Top Boutique Hotels in Cairns (2026)

Best Boutique Hotels in Cairns

This guide to the best luxury, boutique, and design-forward hotels in Cairns is manually curated by our editorial team based on first-hand research, verified guest reviews, location analysis, and overall service quality. Each hotel is selected to meet high standards of comfort, authenticity, and guest experience.

Cairns Private Apartments
Hotels
Shop 1/ 34 The Esplanade, 4870 Cairns, Australia

These 4.5-star apartments offer absolute waterfront, luxury apartments just a 1-minute stroll away from Cairns Waterfront Marina. Guests at Cairns Private Apartments enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a spa pool, a sauna and a fitness center. Cairns Private Apartments offer Double/Twin rooms as well as 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that are fully self-contained and offer panoramic views of the sea. The property is located close to a wide variety of fine restaurants and bars. Cairns city center is also a 1-minute walk away along the harbor boardwalk.

Guest Reviews:

- "Great location near waterfront and restaurants. Well appointed apartment and very comfortable bed. Quiet and relaxing. Ease of checking in and very attentive staff." - "Great location on the esplanade for cafes and restaurants. Apartment was very spacious with kitchen and balcony which was lovely to sit outside in the mornings for breakfast or afternoons to relax" - "Perfect location beautiful view from the balcony great value for the money tea, coffee and cream to start washer and dryer in unit"

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Hotels
35-41 Wharf Street, 4870 Cairns, Australia

Featuring elegant rooms with a spa bath and a balcony overlooking Cairns or Trinity Inlet, Pullman Reef Hotel is only 820 feet from Cairns Esplanade. It features a casino and 4 bars with live music. The modern air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen cable TV and a tea and coffee maker. Each room has a large bathroom with luxury C.O. Bigelow toiletries. Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is 5 minutes’ walk from Cairns Convention Center, and 15 minutes’ drive from Cairns Airport. Pullman Reef Hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, spa pool and sauna. The tour desk can arrange activities such as diving and snorkeling, and day trips to the Great Barrier Reef. The award-winning Tamarind Restaurant features Thai-inspired fusion cuisine. Flinders Bar & Grill offers light meals in a casual setting.

Guest Reviews:

- "Everything was wonderful." - "All staff provided an exceptional service. All facilities were very clean and very well presented. Room had everything I needed for a comfortable staff." - "Room was wonderful,spacious, quiet and work desk appreciated. Close to marina with lots of food choices." - "Central location, undercover parking for free, excellent amenities, very comfy bed and furnishings" - "Everything,great hotel, very clean, great staff & service"

The Abbott Boutique Hotel
Hotels
69-73 Abbott Street, 4870 Cairns, Australia

The Abbott Boutique Hotel provides accommodations in Cairns near The Cairns Civic Theater and Reef and Rainforest Research Centre. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a tour desk. The hotel has family rooms. All rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The hotel has some accommodations with city views, and rooms are equipped with an electric tea pot. The rooms have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. Popular points of interest near The Abbott Boutique Hotel include Cairns Convention Center, Cairns Station and Cairns Regional Gallery. The nearest airport is Cairns Airport, 4.3 miles from the accommodation.

Guest Reviews:

- "We had a great time at the Abbott, it’s centrally located, with modern & clean rooms. We stayed throughout the cyclone & the staff couldn’t have been more helpful & kind - we actually rebooked to stay here again after our GBR liveaboard trip." - "Great Location. Spacious rooms. Clean. Good facilities." - "Everything!" - "It was centrally located, quiet, safe, and had a great coffee machine. The staff helped us book tours and our taxi to the airport."

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hotels
Pierpoint Road, 4870 Cairns, Australia

The 5-star Shangri-La Hotel offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the Cairns Marlin Marina. It features an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi internet access. Shangri-La is located just a 10-minute drive from Cairns Airport. The Great Barrier Reef Departure Terminal and the Pier Shopping Center are located within 3 minutes’ walking distance. All rooms feature a private balcony overlooking a tropical garden, Trinity Bay or Marlin Marina. Flat-screen satellite TV and comfortable bathrobes and slippers are included. Other features include a laptop safe and mini-bar. Guests at The Marina Shangri-La can work out at the well-equipped fitness center They can also make use of the complimentary shoeshine service, or get travel advice from the tour desk. The Backyard is a vibrant, relaxed venue with a distinct local North Queensland personality. The bar staff can share their local area and knowledge. With a choice of seating areas at the bar, on the deck or garden, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the waterfront, watch the boats or relax and take in the marina views and mountain range beyond. The outdoor bar is the service point of the garden area, giving customers a unique outdoor experience year round. The venue features innovative drinks and creative dishes.

