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Summary of reviewsRydges Esplanade Resort Cairns boasts a prime location that is highly praised by guests for its convenience and accessibility. The resort is situated within a short walking distance to the city center, offering easy access to numerous cafes, restaurants and the bustling CBD. Families and leisure travelers particularly appreciate its proximity to popular attractions such as Muddy's Playground, the lagoon area and various shopping centers. The ease of transportation, parking and closeness to the airport further enhance its appeal. Guests often enjoy stunning views of the water and the Esplanade from the resort, adding to the overall experience.
The breakfast experience at the resort is generally described as varied and enjoyable with excellent quality, delicious taste and great value for money. The buffet breakfast stands out for its wide range of options and satisfying dishes, making it suitable for families with kids. The helpful and friendly staff contribute positively to the dining experience. However, some guests have noted issues with the quality and pricing of the breakfast, as well as the atmosphere in the restaurant.
Dinner at the resort elicits mixed reviews. While many guests found the food delicious and praised the room service pizza, others were disappointed with the quality and variety of the menu. The restaurant environment and occasional slow service also drew critiques. Nonetheless, the staff's exemplary service was frequently commended.
Rooms at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns receive mixed feedback. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, comfort and beautiful views from balconies, especially in sea-facing rooms. However, the property shows signs of age with some rooms feeling outdated and in need of renovation. Cleanliness is inconsistent with some guests experiencing concerns. Despite this, the comfortable beds and daily housekeeping contribute to a generally pleasant stay.
Cleanliness throughout the resort is also inconsistent. While many guests find their rooms clean and comfortable, some faced issues with mold, dirt and outdated fixtures. The property is described as needing upgrades to maintain a higher standard of cleanliness.
The staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional, friendly and helpful service across various areas of the hotel, including reception, housekeeping and the restaurant. Despite occasional shortcomings such as short-staffing, the staff's overall friendliness and prompt service significantly enhance the guest experience.
WiFi service at the resort receives mixed reviews. While some guests appreciated problem-free, fast internet access, many others found the WiFi to be unreliable with issues in some rooms.
The pool area is a popular feature with three swimming pools providing ample space for leisure. Guests appreciate the clean and well-maintained pools, although some noted maintenance concerns and inconsistent pool temperatures. The pool area is considered great for kids with plenty of space and facilities.
The beachfront location of the resort is a significant draw, providing easy access to the beach and esplanade, as well as various amenities in town.
The tennis courts, while accessible and offering free equipment, received criticism for their poor condition and lack of maintenance.
Parking at the resort is convenient and secure, but the additional daily fee and occasional lack of available spaces detract from its convenience.
Families find the resort suitable with spacious family rooms and convenient in-room entertainment options. However, the lack of children's play areas and limited activity bookings were disappointing for some.
In summary, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers a superb location, a variety of enjoyable breakfast options, comfortable and spacious rooms and friendly staff service. However, there are areas for improvement in cleanliness, WiFi service and certain facilities. The overall experience is positive, especially for those seeking a convenient and family-friendly stay in Cairns. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near The Beach
Located on Abbott Street, this resort provides access to the Esplanade and waterfront. While the provided address lists Sydney, the hotel is known to be in Cairns and offers beach proximity.
Family Friendly Hotel
Centrally located, this resort offers family-friendly amenities and is close to Cairns Central. It provides easy access to the Esplanade and other attractions.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This resort offers a wide range of amenities, including great pool facilities. The overall experience is enhanced by its prime location and quality service.
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
This resort is a well-established conference venue in Tropical North Queensland. It is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shopping, and tours. The resort offers on-site dining and recreational facilities.
Hotel with Parking
This resort is located in Cairns North and offers parking for its guests. It's a large resort, so it can likely accommodate many vehicles, adding to the convenience.
Accessible Hotel
Features 2 Accessible Rooms, 1 with interconnecting. There are four designated accessible parking bays in the car park on the ground floor at the back of the resort. Entry into reception is through double automatic doors and there is level access to the pool.
4-Star Hotel
Situated in Cairns, Queensland, this resort features rooms with ocean or city views. It boasts multiple swimming pools, a spa, and several dining options, offering a relaxing and well-equipped retreat.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns boasts multiple lagoon-style pools with ocean views. It offers a range of leisure facilities and dining options.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel with Tennis Courts
Room Types
Standard Queen RoomThis room features a private balcony with garden views.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12 (see Hotel Policies).
Queen Room with Mountain ViewThis room features a private balcony with stunning rainforest and mountain views.
Please note that the rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12 (see Hotel Policies).
Queen Room with Sea ViewThis room features a private balcony overlooking the Coral Sea and Cairns Esplanade.
