Located in Cairns North, a neighbourhood in Cairns, 181 The Esplanade is near the airport and on the waterfront. Cairns Marlin Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Bulmba-ja Arts Centre and Muddy's Playground are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and hiking/biking trails.
Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Cairns Night Markets - 3 min drive - 1.4 km
Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
Esplanade Lagoon - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Cairns Station - 3 min drive
Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 7 min drive
Restaurants
Muddy's Cafe - 9 min walk
Smith Street Cafe - 16 min walk
Dunwoodys - 14 min walk
Atrium - 15 min walk
Paper Crane - 12 min walk
About this property
181 The Esplanade
Guests of this beach aparthotel will appreciate convenient on-site amenities such as a 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 a 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.
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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
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
Property # 84258
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 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
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 Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Marlin Marina are also within 1 mile (2 km). Cairns Station is 28 minutes by foot.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
181 The Esplanade Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very accommodating- early check in, late check out
Sam
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carol
11 September 2025
Liked: Room comfort, communication
Spacious Cairns unit
The size of the 2-bedroom unit was fantastic. The location was perfect and at the quieter end of the Esplanade with an easy flat walk to the centre and markets. The addition of a first-class restaurant next door was a real plus, and they opened for coffee at 7 am. Would definitely stay here again.
Carol
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Yu
30 April 2023
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 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.
Quentin
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gayle
30 May 2023
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
Gayle
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Yeng
23 September 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Great place with view. It's a little out dated but still functional. Great time and place to stay
Yeng
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Auke
17 July 2022
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.
Auke
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Derrick
28 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This place is great! As other reviews stated, the inside has 1980s Miami vibes but we loved it! It wasn’t the cleanest place I’ve stayed, there was a dirty towel and qtip sticking out from the bed when we checked in and because the accessories are dated it just doesn’t feel super clean. All that said, this place is perfect if you’re looking for a place for your family to stay while you’re out seeing the sights all day. Great views, places to play games and hang out, laundry, and amazing location! We are at Muddy’s a lot and the food was incredible! I would definitely stay here again!
Derrick
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mayank
7 July 2022
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.
Mayank
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ryan
24 June 2023
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.
Ryan
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Sharron
28 October 2023
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.
Sharron
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Ben
18 September 2025
Liked: Room comfort
Mould in shower and tiolet had plumbing issue, other wise spacious
Ben
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
R
18 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Stort stay in Cairns
This was a short 2 night stay in Cairns prior to heading home. The property was conveniently close to Cairns airport, and was a high rise apartment block appearing to be generally permanent residents, with a few rooms available for short term rental.
The room itself was well equipped and everything was clean and comfortable.
Whilst the room was a little dated in decor, all of the equipment was new and clean.
Secure underground parking was also included.
Certainly I would stay here again.
R
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Dannielle and Anthony
7 September 2025
Liked: Communication
Room needed maintenance. We brought up several things and lady on Saturday came and looked at what she could straight away. Was very helpful.
Dannielle and Anthony
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Colleen
20 February 2025
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.
Colleen
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joey
4 July 2023
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.
Joey
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dennis
13 November 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
At the quiet end of the esplanade with great views over the ocean .
Easy walking distance to muddys and playground, cafe and beach volleyball and and not much further to main activity hub
We walked to RSL and cenotaph on the esplanade for 11/11 commemoration and then on to public pool for a dip. Really easy walk.
Staff were really friendly and accommodating as we needed to stay a bit longer, no problem for them
Everything we needed in the apartment, really comfortable lots of room , large lounge and balconies,full kitchen and good bathrooms. Really nice pool.
Would highly recommend and will definitely stay again
Dennis
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Lisa
7 October 2022
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.
A/C was broken. Furniture tired. Floor coverings tired
Peter
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
LEWIS
23 June 2024
Disliked: Communication
booked an ocean view room and didn’t get one they blamed Expedia
LEWIS
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
Thierry
30 August 2024
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.
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.