Floriana Boutique Hotel

Revisited Floriana recently 5 years after staying previously. What was a run down but still lovely place to stay is now amazing. The art deco style has been retained but everything has been improved. Decor is stunning with nothing overlooked. From the entry lounge with classic chairs and grand piano to the pool, everything is fresh and clean. The staff are fantastic from the top down and cater for your every need. Professional and courteous to a tee. The manager Luca runs a tight ship and nothing is overlooked. The restaurant and cocktail bar are high class, it's difficult to walk through on the way out of the accommodation without wanting to eat there again - whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner or supper. Out back there is a lovely undercover area for casual meals and drinks next to the sparkling pool. The location is perfect. Not too close to the hurley burly of the city centre but still within walking distance. Cross the road out front once and you are on the waterfront and can walk to town without coming across any other roads. I could go on gushing, but you may think it's a paid review! We will be travelling back from Western Australia to stay again next year. Dave & Robyn , Harvey, W.A.

regarding the restaurant. I refuse to believe you should pay top dollar and eat your evening meal surrounded by dogs. Either you have a very classy restaurant OR you have a dog cafe. You've lost my support. I will not recommend this restaurant. It's a shame, cause the atmosphere and decor is very well done.

Ah the Floriana. This was an old fashioned 'guest house' in the tradition of the old English Seaside and we loved it. Having read the other review, I have to say that Maggie, the piano playing, bird loving proprieter was helpful and kind - but no, once you had your keys, she left you alone. I am not surprised she passedcomment on the TV not working - why would you watch TV in Cairns anyway. If you are expecting a five star stay then forget it, Floriana is definitely for those who feel they want independence on a budget. None of the furniture matches in the rooms and the lamps and light fittings were just about serviceable. It had seen better days, frankly. But, we had the 'flat' with a balcony and just loved coming back here - with it's colonial high ceilings and twin lazily whooshing ceiling fans. The kitchen was enough to cook up a feast and the balcony had a great breeze on hot evenings - great. Maggie rescues birds, including rainbow parrakeets - I have to say, if you are not bird lovers then you may prefer another place - all the parrots mates come to visit - loudly - from around 6.30am!! But for all that, we really enjoyed our time there. Taxis arrive instantly. Town centre is a long walk - ok every now and then, but get a taxi back from town! Turn left then first left to get to the bakers and bottle shop. But DONT use the supermarket - big rip off - go to Woolworths in town - 50% cheaper!

The price is right and you get what you pay for - the sheets were clean, the toilets and shower worked, there was a room A/C and fan, TV, very slow wireless internet or intermittently working computer in the lobby, no breakfast or food facilities. It is a short trip from the airport, across the Esplanade from the water, about a 15-20 minute walk to downtown activities, a grocery store is about 5-10 minutes away. The facilities have a heritage character and could be a place with great charm, but sadly appeared poorly repaired. There was a back courtyard with some type of shallow pool, but didn't venture back there. The owner was a great correspondent during the email booking process, but not so hospitable in person. She was not around much and very short with any questions, as if I was bothering her. The nice man at the front desk when I arrived tried hard to help with my activity bookings, but was able to give me little or incorrect information, so I walked downtown to a booking agency. I worked the glitches out and stayed in the room as little as possible. I did not feel very welcome.

Cairns is dominated by bland hotels, we can recommend Floriana as a creative alternative. It won't suit perfectionists but we like the excellent price, spacious rooms, traditional Queensland architecture, retro colours, and the quiet and friendly environment. We didn't find it hard to tolerate the considerable walk into town, the fact that our particular room only had fans and no air conditioning and the cracks and fading but you need to understand that its not a 5 star hotel nor is it trying to be one. Pictures on the Floriana Guesthouse website are accurate.

I stayed in this property during my week in Cairns. Generally, I can say that I liked it, though the place is slightly run down (stains, ..), but with a character: old furniture, pictures, some strange objects and feeling that you are staying in someone's house. Everything seemed to be relatively clean, though there were some ants in the rooms and even lizards. I'm used to this kind of accommodation, so it didn't disturb me, but actually brought a feeling that I'm really in tropics. Anyway, some things seemed not very convenient - WC is almost in the room (separated by a kind of light partition/screen), the shower - as well. Though, for me it was OK - I stayed there alone. The owner was friendly, but sometimes it seemed that she was mocking at me (australian style?). Anyway, she was still friendly when I realized that I have credit card overdraft. Also she allowed me to leave luggage and valuables for 3 days, when I was on a boat trip. Though, I booked all the excursions beforehand, it seemed she was happy to help with it. So, if you are ready to stay in a slightly budget place with a character it is a reasonable option. Anyway, probably cheaper is only a hostel and you are likely to spend all the time in excursion, because there is nothing to do in Cairns.