10 Best Motels in Cairns: Find Cheap Motels in Cairns 2026

Q: What are the best motels in Cairns?

Cairns Queens Court : Stay within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Enjoy access to the snack bar/deli, and freebies including WiFi and parking. The Reef Motel : Free WiFi and free parking are available during your stay, along with room amenities like air conditioning. You'll be located within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Motel Nomad Cairns : Enjoy access to the conference center, and freebies including WiFi and parking. Stay within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Lake Central : You'll be located within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Laundry facilities and an outdoor pool are available during your stay, along with room amenities like a kitchenette. Heritage Cairns : Stay within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Enjoy access to the free WiFi and parking, as well as room amenities like air conditioning.

A coastal town with dense forest, a mountain, and a large body of water.

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Our top choices for Cairns motels

A multi-level atrium with palm trees, a staircase, and a dining area with tables and chairs.

1. Cairns Queens Court

Cairns North

Ryoichi

￥10,355 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 9 - Dec 10

A pool area with a sign for Cairns City Palms Hotel Suites and Apartments, surrounded by palm trees and a covered seating area with white chairs and a glass table.

2. Cairns City Palms

Cairns North

jyoti

￥12,682 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 12 - Nov 13

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, a dining table with chairs, and a fruit bowl.

3. Cairns Southgate Hotel

Earlville

Mr Charles A

￥13,002 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 23 - Nov 24

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair. There is a door leading to a balcony with a view of greenery.

4. Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel

Earlville

Tammara

￥14,039 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

A swimming pool with a stone border, a metal fence, and a staircase leading to a blue building.

5. Aspect Central

Cairns North

BERES

￥12,632 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 11 - Dec 12

A swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a rock formation.

6. Reef Palms Motel

Cairns North

￥12,992 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 2 - Dec 3

A pool area with a person swimming, surrounded by palm trees and a wooden deck with chairs and a table.

7. Lake Central

Cairns Central Business District

Fiona

￥14,271 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 26 - Nov 27

A pool area with a swan sculpture, outdoor seating, and palm trees.

8. Motel Nomad Cairns

Westcourt

Dianne

￥11,846 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 12 - Nov 13

A clear pool surrounded by rocks and a brick pathway.

9. A1 Inn the City

Cairns Central Business District

Bill

￥14,147 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 20 - Nov 21

A hotel room with a bed, a window, a nightstand, and a chair.

10. Cairns City Motel

Cairns Central Business District

Shane

￥11,549 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

A clear blue pool surrounded by palm trees and a stone patio.

11. Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

Port Douglas

Frank

￥16,215 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 11 - Nov 12

A hotel room with a bed, a green sofa, a yellow table, and a ceiling fan.

12. Port Douglas Motel

Port Douglas

Diane

￥16,159 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 12 - Nov 13

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Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Hilton Cairns

10/10 Excellent

"This beautiful hotel has an amazing location right on the water. It’s close to all amenities you could ask for and also very close to shopping and the central business district (very walkable). ALL the staff were amazing, in doing their respective jobs as well as going above for added requests. The lobby bar (with sushi chef) and the breakfast dining room offered excellent service and choice. The water views from both were amazing. I will definitely be staying at this Hilton next time I am in Cairns!"

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

10/10 Excellent

"I could see that they are doing renovations and it is going well. Our room was clean and a good size. The pool was wonderful, just the right temperature and lovely furniture. The staff was helpful and friendly. The location was good for us and walkable to the beach and safe."

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"What a hidden gem right in the heart of Cairns. Hotel’s location was excellent. Steps away from marina where all the snorkeling tours start, steps away from grocery store and all kinds of other stores, and steps away from the lagoon which is so great to relax in after any of the tours. Hotel room was modern, spacious and clean and the amenities were very appreciated. The barista coffee station where you can make yourself a great coffee and enjoy it right there sitting comfortably in chairs or take it back to your room. There was always bottled water and cookies to take for your adventure around Cairns. The complimentary washing/laundry facility was another great perk. All in all the hotel made us feel right at home. Lastly I must mention the two young ladies who looked after the place, they were always smiling and helpful with any question or request. We were there for 5 nights and definitely will come back whenever we visit Cairns again."

Find out more about Cairns

Cairns Motels information

Number of reviews	2,243
Accommodation	15 Motels
Lowest Price	￥10,355
Highest Price	￥16,215

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a motel trip to Cairns?

If you're having difficulty finding a motel in Cairns, consider some of the motels we suggest around the area or let Expedia help you find a similar property from more than 1386 hotels and other lodging options. Simply use our search tools to filter by nightly room rate or cost-effective amenities such as free breakfast and free airport transportation.

What's it like to stay in a motel?

Motel properties often include free parking, and many also include an outdoor pool. Often one or two stories tall, motels usually have outdoor access to guestrooms from the parking lot. Beginning in the early 1950s, eye-catching neon signs enticed road-weary travelers, and you can see these today along the historic U.S. Route 66.

What are the best motels in Cairns?

Cairns Queens Court: Stay within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Enjoy access to the snack bar/deli, and freebies including WiFi and parking. The Reef Motel: Free WiFi and free parking are available during your stay, along with room amenities like air conditioning. You'll be located within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Motel Nomad Cairns: Enjoy access to the conference center, and freebies including WiFi and parking. Stay within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Lake Central: You'll be located within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Laundry facilities and an outdoor pool are available during your stay, along with room amenities like a kitchenette. Heritage Cairns: Stay within a 5-minute drive of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Enjoy access to the free WiFi and parking, as well as room amenities like air conditioning.

How many motels should I expect to find in Cairns?

Expedia has 15 low-cost motels in Cairns.

What things can I to do in Cairns?

Enjoy the lush rainforest and beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area while you're sightseeing. People visiting Cairns love its marina. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Muddy's Playground, and Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland. Attractions the whole family can enjoy include Sugarworld Waterpark and Reef Teach. During your trip, here are some other places to visit: Cairns Night Markets, Reef Hotel Casino, and Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

What's the seasonal weather like in Cairns?

Weather can make or break a roadtrip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Cairns to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually January and February with an average temp of 80°F, while the coldest months are August and July with an average of 70°F. The rainiest months in Cairns are January, February, March, and December, with each month seeing an average of 11 inches of rainfall.

What are my options for getting around Cairns when staying in a motel?

We've gathered some information about local transportation options in Cairns to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is located 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from the city center. If you want to see more of the area, hop aboard a train from Cairns Station, Freshwater Station, or Redlynch Station. You can find out about water travel options at the marina.

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