I had a really comfortable stay at the Oaks City Quays Hotel in Cairns. I spent most of the day at the Cairns Convention Centre, so the location of the hotel--only two short blocks away--was very convenient. As there were restaurants, a supermarket, a pharmacy, stores, the reef cruises terminal, and even the Greyhound office and bus stop within a few blocks of the hotel, this made the logistics of my week-long trip really easy.

I found the rooms very clean and comfortable, as well as very tastefully decorated and furnished. The microwave, hot pot, refrigerator, hair blow dryer, as well as the broom and dust pan came in useful. The staff at the desk was super friendly and helpful, and the well-stocked vending machine on the ground floor came in handy one day as well. I looked at the beautiful pool on the 7th floor, but did not have time to try it out, much to my regret.

There were just two things that would have made my stay absolutely perfect: a centrally located computer with internet access, where guests could briefly check their email, and a cafe for breakfast. I realize that there was an internet connection in each room, but since I didn't have my laptop with me, this was a moot point. In regard to breakfast, because there were really no quick breakfast places in the immediate vicinity (at least none that I could find), this meant that I had to procure groceries ahead of time in order to prepare a coffee-and-cereal breakfast in my room; this was no real trouble, but I would have preferred to have had a quick breakfast prepared by the hotel.

Looking at the big picture, though, this was a super, comfortable, modestly priced hotel with friendly staff and a great location.

Ideal position for visiting Cairns.
Pleasant room but small.
Beds made up every day but the bathroom floor was not swept.
Room was very well equiped for self-catering.