Hostels in Queensland, Australia

This hotel is centrally located in Cairns, close to the Esplanade and the Great Barrier Reef departure terminal. It's right next to a large Woolworths supermarket, making shopping incredibly convenient. An Uber from the airport was only about $20. The terrace off the kitchen is fantastic; dining out there in the tropics is just perfect. Each bed has a reading light, a charging outlet, and a privacy curtain, which is very convenient. The shared bathrooms are clean. The indoor air conditioning was too cold. On my first night, someone in the dorm coughed all night, making it impossible to sleep. I ended up having to sleep on the sofa in the common lounge. The only downside was the front desk staff – they were cold and often absent. I checked in at 5 PM, and there was no one there; it was all self check-in via QR code. When I asked staff for help, the most common responses I got were ”I don't know” and ”it's not my responsibility.”

Location is not too bad. Situated a 15 minute walk away from the waters and main restaurant area. Situated on a main road but quiet at night. They let us put down our luggage when we couldn’t check in yet and leave it there after we’d checked out and waited for our flight. The young female receptionist was very helpful and nice.

I booked on the day we arrived as I needed accommodation close to Northshore Eat Street. Saw reviews about access issues so I called before booking and was advised access info is sent at 2pm. We had no problems with online booking and receiving access code. Room was good value for money with balcony, plenty of free parking and wifi. Would definitely book again if I need accommodation close to airport.

Okay here’s my review. The Espy has so much going for it in terms of being central to the entertainment precinct of Cairns Esplanade.  Check in was easy and friendly and the two bunk dorm had its own dedicated ensuite bathroom which was very clean and quite large. The bedroom was clean and the bunks were enclosed wood and steel construction with zero squeaking. Clean towel and linen provided. So that’s all the very good stuff. The not as good things I observed were: - the lounge/common areas were dimly lit, very tired (bordering on festy) furniture and not somewhere I’d socialise due to limited seating, very few power/USB outlets or clean comfortable seating. - The pool…. Or should I call it the tropical punch bowl of various biological matter and other detritus… if you’re keen of growing something fungal on your body, go in…. I decided not to. -Kitchen and meal prep area all seemed clean and safe to get your mung bean and tofu ready for consumption.  - The personal under bunk locker was missing its latch and with two roommates I had to say a little prayer that my gear would be safe inside my enclosed bunk. Overall this was my maiden voyage as a backpacker and at 57 years of age, I’ve stayed in a lot of Hotels and Motels costing far more for way less cleanliness. I rate this place highly for all the good reasons above.  The not so good stuff is easily fixed by management but for $65 per night in peak season, I don’t think you can get any better value in Central Cairns right near the action. Pubs, cafes, night market and the City Lagoon. Thanks Espy crew, you made this old dog’s stay a pleasant one and will be back if and when the opportunity presents itself.

Lovely clean old Queensland building in a great location, With a relaxed atmosphere , sit out on the front porch and watch the city start to wake up. Will definitely be staying again.

Overall, this hostel deserves 4 out of 5 stars. The rooms were clean and tidy, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I especially liked the central location and the pleasant atmosphere. The common areas were also modern and comfortably designed. My only minor criticisms would be the noise at night and the somewhat small bathrooms in some rooms. Nevertheless, the stay was very enjoyable overall, and it offered good value for money.

Check-in and check-out are very convenient, sanitary facilities are complete, and cost-effective.

The views are nice, and the facilities are ample, including free shared cutlery, kitchenware, a fridge, a swimming pool, and a yard. The only downside is there are quite a few mosquitoes. It's great for sunbathing during the day, and overall, it's pretty good for a hostel.

Stayed at this hotel for 4 night paying over $800. Plus had to pay $200 deposit. 20 mins after checking in and storing my belongings into the hotel room. The manager had knocked on my door and falsely accused me of smoking ********* in his hotel. Much to his surprise I was telling the truth and he apologized for the accusation. Upon check out day. I cleaned the floors and all the rest of it. Took pictures for evidence of room when checked out. Realised i hadnt been refunded my $200. asked for my deposit refund as it hasn't been put back into my account. Manager denied paying me my deposit back and claimed that he had to pay his cleaners extra for the extra 40 mins they took to clean UNDER our beds. Which he never stated that would be a reason to withhold my full refund. I left the room clean, no damages to property upon checkout, As manager instructed. I proved I certainly wasn't smoking ********* in his hotel. Completed a complaints form about his customer service as he still refusing to give me my $200 deposit. Will never stay there again.

The service was very friendly, the owners and staff are eager to assist with any requests and like to get to know their clients, hence we rebooked on two other occasions. There is no food, but good food outlets and takeaways nearby. There is tea/coffee, biscuits and a microwave, plates & cutlery, mugs, water & wine glasses. The beds are very comfortable, rooms are a good size with air-con, TV & couch- all the usual extras, shampoo, shower gels, hair dryer, iron and small wardrobe. The bathrooms are very small but work for short stays. Swimming pool available, which we did not use due to short stay. Private car parking is off road and surprisingly quiet due to proximity to the main road. City is within walking distance. I realise that the motel is of an older style, however one tiny concern for older folks is the small step in and out of the bathroom especially if using at night and a step from the car up to the path outside the room. Perhaps a reminder to 'mind the step' - or a Fluro strip to make it obvious might avoid a 'trip'. The prices are very affordable.