Royal Palm Villas Cairns

The apartment was spacious and tidy, though not clean to my standards. It worked for what we needed, with a washing machine, air con, lounge area, dining table and a normal-sized fridge, even though its door shelves were broken and collapsed if you put anything in them. We’ve stayed in worse places across Australia and 18 countries overseas, and this is budget accommodation, but I wouldn’t come back. You could book much better for the same money. The microwave didn’t work, even though having one was part of why we booked, and nobody responded when we reported it. We were in unit 10. The stairs are steep and there’s no lift, so carrying our gear took extra effort, though we’re fit and it wasn’t a major problem. Reception is usually unmanned. To check in, we called a number and followed instructions to get the key dongle with a pin, which was fine. We couldn’t use the balcony because a large air conditioning unit blasted hot air onto it and made me feel sick. The internet was awful or nonexistent, so don’t count on logging in or using Prime. I first thought the pool was a pond, then saw the pool area sign after parking. It wasn’t clean and sits right by the road, so people walking past can see you. The toilet made groaning pipe noises every flush, as if someone had a terrible case of diarrhoea. We laughed at the sound, but the peeling, yellow toilet seat should have been replaced ages ago, like the broken microwave. The shower pressure was good, the hard bed was okay, and the fairly new washing machine worked well. Road noise was loud even with everything shut. There were no extras like cling wrap, and no scrubber for pots or the frying pan, just a wipex, so bring your own. An iron and ironing board, coat hangers and a blow drier were there, though we didn’t need the drier. We walked to the local Night Owl and saw used needles, socks and discarded clothes, as well as a few homeless people camping and asking for money. It was practical for us, but it was unmanned and unserviced. If you can, book somewhere else.