Rooms, pool and everything under one roof

The rooms

Public listings describe roughly 127 to 128 rooms, and several mention balconies and spa baths in many categories. Room counts and categories vary between sources, so use them as a guide and confirm the exact room type when you book.

In the tropics, three things matter more than the thread count: air conditioning that copes with humidity, blackout curtains for late nights, and a balcony that opens to the air. Ask about all three. If you are a light sleeper, request a room away from lifts and the lower floors, since the building has bars and a casino.

Pool, sauna and gym

Listings place a swimming pool on the rooftop, along with a sauna and a gymnasium. A rooftop pool in Cairns is best used in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentler. We suggest asking the hotel about pool hours, towel service and whether any areas close for events.

The lobby and services

Listings mention 24-hour reception and security, which is useful if your flight lands late or you are heading out on a pre-dawn reef trip. Ask about luggage storage on check-out day, since many reef boats return in the afternoon.

Questions to ask before you pay

• Which room categories have a balcony, and which face the marina?
• Is breakfast included, and where is it served?
• Are there resort or facility fees on top of the room rate?
• What are the pool and gym hours this month?
• Is there parking, and what does it cost per night?