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Aparthotel

181 The Esplanade

Salt air and outdoor pool, near Cairns Esplanade

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Photo gallery for 181 The Esplanade

Balcony
Outdoor pool
Exterior
View from room
Lobby

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
  • Place, Cairns Central Shopping Centre
  • Place, Reef Fleet Terminal
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)

Choose your unit

View all photos for Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Terrace/patio

Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • 1292 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Apartment

Private kitchen

2 Bedroom Apartment

  • 1292 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment

Private kitchen

2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment

  • 1292 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Two Bedroom Garden view apartment on Ground floor

Living room

Two Bedroom Garden view apartment on Ground floor

  • 1292 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

Two Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View (Upper Level)

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment

Private kitchen

Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Deluxe Two-Bedroom Apartment With Ocean View (Free Wifi Access)

  • Sleeps 4

Two-Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 5

Two-Bedroom Garden View

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two Bedroom Apartment

Room

Two Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

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About the area

Cairns

Located in Cairns North, a neighbourhood in Cairns, 181 The Esplanade is near the airport and on the waterfront. Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cairns Esplanade and Anderson Street Conservation Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cazaly's Stadium or Barlow Park. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing nearby.
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What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cairns Base Hospital - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 4 min drive - 2.5 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 3 min drive
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Smith Street Cafe - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Muddy's Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Atrium - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Cock & Bull - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant - ‬9 min walk

About this property

181 The Esplanade

Salt air and outdoor pool, near Cairns Esplanade
Guests of this beach aparthotel will appreciate convenient on-site amenities such as Access to hot tub and a steam room. Each apartment boasts a private hot tub and offers free WiFi and a kitchen. Guests will appreciate conveniences, such as a washer/dryer and a dining area, while a TV with cable channels and a DVD player provide a bit of entertainment. Weekly housekeeping is available.
181 The Esplanade offers 21 accommodations with Hot tubs and washers/dryers. Rooms open to balconies. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Accommodation at this 4-star aparthotel has kitchens with full-sized fridge/freezers, stovetops, microwaves and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Televisions come with cable channels and DVD players. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board. Housekeeping is offered on a weekly basis and in-room massages can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

An outdoor pool and Access to hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Parking included

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours), private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 25.0 per night.
Cots (infant beds) are available for AUD 11.0 per night

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Crib (infant bed) fee: AUD 11.0 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 25.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned

We should mention

This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation

Frequently asked questions

Does 181 The Esplanade have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is 181 The Esplanade pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at 181 The Esplanade?

Self-parking and extended parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at 181 The Esplanade?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 181 The Esplanade?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is 181 The Esplanade located?

Located in Cairns North, this beach aparthotel is steps away from Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland and Cairns Esplanade. Cairns Base Hospital and Cairns Private Hospital are also within 10 minutes. Cairns Station is 28 minutes by foot.

181 The Esplanade Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 151 out of 349 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 139 out of 349 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 43 out of 349 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 349 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 349 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

8.2/10

Communication

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very accommodating- early check in, late check out
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Quentin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in 2 bedroom ocean view apartment on 3rd floor. While slightly dated still excellent and would highly recommend, clean and very generous amount of space throughout. Great location, 15 minute walk along the Esplanade to the marina terminal. Restaurant next door was fantastic also.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Good value and great views.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yu

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Location is perfect, we also liked the pool and spa there. Staff are kind and helpful. Will definitely come back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gayle

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The apartment we stayed in had a beautiful view of the esplanade, it had all the amenities we needed for a long stay it was clean and the staff are very friendly and helpful
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This properly was clean and neat. The 2 bedroom is a large unit with a large kitchen and sitting area. I do recommend getting some more AC in the bedrooms, but the living area was comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yeng

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Great place with view. It's a little out dated but still functional. Great time and place to stay
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Auke

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Great stay!

