Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Good location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Outdated facilities

Categories

Cleanliness
6.75
Several reviews pointed out cleanliness issues, including dirty dishes and cockroaches.
Service
9.25
Most reviewers found staff helpful and accommodating, although some issues with management were noted.
Location
9.25
Many reviews praised the location as excellent, being close to amenities yet quiet.
Room Quality
7.25
Although some guests found the rooms spacious and comfortable, many shared concerns about outdated facilities.
Amenities
7.25
The pool and other amenities received praise, but some were out of service or not as expected.
Value for Money
7.75
Mixed sentiments due to high prices relative to the dated condition and cleanliness issues.
Food and Beverage
8.25
On-site dining was generally rated well, although some noted the absence of basic supplies.
Overall Experience
8.25
General sentiment was good, but issues with the accommodations affected the overall experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-08 03:42

Property Description

Modern Apartments with Stunning Views
Experience luxury at 181 The Esplanade with modern apartments featuring esplanade facing balconies and panoramic views of Trinity Bay. Enjoy the convenience of free WiFi and secure underground parking.

Relaxation and Recreation
Indulge in relaxation with our hot tub, sauna, swimming pool, and exotic fish-filled lagoon. Unwind in style after a day of exploring Cairns and its surroundings.

Convenient Location
Located within walking distance of central Cairns, our hotel offers easy access to the Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Airport. Explore the Great Barrier Reef or immerse yourself in the lush rainforest with ease.

Book your stay at 181 The Esplanade now for an unforgettable Cairns getaway.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: CNS

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for AUD 11 per person per night when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for AUD 11 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for AUD 33 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 917 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.75
Service: 9.25
Location: 9.25
Room Quality: 7.25
Amenities: 7.25
Value for Money: 7.75
Food and Beverage: 8.25
Overall Experience: 8.25
S
Sandra • extended_group • au
5
Very disappointing!
Pros:

The location was fantastic! Sea view room

Cons:

Our check in date - reception wasn’t expecting us despite booked weeks in advance. Room wasn’t ready when booking eventually found. Receptionist went to make beds up while we waited in foyer which we arrived 2 hrs after our check in time.
No hot water in main bedroom ensuite.
No towels provided.
Mould in both bathrooms.
Musky smell throughout apartment.
Expired condiments in cupboard along with dead bugs.
Very out dated and in need of maintenance.
Not worth $1559 we paid for 7 nights and impacted the quality of my stay. Would not recommend to anyone.
This is not 4 stars. I would like to be contacted about some form of compensation.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
H
Henderson • extended_group • au
10
Pros:

Friendly management very happy over all

Cons:

N/A

2026-03-27 • via Nuitee
S
Sarina • family_with_children • au
4
Friendly service, quiet room with essential comforts.
Pros:

There is two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchen and laundry. It has a balcony from the living room, and one from the main bedroom. It has a great view of the sea. Lily from reception offered her contact number in case we needed anything. She promptly helped us with anything we needed. On our last day before leaving, Lily allowed us a late check out as our transfer was picking us up at 12pm.

Cons:

The location was a bit far from the centre of town and it does not have many amenities close by. I initially booked this apartment as it had a spa pool close to the main pool, but it was out of action for repairs. So that was disappointing as I was looking forward to it. And although the bathroom from the main bedroom contained a spa bath, it was awkward for me to get in, so I couldn’t use it. And it didn’t even have a view. The apartment is outdated, as well as the furniture, and is in need of a good clean.

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
V
Veronika • solo_traveller • au
8
2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
K
Kumal • extended_group • au
7
2026-02-22 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • family_with_children • au
9
friendly staff and comfortable stay
Pros:

The unit met our needs for the time we were there.

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jason • family_with_children • au
8
Great value for money, comfortable stay in Cairns.
Pros:

The apartment was very spacious and comfortable. Great location.

Cons:

Apartment 16 could do with ceiling fans in the bedrooms.

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
T
Tamara • extended_group • au
8
Pros:

Beautiful location with amaxing views, rooms are large

Cons:

Airconditioning system needs upgrading, bedroom a/c didnt get cold at all. Realised why there was pedestal fans in bedrooms after the first night...

2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
P
PATRICIA • family_with_children • nc
6
Trés moyen
Pros:

L'emplacement, la vue, la piscine, le parking couvert.

Cons:

La climatisation archaïque et non réglable de façon indépendante, donc trop froid dans la petite chambre et trop chaud dans la grande chambre, le ménage pas fait correctement (tables de nuit recouvertes de poussière, quand à ce qui ne se voit pas trop comme dessous le lit, derrière les rideaux, etc ... c'était vraiment lamentable !), fortes odeurs de poubelles à la réception, unique chemin pour aller à la piscine, une des 2 douches inutilisable de façon normale sans inonder la salle de bain, en résumé un appart vieillissant et pas très bien entretenu ...

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jen • extended_group • au
7
Spacious unit with lovely pool in heart of Cairns!
Pros:

We enjoyed swimming in the beautiful pool every day We had a ground floor unit was very spacious with 2 bedrooms sharing with family. Location was great walking distance to restaurants and cafes along the esplanade.

Cons:

The spa wasn’t working while we were there.
We would have liked a higher floor to see the sea but apparently there was no vacancies.
The car park was a bit tight for our car.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • family_with_children • au
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • extended_group • us
7
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
K
Kylie • family_with_children • au
6
Did what we needed space and distance to town
Pros:

It was centrally located, clean and walking distance to restaurants, view was lovely.

Cons:

The room allocated I believe did not reflect the age of the room compared to the 80 odd photos of the rooms you could get allocated. Pictures on the booking site showed renovated up to date furniture, the furniture was old, apartment was old, toilets did not flush properly and a light in the bathroom needed an electrician to fix it as did not work when we arrived. The most annoying thing was the bathroom fan could not be turned off and it was loud. The views however were beautiful.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

Location was good, about 20 mins walk to the reef centre. Good size apartment with everything we needed for our stay.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha • family_with_children • au
10
Perfection
Pros:

The location was great, the facilities were awesome and very clean

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
N
Natasa • couple • au
10
2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
B
Beatrice • solo_traveller • au
5
2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
K
keiichiro • extended_group • jp
10
2026-01-09 • via Nuitee
C
ceri • extended_group • au
8
I would stay again
Pros:

Comfortable. Spacious. Value for money

Cons:

Ensuite bath and toilet leaking

2025-12-31 • via Nuitee
L
Lee • extended_group • au
5
Pros:

Liked the size. Liked the hot tub. Reception lady lovely. The room although size was great, beds not comfortable, air con struggled in both bedrooms. The TV is terrible and you guys know it is, thats why it was on when we walked in as the sound got a little better the longer it was on. And not a smart tv. Location good.

Cons:

Read above.

2025-12-29 • via Nuitee