are five for use, and conferences are regularly held on the premises. Remote workers will appreciate the full-sized desks and free wi-fi that feature in every room.

Gym and pool

You’ll likely orbit around the sand-edged lagoon pool at the hotel’s heart, where Cairns’ only swim-up bar is submerged. There’s also a 24-hour on-site gym if that’s more your speed.

Sustainability

As part of the Accor Group, Novotel has committed to the Planet 21 Program which encompasses tree planting, the banning of overfished species in hotel restaurants and the exclusive use of free-range eggs.

Accessibility   

There are three accessible rooms at the hotel, with interconnecting capabilities and all public areas are wheelchair accessible.

What you need to know

Kids and families are made more than welcome here, especially on weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday there’s a timetable of activities to keep children busy from pony pool races and movie nights.

SEE ALSO: The Best Resorts to Book in Cairns