Guest Reviews:

- "The rooms were always clean, great complimentary items available" - "The staff at the reception, Patrick and the concierge were excellent. Very helpful. The breakfast was so delicious and the girls like Oriana were always ready to help. Lovely girls." - "Location" - "Excellent- can’t fault it Have stayed a few times and it’s my no 1 cairns choice" - "Great breakfast buffet, good wifi, soundproof rooms, great pool" - "Love the whole set up"

Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments
Hotels
62 Abbott Street, 4870 Cairns, Australia

These 4-star Holiday Apartments offer spacious self-contained accommodations in the heart of Cairns CBD. The property is close to the Esplanade and lagoon, Casino, Reef Fleet Terminal, shops, and markets. Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments offers stylish, self-contained boutique apartments including balconies with views of the pool and surrounding area. The outdoor pool includes a gazebo where guests can make use of the barbecue area. Il Palazzo's friendly staff creates an inviting atmosphere for guests and can offer tips on what to do and see in the area. Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments is also near the Conference Center, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree World Heritage Rainforest, Kuranda and the Tablelands.

Guest Reviews:

- "Amazing! Location is good, it's very clean, lovely staff, couldn't have been better." - "Ovation, apartment size, kitchen, aircon and laundry" - "Great location Great pool Clean facilities" - "Location was perfect Smaller block of apartments making it more friendly and accessible Our room looked out on to the swimming pool which was lovely. The pool was heated too" - "many years since we had a holiday in Cairns. Traveling by train to Cairns was new for us. Once settled into our accommodation we were pleasantly surprised at the location with respect to the nearness of services in the area. The size of the area of the apartment was very good."

Cairns Family Friendly Boutique Hotels

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.1
1106 reviews
From $164

Cairns Private Apartments ensures a family-friendly getaway where safety and comfort merge beautifully. With dedicated kids' club activities, parents can relax while their little ones engage in fun, supervised experiences. Spacious, self-contained apartments provide the perfect environment for quality family bonding, allowing you to create stress-free memories together. The outdoor swimming pool is ideal for splashing around, making it a top choice for families looking to enjoy Cairns while feeling secure.

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.0
1679 reviews
From $217

- "Facilities Room Design View from room Bed was comfy Service and Staff friendly Spa and Shower amazing" - "Love the friendly staff. Always happy to help" - "Location Friendly and exceptional staff who made travelling solo feel secure Cleanliness Comfort of rooms Balcony Food options Room and hotel amenities" - "We loved the hotel and our bed was very comfortable, we liked sitting on our balcony looking out at the yachts on the water and the arrival of a large ship docked. Room service was fabulous as we were able to order what we required. The pool and spa were amazing. The hotel is with in walking distance to the esplanade where there are a selection of restaurants."

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.0
2187 reviews
From $160

Families will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of this 4-star hotel, designed with safety and comfort in mind. With spacious rooms equipped with all the essentials, including private bathrooms and air conditioning, parents can enjoy stress-free bonding time. The hotel is conveniently located near attractions like the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, offering families a chance to explore nature together while ensuring a secure and enjoyable stay in Cairns.

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
3927 reviews
From $296

- "Everything was amazing" - "great location and staff" - "The service was excellent. They even brought a fruit tray to our room—despite the time being too late for that to be an option." - "Location" - "breakfast" - "Great location. Close to the marina which was great as we were spending a couple of nights on the reef." - "We booked the stay for valentines day weekend and I had communicated my intention to propose prior. During our stay the staff were friendly and accommodating, they had also provided complimentary service which made the stay extra special. We had a seaview unit which made the stay extra special."

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
602 reviews
From $214

Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments is an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and enjoyable getaway in Cairns. Spacious self-contained accommodations provide ample room for stress-free bonding and relaxation. With nearby attractions like the Esplanade and lagoon, kids will have endless fun exploring. The friendly staff is dedicated to creating a reassuring environment, ensuring that parents and children alike feel secure and catered to throughout their stay.

