Hilton Cairns {AUS}
Mar 18, 2003, 8:07 am
#46
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NY Metro
Programs: SPG Titanium, United Premier 1K
Posts: 1,601
The hotel is nice. Small - nothing luxerious but has an executive floor with an exective lounge. Nice lobby - overall a very nice hotel. I would recommend it. The whole town is laid back - I don't think any building is higher than 10 stories. Any other questions, feel free to e-mail me.
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The FT'er formerly known as ARAWAL
Hilton Diamond, CO Gold
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The FT'er formerly known as ARAWAL
Hilton Diamond, CO Gold
Apr 2, 2003, 3:57 pm
#47
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Chicago - Delta PM, Hilton Diamond, AA PLT,UA Premier
Posts: 17
Hilton Cairns?
Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Cairns in Australia? Im going to Cairns and wondering if I should stay there using points or stay in a hostel. This is my first time in Australia and would love any advice I can get.
Thanks!
Debra
Thanks!
Debra
Apr 2, 2003, 4:10 pm
#48
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 6,084
closed cause...guess why?? yeh I know the other thread was started later but it has more responses so...
oops..edited out the wrong info...thread is still closed but eugene was kind enough to post a coupe of links which I hope he will repost in the new thread...
sorry...
thanks for your cooperation
squeakr
Moderator, Hilton
edited for spelling
[This message has been edited by squeakr (edited 04-02-2003).]
[This message has been edited by squeakr (edited 04-03-2003).]
oops..edited out the wrong info...thread is still closed but eugene was kind enough to post a coupe of links which I hope he will repost in the new thread...
sorry...
thanks for your cooperation
squeakr
Moderator, Hilton
edited for spelling
[This message has been edited by squeakr (edited 04-02-2003).]
[This message has been edited by squeakr (edited 04-03-2003).]
Apr 2, 2003, 4:30 pm
#49
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Once Seattle...then DC....now CDG.
Posts: 4,059
Stayed at this hotel last June. Great hotel! They staff were superb. The morning of our departing flight, after getting to the airport (at something like 6AM), we realized my significant other left some jewlery behind in the room. We called the hotel and they quickly arranged for a Taxi to whisk it to the airport. They also took care of all of our shipping back to the US. The conceirge desk was awesome (yes, I know they are commissioned), but they did a great job!
Jun 10, 2003, 9:38 am
#50
Join Date: Sep 2002
Programs: HHonors Diamond USAirways CP Hertz Pres Cir
Posts: 549
Trip Report – Cairns Hilton
Upon arrival you will notice quickly that the hotel has a fantastic location, situated on the edge of the docks where all the boats leave to explore the great barrier reef. You can walk to your choice of boats leaving for the reef, shopping and such is all within a short walk, including the night market, and the casino is across the street. This is where you want to be in Cairns.
Arrival is fairly easy, with courteous doormen and front desk staff. They each went out of their way to assist us from the day we arrived to the day we departed. I really cannot say enough about the entire staff of this hotel. They all appear to be fairly happy and seem like they want to help you. Even the housekeeping staff were warm and friendly.
The entire lobby area is very large and spacious, with a bar and restaurant as well as several sitting areas.
Without having to ask we received exactly what we had requested prior to arrival – a high-floor room facing the water. The room was on their top floor, which is their executive floor (7th), although the executive lounge was closed the entire week we were there for refurbishing. Use of the elevator is restricted by your room card key for all floors.
The room was inviting with sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony (which it appears every room has) overlooking the water, where many small boats are docked, and small mountains in the background. A gorgeous view. Several small amenities awaited us, with a letter from the manager – and a coupon for continental breakfast buffet for two for each day of the stay (to be used in their lobby restaurant).
This was the kind of treatment you wish for at a Hilton.
The bed was very comfortable, as was the comforter and pillows. This is a place for relaxation. The room was clean and the bath was supplied with an abundance of amenities (soaps, razor, toothbrushes, etc., etc.). An in-room safe was supplied at a minimal charge (AUD$3-4), which is nice when you are heading out for a day of fun in the sun and don’t want to worry about passports, cash, etc. A special key must be requested and signed for at the front desk.
According to the floor plan most rooms appeared to be similar, with the corner end rooms appearing to be slightly nicer? There was one executive suite in the middle of the floor.
The entire hotel has a seven-story open-air atrium on the inside, as you go to your room, with trees and vines and greenery inside making it feel very tropical.
The restaurant has the same view as the rooms that face the water, but you mostly overlook their small, beautifully-maintained grounds. The breakfast included is cold, but you can upgrade to a hot breakfast for an additional charge. We stuck with the continental breakfast since there was an abundance of fruits, toast and jams, meats and cheeses, cereals, and juices. This is one of those times when the continental breakfast is fine.
