Hides Hotel

Luggage storage is provided by coin lockers located a little behind the front desk. For the 'Large' size locker, two large suitcases fit inside. They only accept $2 coins, so while you can get change at the front desk, it's easier if you prepare them in advance. The hotel is conveniently located directly opposite Woolworths, so shopping is easy, and Cairns Central is only about a 10-minute walk away, making it super convenient. The facilities are a bit old, and since it's on a main road, I occasionally heard the street cleaner early in the morning. So, it might not be suitable for light sleepers.

The hotel's location is in the city center. My flight arrived early, so I took an Uber from the airport for AU$30 (it can be as cheap as AU$20 during off-peak hours), arriving at the hotel around 12:00 PM. The front desk informed me that check-in wasn't possible until after 2:00 PM, which is standard policy. However, I was also told that luggage storage wasn't free and would cost AU$6 to use a locker. I've stayed at many hotels where luggage storage is complimentary for guests, so this charging policy felt quite unfriendly. Thankfully, I didn't have much luggage, so I just took it with me to grab some food before coming back to check in. After checking in, I noticed other issues: 1. The Wi-Fi signal was very weak, almost non-existent during the day (it was sometimes usable at night). When I asked the front desk, they said there was nothing they could do. I ended up using my China Mobile data (capped at 30 RMB/day, which was acceptable). There was a router-like device in the room, but the front desk said it was only for connecting the phone and not related to the internet. 2. The bathroom sink faucet was too low, so I had to use the showerhead to fill the electric kettle. 3. The toilet seat was installed at an awkward angle and wouldn't stay up on its own; you had to hold it, which was quite strange. 4. The door's soundproofing wasn't very good; I could hear people talking in the corridor late at night. On the positive side: The staff tried their best to provide good service, but the issues with the hardware were beyond their control. Although the hotel equipment was a bit old, the room was spacious with a private bathroom. The in-room facilities were quite comprehensive, with multiple USB charging ports (which are not common in Australian hotels). The room was also clean, tidy, and quiet. After 6:00 PM daily, a password was required to enter the main hotel door, which felt secure. Directly opposite the hotel, across the road, was a Woolworths supermarket (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM), and there were plenty of dining options nearby. Most departure points for Great Barrier Reef day trips at the Reef Fleet Terminal were a 10-minute walk away. The hotel's greatest asset is its location, followed by its relatively cheap price and spacious rooms with private bathrooms. Despite these various issues, personally, I might still choose to stay at Hides again next time I'm in Cairns.

A bit old, but acceptable! Right opposite a Woolworths supermarket, which is super convenient for shopping! The service attitude is good, and you need a passcode to enter the building at night, so safety is guaranteed! The only downside is that rooms facing the street can be a bit noisy, but everything else is fine!

This hotel is over 100 years old and has a colonial South Seas vibe. It's quite old; the lampshade in my room was a bit moldy, one of the desk lamp switches was rusted and broken, and the window latch was also rusted and covered in bird droppings. The interior was generally clean, and it's very close to the Great Barrier Reef terminal. If you're looking for a cheaper option, you could stay here.

Hides Hotel in Cairns offers exceptional value for money. This century-old hotel has a unique city vibe and is perfectly located in the heart of downtown. It's just a few minutes' walk to the Esplanade, night markets, and the Great Barrier Reef terminal, surrounded by a multitude of restaurants and shops, making getting around incredibly convenient. The guest rooms are clean and tidy, equipped with air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi, and the beds are soft and comfortable for a good night's sleep. The front desk staff are warm and helpful and can assist with booking reef tours. The spacious, vintage veranda is perfect for relaxing. It's definitely a top choice for budget travelers, and I'll stay here again next time I'm in Cairns.

The location is convenient, but everything else is pretty average. The Wi-Fi was particularly bad, almost unusable. There's a supermarket right across the street. The facilities are very old, and the elevator is ancient. The room felt a bit damp. Overall, it's a very old hotel.

The hotel is about a 15-minute walk, or a 5-minute taxi ride, from the facility where you can cuddle koalas. There are also a few Japanese restaurants nearby. Luggage storage is available in coin lockers in the lobby.