Featured facilities: Laundry service (on-site), Luggage storage, Shared kitchen
Very Good
45 reviews
8.4/10
1 night
From $24
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9.2/10
Great
KKathhhA newly renovated hostel runs by Little Drifter in Cairns CBD area. Everything is quite new and well maintained, except for the washing machines (quite a few are broken and still waiting to be fixed, only 2-3 machines are working, both laundry and drying cost $6 each time so that would be $12 in total if you wash and dry in one go). Yet big shout out to the staff there, they’re all very friendly, responsive and helpful, and that really makes a huge difference.
The whole atmosphere in the hostel is really cozy and chill. I lived in a 8-bed dorm, everyone is really respectful and quiet, especially after 22:00 when the lights are off. Kitchen has everything you need so you don’t need to worry about anything. And for ladies who might need to blow dry your hair, you can borrow hairdryer at the reception by giving out your passports/driver licenses.
Regarding location, it’s definitely prime, everything is within walking distance. Woolworths is just next door, Esplanade and Lagoon are just 5 mins walk away, Cairns Central just 10 mins walk away. It’s definitely a really good choice if you’re new to the city and would like to have easy and fast access to everything.
GGuest UserThe reception lady was very unfriendly. She did not explain to me how I could be able to get hot water as no kettle was not provided. They should give guidance to let me figure out what to do with this as it should be available. The hotel should make this little improvement so that customers can enjoy more without much uncertainty!
GGuest UserAlthough I received my booking confirmation from a third party, somehow I missed important check-in information from the hotel which is keyless and has no onsite reception. Through the kindness of strangers, we were able to get into the foyer where there was a number to contact. It’s advertised as a 24hr reception but it’s important guests know it’s a remote reception. Once I got onto the receptionist, he was able to send me the important message with the check-in information. As we were heading out for dinner we were able to assist another couple who were experiencing the same problem.
Overall, it was a good stopover. We had a good night’s rest in a comfy bed, however, there were no bedside lamps for reading and the one wall lamp near the bed didn’t work. The shower was hot and the location is excellent for access to a variety of great restaurants.
DDollmeisterOkay 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.
GGuest UserDue to slow drainage in the bathroom that wasn't fixed, the hotel moved us to an upstairs room. It was a huge improvement from the previous one; the room and bathroom were spacious and clean, both with large windows that opened, offering a great view.
GGuest UserOverall, 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.
SSpizzico• room: clean bedsheets and pillows, clean AC filters and overall a compact functioning double room. Even though the room was nearby the stairs I did not hear noise from people passing by and had a good sleep
• shared bathroom was cleaned meticulously.
• amenities: they have a pool which is really nice and the inner courtyard is quite comfortable and has space to interact with other guests as well to just chill
• location: 15 min taxi from the airport (only way to go to the airport) 10 min walk from the train station and 15 min walk to the seaside. There are few restaurants and a supermarket in front of the hostel
• staff: kind an supportive
my background: I travel 320 days a year since 8 years staying in all range of accomodation from hostel to 5star. I just review objectively what I see with no judgement
SShanice HenawayStayed 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.
GGuest UserThe 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.