On the Esplanade

The pool was super clean, the staff were very friendly, and parking was very good and free. The location is great, right on the esplanade. We chose this holiday apartment for its kitchenette and location, and both suited us. Our apartment was a bit older but had most of what we needed, though more toilet paper and soap would have been nice. The spa wasn’t heated, which seemed odd in winter, but it wasn’t a deal breaker. I’d definitely stay again.

My wife and I could happily have stayed in the apartment without going sightseeing, just enjoying coffee on the balcony overlooking the Esplanade. It was spacious and airy, and the pool and garden were well maintained. The North Cove is also conveniently close to attractions like the Marina for reef cruise departures, the Botanical Gardens and the Aquarium, making it a perfect base for a Cairns holiday.

The unit is older, which is fine, but the cleaning left a lot to be desired. We asked to have our outdoor area cleaned, and someone came and swept it without doing anything else. Cigarette butts were still on the tiled area, which needs a proper wash. When we asked about an upgrade, they said they could do it for another $170 a night. Personally, I’d look elsewhere next time I visit Cairns. I don’t recommend it.

We’ve been grateful to have somewhere to stay for 11 days, since I’m over from Western Australia and staying with a friend who lost everything in the Cairns flooding. The basic room had everything we needed to be comfortable. The staff are all friendly, though we weren’t told when staff would be coming in to change the bedding, despite that being stated on the list at check-in. We were in ground-floor room 5, which was a bit noisy because we share an entrance with room 4 and people don’t seem able to close the shared door quietly. The bathroom and laundry extraction fan doesn’t work, so it gets quite steamy. Water pressure isn’t the best, but overall that’s not a complaint. Also check your vehicle height: the underground car park clearance is 2050, and my 4wd with all the fruit didn’t fit. There’s ample parking on the street.