Cairns Eco Friendly Boutique Hotels

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.1
1106 reviews
From $164

At Cairns Private Apartments, commitment to sustainability harmonizes with luxury living. Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the property’s dedication to earth-friendly practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy beautiful panoramic views from your apartment, making every moment spent here a step towards responsible tourism. Experience a serene escape that respects both the natural world and your desire for a memorable stay.

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.0
2187 reviews
From $160

- "Friendly staff. Excellent service" - "Great location, clean rooms, nice nespresso/tea/water area. I also liked the photo print decorations throughout the hotel featuring sights near Cairns." - "A great stay. Beds were super comfortable, room was very clean, communication was fantastic. Such a great location. I would recommend for a long or short stay." - "Perfect Honeymoon Stay! Our stay at The Abbott Boutique Hotel was absolutely perfect. The location is ideal, with all the major destinations within walking distance, making it so convenient to explore Cairns. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, especially knowing we were on our honeymoon. They even surprised us with a special treat, which made our stay even more memorable. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay and would highly recommend The Abbott to anyone visiting Cairns. Thank you for making our honeymoon so special!"

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
602 reviews
From $214

Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments embraces eco-friendly practices, ensuring your stay harmonizes with the natural beauty of Cairns. Situated near lush landscapes and the stunning Great Barrier Reef, the property encourages sustainable tourism through its commitment to environmental stewardship. By choosing these self-contained accommodations, you're not only enjoying comfort but also participating in a conscious travel experience that respects nature and promotes sustainability.

Cairns Boutique Hotels with Parking

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.1
1106 reviews
From $164

For travelers seeking a seamless arrival experience, Cairns Private Apartments offers efficient parking options that prioritize your convenience and security. Enjoy hassle-free transit with easy access to your vehicle after a day of exploring the stunning Cairns Waterfront Marina, just moments away. With well-managed facilities, rest assured that your car is safe as you indulge in all that this vibrant area has to offer.

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
602 reviews
From $214

Arriving at Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments is a breeze with convenient parking options available. Enjoy seamless access to your stylish self-contained accommodation without the hassle of street parking. Your vehicle will be secure while you explore the nearby attractions, including the bustling Esplanade, shops, and markets. Experience efficient transit throughout your stay, allowing you to focus on making lasting memories in beautiful Cairns.

Cairns Boutique Hotels with Entertainment

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.0
1679 reviews
From $217

Dive into the vibrant nightlife at this energetic hub, where every evening transforms into an exciting adventure! With a lively casino and four buzzing bars featuring live music, your nights will be filled with fun and entertainment. Enjoy delicious bites at Flinders Bar & Grill or indulge in Thai-inspired fusion dishes at the award-winning Tamarind Restaurant. Located just steps from Cairns Esplanade, this vibrant atmosphere serves up unforgettable experiences for those looking to explore the local scene!

boutique hotels in Cairns
9.0
2187 reviews
From $160

Experience the vibrant pulse of nightlife at this lively 4-star boutique hotel in Cairns, where every evening comes alive with energy and excitement. Gather with friends in the shared lounge or explore nearby hotspots like the Cairns Civic Theater for shows and performances. With complimentary WiFi and modern accommodations featuring cable TV, guests can unwind and recharge before diving back into the exhilarating atmosphere of the city’s entertainment scene.

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
3927 reviews
From $296

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, where excitement meets luxury. Enjoy innovative drinks and creative dishes at The Backyard, a lively venue that offers stunning waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing. Engage with knowledgeable bar staff as you savor the local flavors and unwind with friends in one of the many outdoor seating areas. Embrace the energetic ambiance and discover the dynamic pulse of Cairns right at your doorstep.

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
602 reviews
From $214

Experience the vibrant nightlife and exhilarating activities at Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments, perfectly situated in the heart of Cairns CBD. Just moments from the lively Esplanade and lagoon, guests can immerse themselves in the local atmosphere filled with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. After a night out, unwind by the pool or fire up the barbecue in the inviting gazebo area. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or social interactions, this energetic destination has it all!

Cairns Boutique Hotels with Spa

boutique hotels in Cairns
8.5
602 reviews
From $214

At Il Palazzo Holiday Apartments, indulge in wellness and tranquility with signature spa treatments available nearby. After exploring the beauty of Cairns, retreat to your stylish apartment for a restorative experience. Relax on your balcony overlooking the serene pool area, allowing nature's soothing sounds to rejuvenate your senses. Discover the essence of Zen during your stay, where each moment is designed to promote relaxation and well-being.

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