Please note that the rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12 (see Hotel Policies).
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)This room features a private balcony and for families.
Please note that the price is based on 4 guests, being 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years of age.
There is no capacity for additional guests.
Executive Room - QueenThis room includes a bathroom with both a bath and a shower as well as slippers, bathrobes and free toiletries. It also includes a flat-screen TV with cable, satellite and pay-per-view channels. Air-conditioning, a seating area and ironing facilities are provided.
Standard Twin RoomThe spacious twin room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 2 beds.
Twin Room with Mountain ViewThe spacious twin room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a terrace with mountain views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 2 beds.
Twin Room with Sea ViewThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 2 beds.
Executive Room - TwinThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns benefits from a prime location, consistently praised by its guests. The hotel is ideally situated within walking distance to the city center, offering convenient access to essential amenities and popular attractions. Visitors appreciate being able to stroll along the Esplanade to reach numerous cafes, restaurants and the bustling CBD in about 15 to 20 minutes. The proximity to popular spots such as Muddy's Playground, the lagoon area and various shopping centers adds to the overall appeal, especially for families and those seeking leisure activities.
Guests also highlight the ease of transportation and parking, making it an accessible choice for those arriving by car. The closeness to the airport further reinforces its convenience. In addition to its strategic positioning, the resort offers stunning views of the water and the Esplanade, augmenting the experience of staying near the foreshore.
Overall, the location of Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns is heralded as superb, offering both quiet retreat and immediate access to the vibrant life of Cairns.
Breakfast
Visitors to Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns generally describe the breakfast experience as varied and enjoyable. Many highlight the excellent quality, delicious taste and great value for money of the breakfast offerings. The buffet breakfast, in particular, receives praise for its wide range of options and satisfying dishes, making it particularly well-suited for families with kids. Guests often mention the helpful and friendly staff as a positive aspect of their dining experience.
However, some reviews indicate issues with the quality and pricing of the breakfast. A few guests found the cost to be high and not reflective of the food’s quality with some citing basic or disappointing options. The early cut-off time for the buffet and occasional shortages of food have also been points of critique. Additionally, the atmosphere in the restaurant with loud music and a cold environment, detracted from the dining experience for some guests.
Overall, while there are areas for improvement, many guests find the breakfast at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns to be a delightful and positive part of their stay.
Dinner
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers a mixed dining experience according to guest reviews. On the positive side, many guests found the dinners to be delicious with excellent food and a good selection on the dinner menu. The room service pizza received high praise, being described as the best pizza ever had. The staff service was frequently highlighted as being outstanding, friendly and efficient, contributing positively to the dining atmosphere.
However, there were several criticisms regarding the food and service. Some guests found the restaurant food and menu disappointing, describing the options as poor, overpriced and not meeting expectations. Specific mentions include cold meals, uninspiring dishes and seafood that didn’t taste fresh. Service was occasionally noted to be slow with instances of staff being too busy to attend to guests promptly. The restaurant environment was also flagged as a downside with some finding it uncomfortably cold during dinner.
While some dishes like the breakfast and general restaurant fare were appreciated, there were enough detractors pointing out that the overall menu could be improved and made more interesting. In summary, dining at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns is a mixed bag; while some praised its delicious offerings and exemplary service, others felt it could benefit from significant enhancements in both food quality and variety.
Rooms
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers a mix of experiences when it comes to the rooms. Many guests appreciated the spaciousness and comfort with several mentioning the pleasing views from the balconies, especially the sea-facing rooms. The larger-than-expected rooms suited families well, providing convenience and a decent amount of space.
However, the property is showing signs of age. Frequent comments point out that the rooms, along with their decor and bathrooms, feel outdated and in need of renovation. Issues such as rust, scuffed walls and broken fixtures were noted. Cleanliness appeared inconsistent with some rooms reported as very clean while others had cleanliness concerns.
Despite the dated appearance, guests found the beds comfortable, contributing to a good night’s sleep. Certain amenities like individual air conditioning control, microwaves and sufficient lighting were lacking. Housekeeping did a generally good job with daily servicing but sometimes required specific requests for certain tasks.
The overall experience for guests was mixed with some enjoying the comfortable, large rooms and beautiful views, while others felt the hotel’s facilities and decor needed significant updating to match the online representations. For a stay that balances comfort and views with the understanding of dated accommodations, Rydges Esplanade Resort might be a suitable choice.
Beds
Guests at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns frequently praise the beds for their comfort, describing them as extremely comfortable, super comfortable and very comfy. Reviewers appreciate the quality of the mattresses, often highlighting their satisfaction with the new and clean bedding provided. The spacious and well-kept rooms contribute to an overall comfortable stay, aided by beds that guests describe as comfortable to sleep in and superbly comfortable.