Access to the pool is the one of the very few criticisms I would have of the hotel. I cannot believe the steps necessary to get to and from their pool area. You go to the first floor (using your card key), down the corridor to the stairway door, down two flights of stairs to an exit door (where you again need your card key). The same routine is necessary to leave.
I will say that once you jump through these hoops it is worth the efforts – their large outdoor, heated pool and extremely large whirlpool are to die for. There is also a fairly good exercise area, sauna, etc. Maybe it is good that it takes so much effort to get there, given that the whole pool area was infrequently used while we were there (lucky for us).
Overall this was one of the best Hilton experiences that we’ve ever had (and we’ve stayed at a lot of Hiltons). While the hotel is not the newest or most luxurious property, it is simply a very elegant and relaxed atmosphere with extremely helpful and friendly staff.
I took time to fill out the "catch me at my best" card here, commenting about the extraordinary efforts of their staff. They deserve special recognition compared to most Hiltons IMHO.
Arrival is fairly easy, with courteous doormen and front desk staff. They each went out of their way to assist us from the day we arrived to the day we departed. I really cannot say enough about the entire staff of this hotel. They all appear to be fairly happy and seem like they want to help you. Even the housekeeping staff were warm and friendly.
The entire lobby area is very large and spacious, with a bar and restaurant as well as several sitting areas.
Without having to ask we received exactly what we had requested prior to arrival – a high-floor room facing the water. The room was on their top floor, which is their executive floor (7th), although the executive lounge was closed the entire week we were there for refurbishing. Use of the elevator is restricted by your room card key for all floors.
The room was inviting with sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony (which it appears every room has) overlooking the water, where many small boats are docked, and small mountains in the background. A gorgeous view. Several small amenities awaited us, with a letter from the manager – and a coupon for continental breakfast buffet for two for each day of the stay (to be used in their lobby restaurant).
This was the kind of treatment you wish for at a Hilton.
The bed was very comfortable, as was the comforter and pillows. This is a place for relaxation. The room was clean and the bath was supplied with an abundance of amenities (soaps, razor, toothbrushes, etc., etc.). An in-room safe was supplied at a minimal charge (AUD$3-4), which is nice when you are heading out for a day of fun in the sun and don’t want to worry about passports, cash, etc. A special key must be requested and signed for at the front desk.
According to the floor plan most rooms appeared to be similar, with the corner end rooms appearing to be slightly nicer? There was one executive suite in the middle of the floor.
The entire hotel has a seven-story open-air atrium on the inside, as you go to your room, with trees and vines and greenery inside making it feel very tropical.
The restaurant has the same view as the rooms that face the water, but you mostly overlook their small, beautifully-maintained grounds. The breakfast included is cold, but you can upgrade to a hot breakfast for an additional charge. We stuck with the continental breakfast since there was an abundance of fruits, toast and jams, meats and cheeses, cereals, and juices. This is one of those times when the continental breakfast is fine.
Access to the pool is the one of the very few criticisms I would have of the hotel. I cannot believe the steps necessary to get to and from their pool area. You go to the first floor (using your card key), down the corridor to the stairway door, down two flights of stairs to an exit door (where you again need your card key). The same routine is necessary to leave.
I will say that once you jump through these hoops it is worth the efforts – their large outdoor, heated pool and extremely large whirlpool are to die for. There is also a fairly good exercise area, sauna, etc. Maybe it is good that it takes so much effort to get there, given that the whole pool area was infrequently used while we were there (lucky for us).
Overall this was one of the best Hilton experiences that we’ve ever had (and we’ve stayed at a lot of Hiltons). While the hotel is not the newest or most luxurious property, it is simply a very elegant and relaxed atmosphere with extremely helpful and friendly staff.
I took time to fill out the "catch me at my best" card here, commenting about the extraordinary efforts of their staff. They deserve special recognition compared to most Hiltons IMHO.
Jun 11, 2003, 3:26 am
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
Australia now has taxi cabs. 
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~ Glen ~
Come visit HERE the most ** FRIENDLY FORUM ** on FlyerTalk. No flame wars, no personal abuse, no substance abuse. Not much of anything really!
Jun 11, 2003, 6:00 am
#53
Original Member, Moderator: Hotel Deals and MilesBuzz
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 14,257
It's pretty amazing, now that Australia has taxi cabs, electricity and drinkable water, restaurants have begun to offer service. When in Cairns, one of the best is Red Ochre. Highly recommended.
http://www.redochregrill.com.au/rest.html
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http://www.redochregrill.com.au/rest.html
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Addicted to airline miles? Check out: Mileage Workshop --- "You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer." - Frank Zappa (1940-93)
Jun 11, 2003, 8:32 am
#54
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: California
Posts: 192
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by edg1:
. What is the best way to get there from the Cairns airport?[/B]</font>
. What is the best way to get there from the Cairns airport?[/B]</font>
Another major take-off point for Great Barrief Reef boat tours is Pt. Douglas, about a 45 - 60 minute drive north of Cairns.
