Hotel Mercure Cairns (Cairns, Australia)

Travellers love the hotel's central location; the beach and Esplanade are within a short walk, making it a convenient base for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island, and other natural attractions. The neighbourhood also offers a nice mix of restaurants and shops.

The rooms are widely described as spacious, simply decorated, and clean. Many guests find the beds exceptionally comfortable, and appreciate the extra pillows. Some guests are delighted to find their room offers a balcony overlooking the inviting pool area, which is well maintained and surrounded by palm trees, adding a bit of tropical atmosphere as well as a sense of privacy.

Travellers uninterested in "luxury" the hotel highly in terms of value for money, particularly in comparison with properties directly on the Esplanade. The free Wi-Fi is much appreciated, and the complimentary continental breakfast also contributes to the bargain for those with light appetites. The staff earn high marks for their friendly, professional service, and the tourists appreciate their assistance with booking day trips.

Guests often comment that the older building is ready for a bit of refurbishment, generally describing the decor as dated and a bit frayed around the edges.

The free on site parking is limited to just a few spaces, forcing drivers to take their chances with parking on the street, which is reportedly easy to find late in the evening but can be a challenge in daylight hours.

Commonly reported irritations include noisy air conditioning, poor presentation or variety in the hot breakfast buffet, and surcharges for "extras" such as early check-in or additional room keys.