Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

The area around the hotel is lovely, and there’s a half-decent gym for a quick workout. It isn’t anything special, though, and its door is faulty, so staff have to let you in each time. The room was dated but large. Over my five nights I saw six cockroaches in it. I reported them to reception and was told the room would be sprayed, but I still saw some the next morning. On my last morning, one fell from the ceiling as I went to the bathroom and narrowly missed me. That left me thinking the place must be filthy. I only ate breakfast at the restaurant twice, and I’d suggest eating out. The food wasn’t great, and for a few dollars more you can get a better breakfast nearby, for example at the Latte on the Lake. I was here for a work trip, so I suppose I shouldn’t complain too much in that context. But for a well-deserved holiday, I’d definitely spend a little more to stay somewhere better in the area.

The location was perfect for walking around and enjoying the area, and the restaurant was convenient with great food. Staff were very helpful with a couple of special requests, and the overnight laundry service was a bonus. I didn’t have to travel with dirty clothes. One of my favourite stays. The room’s vaulted ceiling came second only to one I stayed in in Mexico City.

The pool was closed while construction was going on, so it would have been nice to relax beside it, but that wasn’t possible. Sarah, the manager, was especially welcoming and always smiling. She’s leaving next week for another job, which will be a shame for future guests. My first stay here earned a decent four stars because I was lucky to get a modernised room. I saw some rooms that hadn’t been updated, and if I’d stayed in one of those, I’d have given the place two stars. I’d only stay here again if I could get a modernised room.

The location is spot on, just a few minutes from the port and a five-minute walk from a lovely lagoon if you want to swim. Sarah at reception was lovely and ready to answer all our questions. The place is undergoing work and the pool wasn’t finished, though it didn’t look far from completion. We didn’t use the restaurant, so can’t comment on it. We’d read some reviews and felt apprehensive about what we’d find, but needn’t have worried. It isn’t five-star luxury, and the price reflects that. The room was dated but clean, with good bed linen and towels. The bathroom was fine, and housekeeping came each day of our three-day stay. We went to The Reef with Reef Magic and would highly recommend them.