Cairns Family-Friendly Hotel: A Perfect Stay for the Whole Family
Cairns, with its tropical charm and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is a place that offers the perfect blend of natural wonders and modern convenience. I recently had the chance to explore this beautiful city with my family, and we were on the lookout for a hotel that would not only cater to our needs as a family but also offer a memorable experience. After some research and recommendations, we ended up at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns, and I couldn’t be more pleased with our decision. Here’s a detailed recount of our stay and why I highly recommend this family-friendly hotel for anyone traveling to Cairns.
1. Location: A Stone’s Throw from the Best of Cairns
The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns is ideally located right on the waterfront, offering both stunning views of the Coral Sea and easy access to everything that makes Cairns such a popular family destination. Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Cairns Esplanade, the hotel places you right in the heart of the action, whether you’re interested in exploring the local markets, enjoying a stroll along the boardwalk, or taking a family-friendly boat trip out to the reef.
What makes this location even more ideal for families is its proximity to many of Cairns’ top attractions. The Reef Fleet Terminal, where most reef cruises depart from, is just a 5-minute walk away. The Esplanade Lagoon is nearby, a fantastic spot for families with young children to cool off in the saltwater swimming pools. You can also find several excellent dining options within walking distance, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, making it easy to grab a bite after a long day of exploring.
2. The Arrival: Welcoming Atmosphere
Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by how spacious and modern the lobby of the hotel felt. The reception staff greeted us with warm smiles, and the check-in process was smooth and hassle-free. We were offered a welcome drink (a refreshing tropical fruit juice), which was a nice touch considering the warm, humid Cairns weather. The lobby area is open and airy, with views of the marina, creating a laid-back, tropical atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
3. The Room: Comfortable and Family-Friendly
We booked a Harbour View Room with a king-size bed and a sofa bed, which was ideal for our family. The room itself was spacious, bright, and tastefully decorated in muted tropical colors. The large windows opened up to a stunning view of the marina, with the boats gently swaying in the water, which was a treat to wake up to every morning.
The room had all the amenities we needed: a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV with a selection of channels, air conditioning, and even a small coffee station. But what I appreciated the most was the attention to detail in making the space family-friendly. There were plenty of storage options for clothes, and the bathroom was large enough for everyone to get ready without stepping on each other’s toes. The shower was great, with high water pressure, which is a must after a long day of exploring.
For families traveling with young children, the hotel offers cots upon request, and there are even kid-friendly toiletries in the bathroom. These little touches made it clear that the Shangri-La Hotel takes its family guests seriously.
4. Dining Options: Delicious and Convenient
When traveling with kids, finding good places to eat can sometimes be a challenge, but thankfully, the Shangri-La Hotel offers several dining options that are both kid-friendly and delicious.
We dined at the Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront for a few nights during our stay. The restaurant offers a great variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to more familiar options for the kids, like burgers and pasta. The outdoor seating area provided beautiful views of the marina, especially at sunset when the sky lit up in hues of orange and pink. The atmosphere was relaxed, so we never felt rushed, even with the little ones in tow. We could easily take our time and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Breakfast at Café Sirocco, located on the ground floor, was another highlight of our stay. The buffet spread offered a wide range of options, from cereals and pastries to hot dishes like eggs, bacon, and pancakes. The fresh fruit selection was particularly impressive—perfect for a refreshing start to the day.
One of the best things about the hotel’s dining options was the convenience. After a long day of sightseeing, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time looking for a restaurant. With several great options right on-site, it made our family meals stress-free and enjoyable.
5. Hotel Amenities: Everything You Need for a Family Stay
The Shangri-La Hotel offers an impressive range of amenities that cater to families, making it a truly convenient choice for those traveling with children.
Swimming Pool: The hotel’s large outdoor pool was one of the highlights of our stay. It’s a spacious, clean pool with plenty of lounge chairs around the edge for relaxing. The pool area is surrounded by lush tropical greenery, and there’s a shallow section that’s perfect for little ones to splash around in. After a morning of exploring Cairns, we would often return to the hotel and spend a couple of hours cooling off in the pool.
Fitness Center: For parents looking to squeeze in a workout during their stay, the hotel has a well-equipped fitness center. While we didn’t have much time to use it ourselves (who has time for the gym when you have kids in tow?), it’s worth mentioning that it looked modern and well-maintained, with both cardio machines and free weights.
Kids’ Play Area: While not extensive, there is a small kids’ play area near the lobby that gave our younger ones a chance to burn off some energy before we headed out for the day. It was simple but effective, with some toys and a small climbing structure.
Babysitting Services: For those who want a quiet night out, the Shangri-La Hotel offers babysitting services upon request. This is perfect for parents who want to enjoy a romantic dinner or explore Cairns’ nightlife without worrying about the kids.
6. Exploring Cairns: Activities for the Whole Family
Cairns offers plenty of activities for families, and the location of the Shangri-La Hotel makes it the perfect base for exploring the region.
One of the most memorable experiences for our family was the Great Barrier Reef tour. We booked a day trip with Reef Magic Cruises, which was just a short walk from the hotel. The boat ride was smooth, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, especially when it came to explaining the reef’s wonders to our kids. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the reef was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The kids loved seeing the colorful fish and coral, and it was a fantastic educational experience for them.
We also spent some time at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, which is a fantastic, family-friendly spot to spend the afternoon. The saltwater lagoon is free to use, and it’s the perfect place to cool off if you don’t want to deal with the crowds at the beach. It’s also within walking distance of the hotel, so it was a great option for a quick and easy outing.
7. Booking the Hotel: Where and How to Book
Booking our stay at the Shangri-La Hotel was a breeze. I used Booking.com to secure our reservation. The process was straightforward, and we found the best rate available on the platform. I’ve used Booking.com many times for travel, and it’s one of my go-to platforms for booking hotels because of its user-friendly interface and reliable customer service.
For a family of four, our total cost for a five-night stay in the Harbour View Room was around AUD $2,200. This included daily breakfast for two adults (children eat free), which was a great deal considering the quality of the food and convenience. It’s worth noting that the hotel often offers special promotions, so it’s a good idea to check for any discounts or packages when booking.
8. Final Thoughts: Why I’d Stay Again
Our stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns was truly one to remember. From the excellent location to the family-friendly amenities and the warm, welcoming atmosphere, it was the perfect place for a family getaway in Cairns. If you’re looking for a place that offers comfort, convenience, and plenty of options for all members of the family, this hotel is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy some downtime with your loved ones, the Shangri-La Cairns has everything you need for a memorable vacation.
Cairns, with its tropical charm and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is a place that offers the perfect blend of natural wonders and modern convenience. I recently had the chance to explore this beautiful city with my family, and we were on the lookout for a hotel that would not only cater to our…