If you have an extra day, don't miss the train ride up thru the Rain Forest with an overhead suspended cable car back. Nice trip.
CNS, fyi, is a 3 hour flite NE of SYD.
Jun 11, 2003, 11:05 am
#55
Join Date: Sep 2002
Programs: HHonors Diamond USAirways CP Hertz Pres Cir
Posts: 549
Actually, Australia is a very backwards place. Forget anything positive I said in my trip report and please stay away!
...this is what my wife and I decided to tell anyone who asks, given that once word is out about how wonderful the place is everyone will want to go there, so please pass the word: backwards, awful, nothing to see here, etc.
Edg1 -- For you, however, since you seem to have already decided to venture to this god-awful place I would also suggest the option of renting a car. While you certainly don't need one, we found it helpful to venture out to such places as Port Douglas, the Tjapukai aboriginal center, Daintree rainforest, etc.
Parking was only between AUD$5-6/day whether you self park or valet. Just remember (if you are from the US like me) to drive Left!
In any case, the airport is only 15-20 minutes away.
Have a great trip.
P.S. Edited to add that the book "A Sunburned Country," by Bill Bryson offers some great insights and fun reading about Australia. Also helps take up some of the plane time necessary to get there.
[This message has been edited by elbidercni (edited 06-11-2003).]
...this is what my wife and I decided to tell anyone who asks, given that once word is out about how wonderful the place is everyone will want to go there, so please pass the word: backwards, awful, nothing to see here, etc.
Edg1 -- For you, however, since you seem to have already decided to venture to this god-awful place I would also suggest the option of renting a car. While you certainly don't need one, we found it helpful to venture out to such places as Port Douglas, the Tjapukai aboriginal center, Daintree rainforest, etc.
Parking was only between AUD$5-6/day whether you self park or valet. Just remember (if you are from the US like me) to drive Left!
In any case, the airport is only 15-20 minutes away.
Have a great trip.
P.S. Edited to add that the book "A Sunburned Country," by Bill Bryson offers some great insights and fun reading about Australia. Also helps take up some of the plane time necessary to get there.
[This message has been edited by elbidercni (edited 06-11-2003).]
Jun 11, 2003, 5:42 pm
#56
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 232
Thanks for the comments. I'm glad to hear Oz has taxis, I was thinking we would have to hire a horse and buggy!
In all seriousness, Taxi or shuttle will probably work best for us. We may rent a car eventually, but we will be flying in and staying only two nights before a 3 day liveaboard on the GBR. We are considering a day trip to Kuranda on the day between our arrival in Cairns and our liveaboard, but it doesn't seem like we will need a car for it (I have seen packages with Train, Skyway Tram, Tjapukai Aboriginal Park, and hotel transfers all included).
On return from the boat, we will stay one additional night in Cairns and then move to environs north (Port D., Mossman, Daintree, etc.) We will probably rent a car for this part.
Sorry for hijacking your thread elbidercni, but thanks everyone for the info.
In all seriousness, Taxi or shuttle will probably work best for us. We may rent a car eventually, but we will be flying in and staying only two nights before a 3 day liveaboard on the GBR. We are considering a day trip to Kuranda on the day between our arrival in Cairns and our liveaboard, but it doesn't seem like we will need a car for it (I have seen packages with Train, Skyway Tram, Tjapukai Aboriginal Park, and hotel transfers all included).
On return from the boat, we will stay one additional night in Cairns and then move to environs north (Port D., Mossman, Daintree, etc.) We will probably rent a car for this part.
Sorry for hijacking your thread elbidercni, but thanks everyone for the info.
Jun 11, 2003, 7:41 pm
#57
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,506
When was the Cairns Hilton built? Is it an old property?
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Jun 11, 2003, 8:03 pm
#58
Join Date: Sep 2002
Programs: HHonors Diamond USAirways CP Hertz Pres Cir
Posts: 549
Perhaps someone else here will be able to tell us exactly when it was built?
Just from observations it is not a new structure, but most of it has been remodeled and it is in decent shape.
Just from observations it is not a new structure, but most of it has been remodeled and it is in decent shape.
Dec 25, 2003, 3:58 pm
#60
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX -- AA Life Platinum; QF Life Silver; UA Silver
Posts: 5,462
We're currently staying at the Hilton Cairns. Originally booked as one night prepaid, then realized since we were staying for 5 nights I should use my GLON. Unfortunately my status still shows as Silver (15 stays ytd, but it should be gold from the Air Canada promo - need to sort that out), so we don't have access to the Exec floor yet. We do have a great view at the end of the 5th floor. Staff is very friendly and courteous. Breakfast buffet is expensive with the weak dollar, but that should be free as well on the GLON with Gold status?
[This message has been edited by hauteboy (edited Dec 25, 2003).]
[This message has been edited by hauteboy (edited Dec 25, 2003).]