However, some guests note inconsistencies with the beds. Issues with softness are mentioned with beds being too soft or mattresses sinking in the middle. Several reviews indicate discomfort due to hard or flat pillows that some found musty or terrible. Additionally, a few guests experienced mattresses without adequate bedding such as doonas or blankets, which was problematic even in Cairns' warm climate.
Although there are occasional remarks about bed size and maintenance concerns like beds rolling around or not being clean under the surface, the overwhelming sentiment is that the beds at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns generally provide a very comfortable sleeping experience.
Cleanliness
The Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers mixed reviews when it comes to cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests noted that their rooms were clean, neat and comfortable. Clean bed sheets, towels and clean public and shared facilities are mentioned a number of times. Some visitors felt that the hotel was well-maintained despite being an older property with spacious rooms adding to the comfort during their stay. The friendly and helpful staff also contributed positively to the guests' experience.
On the other hand, several reviews highlighted some cleanliness issues, particularly in the bathrooms with mentions of mold, dirt and grime. Some guests noted that surfaces like under benches, corners and sinks were not properly cleaned. The property is described as outdated and in need of upgrades with worn carpets, dusty curtains and rusty fixtures. Moreover, some rooms had an odd smell or felt damp and a few visitors experienced inadequate room cleaning unless specifically requested. The overall cleanliness seemed inconsistent with some guests finding their rooms satisfactory, while others faced a less pleasant experience.
In summary, while the Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns provides clean and comfortable rooms for many guests, there are notable areas requiring attention to ensure a consistently higher standard of cleanliness throughout the property.
Staff
The staff at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns consistently receive high praise for their exceptional, friendly and helpful service across various areas of the hotel, including reception, housekeeping and the restaurant. Guests frequently commend the reception staff for their politeness and efficiency. Housekeeping staff are noted for their diligence and friendliness, ensuring rooms are clean and comfortable.
Although a few guests experienced less favorable interactions, particularly with some male receptionists and bar staff, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. The team is described as accommodating, professional and willing to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay for visitors.
Despite occasional shortcomings such as an unstaffed concierge desk and instances of short-staffing, the staff's overall friendliness, welcoming nature and prompt service leave a lasting, favorable impression on guests. The excellent customer service at both the front desk and in the dining areas contributes significantly to the resort's warm and inviting atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
At Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, guests have had mixed experiences with the WiFi service. While some appreciated easy access to a problem-free, fast internet connection, many others found the WiFi service to be lacking. Issues such as no WiFi availability, difficulty in navigating the system and unreliable connections were common complaints. Particularly in some rooms, the signal was described as patchy or completely unavailable. Despite some positive feedback about excellent WiFi, the overall consensus suggests that the resort could improve the consistency and reliability of its internet services.
Pool
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers a pool area that guests find largely enjoyable and relaxing. The resort boasts three swimming pools, providing ample space for both leisurely swims and family fun. One of the standout features mentioned is the size of the pools, which are described as large and accommodating. Many guests appreciate the clean and well-maintained condition of the pools with the sea-water pool gaining particular praise for its cleanliness.
While the pool area itself is inviting and lovely, there are some concerns regarding maintenance with a few guests noting that parts of the pool deck and surrounding areas need some attention and a facelift. The pool's temperature gets mixed reviews with some guests finding it too cold, especially during winter.
On the positive side, the pool area is considered great for kids with plenty of free space and facilities that are generally well maintained. Guests also enjoy the views overlooking the pool from their rooms and find the pool area to be a tranquil spot to unwind. Additionally, the availability of pool towels is a well-received convenience.
However, there are mentions of inattentiveness with some areas appearing untidy and neglected. Despite these issues, the overall impression of the pool area at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns remains positive, serving as a pleasant and attractive feature for visitors.
Beach
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns boasts a prime beachfront location with guests frequently highlighting its close proximity to the beach and esplanade. The resort's position allows for convenient walking distance to the ocean, walking tracks and nearby pool. Guests appreciate being close to both the city centre and the beach, making it easy to explore local attractions. Overall, the hotel's location is praised for providing easy access to the beachfront and various amenities in town.
Tennis
The tennis courts at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns are available for use and the equipment is free, which is a notable convenience. However, the condition of the courts has received criticism with mentions of black algae, poor overall quality and insufficient lighting. Reviews also include complaints about flat tennis balls and noise from the surrounding area. Despite being accessible, these courts seem to need significant maintenance to meet guest expectations.
Parking
Reviews of the parking situation at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns highlight both positive and negative aspects. Many guests find parking at the hotel to be easy and convenient, mentioning that there is parking available on-site and that it is generally easy to use. The car park is described as big and full-size and some guests appreciate the security it offers.
