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Aparthotel

181 The Esplanade

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for 181 The Esplanade

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a parking area and a body of water with palm trees and mountains in the distance.
A swimming pool with tiled edges, surrounded by lounge chairs and tropical plants.
A spacious living area with a sofa set, wicker chairs, a coffee table, and a reception desk.
A multi-story hotel with a central blue glass facade, surrounded by palm trees.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large window providing natural light.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
181 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a parking area and a body of water with palm trees and mountains in the distance.

Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Apartment

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a built-in microwave, a kettle, and a coffee maker. There are two bar stools and a note on the counter.

2 Bedroom Apartment

  • Garden view
  • 1292 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment

A compact kitchen with a sink, stove, and built-in washer and dryer.

2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment

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

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

A room with two beds, one with a dark blue bedspread and the other with white bedding. There is a nightstand with a lamp and a framed picture on the wall.

Two Bedroom Garden view apartment on Ground floor

  • Garden view
  • 1292 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

Two Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View (Upper Level)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment

Private kitchen | Coffee/tea maker, full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop

Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Cairns North, 181 The Esplanade is adjacent to Cairns Esplanade and within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights like Cairns Marlin Marina. This 21-room, 4-star aparthotel has private in-room hot tubs along with an outdoor pool and free in-room WiFi.
View more Aparthotels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon - 5 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 5 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Muddy's Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Rattle n Hum Cairns - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Smith Street Cafe - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook - ‬18 min walk

About this property

181 The Esplanade

At 181 The Esplanade, guests have access to an outdoor pool, a sauna, and free WiFi in public areas. If you drive, put free parking to good use. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this beach aparthotel include a hot tub, free newspapers, and laundry facilities.
Each apartment features a kitchen and a balcony. There's space to spread out with a separate bedroom, a dining area, and a sitting area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a 42-inch TV with cable channels and a DVD player. The pillowtop bed provides a full night's sleep and the bathroom offers hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a private hot tub, a washer/dryer, and a coffee maker. Weekly housekeeping is available.
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.

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Mantra Esplanade
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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • In-room massages
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool loungers
  • Private hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Steam room

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car rental
  • Free extended parking on site

Family friendly

  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Crib: AUD 11 per night

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Microwave
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 25 per night

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate sitting area

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with cable channels
  • DVD player

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Laundry service
  • Washer/dryer

Climate control

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Vending machine
  • Weekly housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In a business district
  • Near a train station
  • Near the airport
  • Near the sea
  • On the boardwalk/promenade
  • On the Strip
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Boat tours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Scooter/moped rentals nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Water skiing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 1 building
  • 10 floors
  • 21 units
  • Built in 1995
  • Connecting units available
  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 25.0 per night
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for AUD 11.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free extended parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • The property is professionally cleaned.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The aparthotel can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

181 Esplanade
181 Esplanade Apartment
181 Esplanade Apartment Cairns North
181 Esplanade Cairns North
181 The Esplanade Aparthotel
181 The Esplanade Cairns North
181 The Esplanade Aparthotel Cairns North

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at 181 The Esplanade?

181 The Esplanade provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do within easy reach of 181 The Esplanade?

This aparthotel is situated in Cairns North, just steps from Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, and within a short walk of Cairns Mudflats. You'll also find Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at 181 The Esplanade?

Yes, extended and self parking are offered for free at the aparthotel.

Does 181 The Esplanade have a casino on the premises?

No, 181 The Esplanade doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at 181 The Esplanade?

No, this aparthotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Is 181 The Esplanade good for couples?

At this waterfront aparthotel, there are many amenities for couples, including a private hot tub and in-room massages in each apartment, and some feature ocean view.

Does 181 The Esplanade have a hot tub?

No, but this aparthotel does have a sauna.

Does 181 The Esplanade feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, 181 The Esplanade doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will 181 The Esplanade allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at 181 The Esplanade.

Does 181 The Esplanade have connecting rooms available?

Yes, there are connecting rooms available at this aparthotel book for your group event or vacation.

How close is the airport from 181 The Esplanade?

The closest major airport to 181 The Esplanade is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is 3.4 mi away (7 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at 181 The Esplanade?

Yes, every apartment at 181 The Esplanade comes with a balcony and some offer ocean and garden views.

181 The Esplanade Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 153 out of 353 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 140 out of 353 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 44 out of 353 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 353 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 353 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Have stayed multiple times. Great communication and stay. Only note is no BBQ area even though still mentioned on some sites.
Stayed 18 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
location
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Easy access, good communication, friendly staff unit was clean and had a great view. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Catherine

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

10/10 Excellent

Sam

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carol

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Derrick

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Ben

Liked: Room comfort
Mould in shower and tiolet had plumbing issue, other wise spacious
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

R

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Dannielle and Anthony

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

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
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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