Crystalbrook Riley - Cairns City, Queensland

Darcey A.

We had the most amazing time! The room was kept to a high standard and the whole team was very welcoming and incredibly kind. I would recommend this hotel to everyone, within walking distance to almost everything. 10/5 stars 🫶🏼🫶🏼

Jane C.

Great hotel with resort vibe. Easy walk to restaurants and activity of centre in Cairns, but far enough away to feel relaxing. Very quiet rooms. Staff were exceptional.
We initially only booked for 4 nights as we were not sure based on the mixed reviews but extended for the next 4 nights. I could not fault the staff. The pool area was delightful and a great place to relax and well serviced.

Jose M.

While I only stayed overnight, my experience at Crystalbrook Riley was exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, anticipating my needs and making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived.

The hotel itself is a haven of luxury. It boasts a stunning pool that is incredibly inviting on those warm Cairns days. The rooftop bar offers breathtaking views and is the tallest in Cairns, providing a unique and sophisticated experience.

My room was spacious, impeccably clean, and well-appointed with all the amenities I could possibly need. The hotel truly offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, making it difficult to even leave the property.

The location is also fantastic, with a short walk to the Esplanade and all the attractions Cairns has to offer.

Saadet D.

This is hands down the best hotel I've stayed at in Australia. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. As a Muslim, the chef personally approached us to ensure our dietary needs were met, which we really appreciated. The reception team was always available to assist with any questions or requests we had.

The cleanliness of the hotel was exceptional. Our room was tidied daily, and the pool, lobby, and restaurants were spotless.

There was so much to do around as well. Every shop is a walking distance. We didn’t have to hire a car. The hotel staff recommended the activities and helped us book them.
I honestly didn’t want to leave.

Kara L.

I recently stayed at Crystalbrook Riley and whilst the hotel has a fantastic location and a pleasant atmosphere, I encountered several issues that detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Firstly, despite the hotel’s assurance that charges would be deducted from my $200 security deposit, over the last week I have seen three separate charges on my account, despite the hotels insistence that the room service charge has been deducted from our security deposit, this is incorrect and has left me going back and forth with various staff. It’s been 11 days since my checkout, and this unresolved issue has impacted my confidence in the hotel’s billing practices.
Additionally, while my room was clean, I found it to be quite basic for what is marketed as a five-star hotel. Amenities such as a toothbrush and other standard items you would expect at this level, were missing. It felt like the hotel fell short in providing the little comforts that enhance the guest experience. The pool is lovely, but guests frequently left their belongings at the pool all day occupying chairs then disappearing and making it difficult for others to find a place to sit. The pool is also accessible from the esplanade so anyone, regardless if they’re a guest or not can access the area and use it.
Overall, while there were some positives, these issues significantly impacted my stay. I hope management can address these concerns to improve the experience for future guests. With some attention to these details, Crystalbrook Riley could truly live up to its five-star reputation.

Hayley G.

Everything I look for in a 5-star hotel is found here. Terrific staff, very friendly, helpful and accommodating. Excellent dining options, a very well appointed room with attention to details such as grooming products (delightful body wash, especially), a likewise very well appointed pool area (ample shade and lounge provisions are much appreciated) and an all-round highly attractive and well-maintained design. Sustainability initiatives are also very important and pleasing to see and recognition of our wedding anniversary with complimentary bubbles was much appreciated. Will definitely return and really look forward to it.

John H.

Excellent stay in Cairns . Staff more than helpful. Perfectly situated for access to nightlife, restaurants and the wharf.
Very surprised at some of the negative reviews. I found the the reception staff to be outstanding. Room was superb, clean and everything worked. Buffet breakfast was excellent although do agree that too many birds had inside access to the restaurant. I was on a long tour of Australia in Oct/ Nov 2024 and this hotel was up there with the best I stayed in.

Mariia G.

The location of the hotel is fantastic, offering probably the best bars and restaurants within the Crystalbrook portfolio in Cairns. We visited a few of them and were very impressed with the quality of the food and the excellent service. The pool bar also adds a nice touch and has a great vibe.

However, there are a few areas where the hotel falls short of its "luxury" branding. It seems like cost-cutting measures are evident, especially with the mini-bar experience. Unlike other premium hotels like Crown or Star, where complimentary items such as bottled water, snacks, or wine are standard, this hotel provides none of those extras despite having similar pricing.

Additionally, the in-room amenities are minimal. The mini kit lacked essentials like a toothbrush or toothpaste—only a shower cap and soap were provided. For a hotel positioned as a luxury offering, this feels inadequate.

Overall, while the service provided by the staff was exceptional—professional, intelligent, and attentive—the overall experience doesn't match the luxury standard the hotel advertises. The pricing is noticeably higher than many other Cairns hotels, and unfortunately, it doesn’t justify the premium in terms of amenities or complimentary offerings.

If you're looking for great dining and service, this hotel delivers, but don't expect the full luxury experience promised in its branding.