Pacific Hotel luxury in the heart of downtown Cairns
By Dallas Sherringham After spending a short stay at the Pacific Hotel in Cairns recently, I made a vow that I would go back and enjoy a much longer holiday at the centrally located gem of a resort right in the heart of the tourist capital of the North. Now, I have been the Cairns many times, but I had never stayed in town at a hotel situated on the main drag – The Esplanade. I will definitely be doing it again next time I head north. Located overlooking Trinity Inlet, the Pacific has stunning views from private balconies and relaxing, laid back décor with genuinely friendly staff. Check-in was a breeze, with the front desk staff greeting me with big smiles and a hearty North Queensland welcome, which was really refreshing. I stayed in a suite from the Tropical Luxe Room Collection and it was perfect for my needs – plenty of room, stunning décor, sitting area, work desk and a great bathroom. Adjacent to my room was one of the Pacific’s relaxing, beautifully decorated public rooms. With the huge tropical artwork and quality seating, I managed to sit quietly a read a book on the Daintree, which I had bought in Kuranda. The guest lounge is the perfect place to meet friends or wait for your tour to depart while the outdoor swimming pool and proximity to waterfront boardwalks will keep you fit. The 24-hour Reception desk is always on hand to ensure your stay is a great experience. The Pacific Hotel is just a quick walk from the Casino, the restaurant and shopping strip and the cruise terminal, but it was the amazing Cairns Esplanade Lagoon that really caught my attention. The Pacific has its own luxury rooftop pool of course, but the Lagoon has to be Australia’s best pool, located overlooking the adjacent Trinity Inlet. Framed by its unique “flying fish” water sculptures, the pool offers a massive 4800sqm of swimming space, free of crocodiles and nasty jellyfish. The Lagoon always has lifeguards on duty and is open 6am to 9prm, so if you are a serious swimmer you can walk over for a few laps every day or just enjoy a dip and a sun bake. Cairns has many quality restaurants, but I decided to stay in house and check out the hotel’s legendary Bushfire Flame Grill Restaurant. It was a very wise choice, because this proved to be the outstanding night of my extended visit to the north. Now, I would say no visit to Cairns is complete without enjoying the unique, award-winning cuisine at the Bushfire Flame Grill Restaurant. It’s an all-you-can-eat Brazilian inspired BBQ Churrasco dining experience. Not only is the food superb, but the South American staff giving it a real international feel.
Bushfire is also open for a delicious buffet breakfast 7 days a week, the perfect way to start the day. All the major day tour operators stop at the hotel which means you don’t need a car if you fly to Cairns, although do-it-yourself exploring is a great way to go if you hire a car. The Pacific has free parking onsite, free wi fi and you can select your dates and book online of course. The hotel is one of a trio of hotels in Australia, all situated in central locations, and all very attractively priced to suit every budget. The Pacific Hotel Brisbane is a 4.5 star hotel overlooking the city and, like Cairns, it is a short stroll to the CBD The Pacific Suites Canberra is located in the heart of the National capital’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment district. It’s ideal for business travelers and holiday visitors. Cairns Reservations: 07 40517888 Web site: www.pacifichotelcairns.com.au Brisbane Reservations: 07 38316177 Web site: www.pacifichotelbrisbane.com.au Canberra Reservations: 02 62626266 Web site: www.pacificsuitescanberra.com.au |