Pierpoint Rd, Cairns, Australia | (618) 248-8274
Unbeatable location on the water with marina views
Rooms are spacious and minimal with minibars and nice bathrooms
Scenic balconies are a highlight of the rooms
Pretty pool area with lounge chairs and plenty of space to stretch out
Great dining options on-site, with more restaurants and bars in walking distance
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Lush gardens
No turn-down service
Massages but no beauty treatments offered
The 255-room Shangri-La is a luxury hotel in Cairns with a cool, modern tropical vibe and plenty of luxe touches. Set in a prime position on the marina, this stylish hotel offers a big outdoor pool surrounded by a nice deck and lounge chairs plus lush gardens and a big fitness center. There are excellent dining options on-site (including a restaurant and two bars) and many more restaurants and bars are located within easy walking distance. Rooms are spacious and minimal with minibars, big bathrooms, and impressive balconies. Wi-Fi is free.
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Scene
Upscale hotel on the marina
It's one of the most upmarket hotels in Cairns, but the vibe at the Shangri-La is decidedly casual. The wide-open lobby sets the tone: it's bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows, potted tropical plants, a quirky art instillation hanging from the ceiling, and a water feature. There's abundant seating for the hotel's patrons (a real mix, from families to business travelers and honeymooners) and plenty of casually dressed staff manning check-in and concierge's desks. Those used to the slightly restrained atmosphere of other Shangri-La properties may be surprised, but the casual vibe matches tropical North Queensland.
Location
An unbeatable position on the marina
One of the Shangri-La's key selling points is its location right on the marina. The water views and proximity to seafront restaurants and shopping are an undeniable plus. In the heart of downtown Cairns, almost all local shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Taxis congregate at the entrance to the hotel and can also be hailed on nearby streets. The airport is about 10 minutes' drive away in good traffic conditions. The hotel offers various airport pick-up and drop-off options.
Rooms
Minimal rooms with nice balconies
The light, bright feel of the hotel lobby is replicated in the rooms. With a soothing white-and-cream color scheme, plenty of space (the most basic rooms are 350 square feet), and balconies in every room and suite, it's easy to slip into a tropical state of mind. Sheets are 800 thread-count and there's a decent pillow menu, plus a fully stocked minibar. The bathrooms are well-appointed, with black marble floors, separate showers and tubs, and Shangri-La's own toiletries.
Features
Outdoor pool, inventive dining, and nice fitness center
It wouldn't be a Cairns hotel without an epic swimming pool, and the Shangri-La's is arguably the best in town: it's huge, with a poolside bar, separate kids' pool, and an abundance of cabanas. The hotel's gym is modern and well-equipped, with several rooms; massages can be arranged on-site. A good selection of room service is available 24/7.