This was a great accommodation for a family of four adults. Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms and spacious living space. Location is excellent with (partial) ocean view (depending on which floor you are on) and walking distance to city centre.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Sharron

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent location and our apartment had a fabulous view of the sea and esplanade. Furnishings and the bathrooms would benefit from some updating, but this would not deter us from staying again. Car parking was very secure - great to have a dedicated, numbered bay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and big open rooms. View was excellent. Had issues with the water pressure, which was fixed by a plumber that day.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mayank

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very good for family or group stay. Excellent location. One magic key opens all doors :-) The toilets should have exhaust fans installed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Stay as long as you can in this delightful spot. The building itself was clean and secure. The apartment, specifically, was roomy, well maintained, and easily felt like home as soon as you walk in. Fantastic views of the ocean and mountains (and bats at sunrise!). This is on the north end of the esplanade, so it was a bit quieter but within a few minutes walk you are in the heart of the hustle and bustle of it all. I would recommend this spot highly to my friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Mark

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Property is a 30 minute walk to city centre. Nothing near hotel. Also, reception desk is only open until 12:00 on Sundays but check isn’t allowed until 2:00. They were supposed to send me check in instructions but didn’t even after I sent an email from the airport. When I showed up at11:30 I couldn’t get onto the property because the address is on a street with a locked gate. Go somewhere else. Terrible location and worse service and poorly maintained property.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Really spacious and great layout. Full kitchen and allowed easy cooking. While supplies were good, the packaged dish detergent etc is just not as good as dishwasher tablets or a bottle of dishwashing liquid but we realise that is hotel style. Very secure and lock up parking but hard to get a park. Having numbered car parks for guests units would be good, instead of having to find one.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Thierry

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Mr T

The place is nice and pleasant with a nice esplanade. Wonderful view. But now fir the price we have paid thats nit enough. I stay for 1 week. The furniture are old Nobody come to change for towels or change the sheet of the bed. If it's only to pay for 1 week in advance and after the Tartare Desert with nobody... better to go to the hotel for the same price. Very desapointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
A/C was broken. Furniture tired. Floor coverings tired
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Arnola

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location, view and wonderfully helpful and friendly proprietors, that being said the apartment is untouched circa 1990's, run down to the point of threadbare. The couches need to be thrown out, and all the kitchenware is in such a degraded state that an op shop wouldn't resell it. Please fix these things and you would be on a winner.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Ningappa

Disliked: Amenities
Old apartment , amenities are limited , A/C was too cold in one room vs nothing in the other bed room, blinds were not closing property . Need revamp . no nearby convince store as well .

8/10 Good

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication

Not a 4 star hotel - just a very decent apartment

Clean enough - there was dust on top of fridge and under bed (it moved). Overall it was clean and good location. Didn’t appreciate we had to take the garbage out and put in the chute - wish it was known. Furniture was dated could use an upgrade. Better coffee instead of just powdered. Maybe a bottled waters when people arrive. And WiFi range was not great in bedroom. I would still recommend this - we were staying in some 5 star properties before getting here - hence my expectation was higher. Appreciated having the laundry after all the cairns adventures.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Veronica

Liked: Room comfort

Ocean View?

Ocean view or Garden view? If you look closely you can see the ocean through the trees but I paid for an ocean view. This was not it! Lots of great space with two bathrooms, laundry and all the basics in a kitchen. A local phone in the apartment/lobby would have been very helpful. Bit of a hike to get to the Esplanade/Marina but definitely doable. Surfaces were all very clean but if you look up or down you will find plenty of dirt, ants and even mold. For a short term stay this place will do the trick but a bit of investment or even fresh paint would do this building some justice.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
There are lots of good points that should have scored this apartment higher - the location is good, and very quiet; the sea view was wonderful; the secure parking in the basement was outstanding; the apartment was spacious, clean and well kitted out; the shower was very powerful and it was great having two bathrooms. However, the flat was quite tired; the spa bath had been disconnected (so was only a bath, which was not as advertised); there was no DVD (so also not as advertised); TV channels were limited; there was no remote for the bedroom TV; and the internet connection was poor. Overall, it could have been so much better with some attention to detail. The owners might want to take note, as this apartment is no longer exactly as advertised on Expedia.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

LEWIS

Disliked: Communication
booked an ocean view room and didn’t get one they blamed Expedia
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

MASAKO

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catharina

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shellae

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024