However, the parking comes with a fee of $15 per day, which many guests feel should be included in the room rates or simply be free given their stay. There are recurrent mentions of guests being unhappy about paying extra for parking with some pointing out that they were not warned about the parking fee beforehand. Moreover, a few reviewers noted that the parking area can be confusing and that not enough spaces are available for all guests, occasionally forcing them to park on the street. Additionally, the lack of an elevator in the parking area is seen as a drawback.
Despite the mixed reviews, guests still found street parking as a feasible alternative, often for free, which somewhat mitigates the cost and inconvenience of the on-site parking. Overall, while the parking is easy and secure, the additional cost and occasional lack of available spaces can detract from the overall convenience.
Family
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns has garnered a mix of feedback when it comes to activities and amenities for children. Many guests highlighted the resort as a suitable choice for family stays, appreciating the spacious family rooms, some of which come with bunk beds and balconies. Families found the family rooms well-designed and comfortable, often enjoying the added convenience of in-room entertainment options like Xbox and TVs in the kids' room.
However, not all feedback was positive. Some reviews pointed out the lack of children's play areas and expressed disappointment with the absence of a children's menu. The concierge desk, which was supposed to assist with booking activities, was often found unstaffed, leading to frustration. While the pool was a popular spot for many families, it was described as run-down by some and the gym equipment was deemed old.
The resort's location received praise for its proximity to family-friendly activities with plenty of options across the road to keep children entertained. Guests also appreciated the quiet hallways and the excellent self-laundry facilities available on certain floors.
Overall, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers a family-friendly environment with spacious rooms and notable amenities, although some areas could benefit from improvements to better cater to families with young kids.
Business
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers several favorable features for business travelers. The conference facilities are highly regarded with well-equipped rooms that cater perfectly to professional needs. The hotel provides free access to the business suite, which guests appreciated and the WiFi service is both fast and reliable, ensuring smooth online connectivity. The resort's proximity to the business center and hospitals is convenient for those attending meetings or professional engagements in the area. Ground services around the hotel were also noted as being advantageous for business visitors.
However, some aspects of the resort could be improved. While the service is generally good and contributes to a pleasant stay, the restaurant area is in need of a makeover. Additionally, there were concerns about finding staff late at night, which was seen as unacceptable and feedback suggested that the kitchen and wait staff could benefit from further training. Overall, the amenities and services provided are suitable for conducting business, although there are areas where the hotel could enhance the experience to better meet business travelers' expectations.
Accessible
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers mixed experiences in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. Accessible parking is readily available, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure process. Additionally, accessible areas and balconies provide ease of movement within certain parts of the hotel. Beach towels are easily accessible, enhancing the convenience for guests.
However, there are notable drawbacks. The absence of disabled facilities throughout the property and challenges such as elevated entrances to baths and showers over baths make bathroom access problematic. The bathrooms themselves are dated, lacking ventilation and in need of upgrades due to issues like mould. There is also no lift to the carpark, presenting further accessibility concerns.
On a positive note, the hotel staff receive high praise for their professionalism, courtesy and friendly demeanor, including a cheerful and friendly manager available to assist guests.
Outdoor Pool
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns features a large and appealing outdoor pool area with three pools, some of which include a swim-up bar. Despite some critiques about the area being dated or run-down, many guests appreciate the cleanliness and refreshing quality of the pools, describing them as big, beautiful and great for both adults and children. The pools are open until 10pm, which adds to their convenience. However, some guests noted that the water can be quite cold, particularly in December and suggested the addition of heating. While the garden area could benefit from better maintenance, the overall outdoor pool experience at the resort is positively received by guests.
Luxury
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers a blend of amenities that contribute to a comfortable and pleasant stay, although it falls short of a luxurious experience. The resort boasts good features and an enjoyable restaurant with visitors often appreciating the quality of the food and the consistent service. The large, comfortable rooms and proximity to the aquarium and main esplanade are definite plus points, making it an attractive choice for some guests.
However, it is clear that the hotel struggles with certain elements that detract from its overall value. Multiple reviews indicate that the hotel feels a little old and outdated with bathrooms that are sometimes unhygienic due to mould and the use of shower curtains. Guests have also mentioned issues with room readiness and less-than-helpful staff service. The building itself is in need of a makeover to truly meet the expectations of a luxury stay. Despite having some delightful aspects and lovely views, the lack of outdoor furniture and overall maintenance prevent it from achieving a higher standard. Overall, while Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns manages to deliver in some areas, it doesn't quite measure up to a four-star luxury experience.
Yes, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns.
No, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns.
No, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns doesn't have a gym.