Cairns

Located in the heart of Palm Cove village in North Queensland, this one-time family home on Williams Esplanade still practices some of its old traditions. — Afar Magazine

A decent midranger in a nifty spot close to the centre, Coral Tree Inn has the goods to keep the comfort-conscious happy without breaking the bank. — Lonely Planet

Stay at this hotel, and you get a free car to drive around in! — Frommer's

This delightful property has a rightful reputation for excellent service. — Lonely Planet

The resort is a cluster of rooms tucked away in a dense vine forest. Each room is private and roomy, with wooden floors and a balcony looking into the forest. — Frommer's

This attractive hotel has an enviable location near the waterfront, a flotilla of services, and classy on-site drinking and dining options. — Fodor's

There are three pools, one lagoon-style with with a sandy bottom just like the beach that comes in handy during stinger season when it's not advisable to swim in the sea. — Afar Magazine

Stunning views of the Coral Coast and the Cairns hinterland make this an ideal vacation choice. Has every modern facility plus a few extras. It has several rooms for disabled guests. — DK Eyewitness

Separated from the water by a generally quiet road, a park and a bayside promenade, this resort is a pleasant 15-minute stroll from the Night Market and the main shopping and dining area. — Star Service

The grandaddy of Cairns' five-stars... has a fine location, colonial charm and surprisingly contemporary rooms with city, mountain or harbour views. — Lonely Planet

Though it's a few minutes' drive or a longish walk from the city center, this resort's 11 acres of tropical gardens feel like a world away from the hubbub of Cairns. — Fodor's

Resident manager Lyn Ullrich has translated years of expertise in high-end Sydney hospitality into this family-friendly accommodation complex. — Fodor's

Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort is not a peaceful base from which to explore Cairns -- it is a centrally located party hub with excellent on-site bars that attracts locals as well as backpackers. — Oyster

This is a modern, sophisticated hotel, renovated in 2004, with swish, spacious rooms, all with balconies either overlooking the marina or the mountains. — Frommer's