The Shangri-La is a great and convenient luxury hotel to explore the great barrier reef in Cairns. The exterior of the building or the lobby will not win any beauty contest, but don’t let that fool you. The Shangri-La Cairns has just been fully renovated and still has the best location in Cairns. It is just across from the marina and an easy walk from the hundreds of boats departing from the great barrier reef every day.
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Getting to the Shangri-La Cairns
The Shangri-La occupies the best real estate in Cairns. It is located in the marina and has a beautiful sea and marina view.
Getting there from the airport takes about 15 minutes by Uber or Taxi and costs around 20 Australian dollars.
Checking in
This is Luxury Travel checked into the hotel around 8 pm. checking was smooth, efficient, and friendly. I was offered for my bags to be taken to the room but chose to bring them myself.
Review of The room at the Shangri-La Cairns
This is Luxury Travel stayed in Executive Marina View room, and I couldn’t have made a better decision. The room opened up to the refreshing and soothing views of Cairn’s Marlin Marina with the towering mountains in the back. This offered me a chance to catch epic sunsets and sunrises right from my bed.
The room had a very open and well-lit environment, which soothed me on my stay. The place looked like it had just been renewed. With about 35 square meters, it isn’t huge but perfectly functional. The classy flat-screen television came with multiple in-house movie channels.
The long sliding window opens into a little white balcony. This is perfect for gazing at the boats leaving the reef while you want to have a relaxed and laidback moment.
The bathroom was modern and fully equipped with an elegant shower and a bathtub. The hotel staff provided me neat and plush towels and a bathrobe as well.
The Shangri-La toiletries were terrific too. I liked the little amenities bag that reminded me of the one we get in airlines.
Breakfast with a view at the Shangri-La Cairns
The breakfast is buffet-style. It is filling and functional but just doesn’t scream luxury five stars hotel. The food on the buffet was plentiful but relatively simple. There was an abundant supply of premade juices in several flavors as well as a coffee machine. The bread, croissants, and pastries were delicious. There was so much to eat that I could not try everything in one go.
What made the breakfast very enjoyable was the enchanting sight of the boats leaving for the reef.
I didn’t get to try any other meals at the Shangri-La restaurant as I was busy on tours, but it seems to be the place to be. Whenever I would walk by, it was packed with people.
The hotel facilities at the Shangri-La Cairns
The pool and the gym were particularly appreciated by visitors. There is a large outdoor pool with lounge chairs nearby. I absolutely enjoyed my morning swim while staying there. And the best is that the pool was almost empty.
I also liked the gym a lot too as it has all the modern equipment that a fitness freak might require.
What to do in Cairns?
Cairns is the gateway to the great barrier reef, so don’t miss it while you are there.
There are countless tours offering day trips for snorkeling and diving on the reef.
The Coral Sea dreaming is an interesting company that provides a small sailing boat for overnight trips to the reef. It feels a lot less crowded as they allow a maximum of 12 people on the ship. You can either do a group trip or charter the boat for private use.
The Shangri-La is the closest hotel from where the boats depart, so it is ultra-convenient.
While you are in Cairns, don’t forget a rainforest visit. I did a wildlife tour with Wait a While, and it was fantastic. We saw platypuses, tree kangaroos, possums, and many other wild animals. You can read more about my rainforest trip here.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Shangri-La is the best hotel in Cairns. Their state-of-the-art interior and comforting facilities are highly appreciated. The Executive Marina View Rooms are the best as they offer you uninterrupted views of the lovely Marlin Marina. I highly recommend this hotel to everyone visiting Cairns.