Overall, our stay at Crystalbrook Bailey was a total delight. The location? Couldn't be better. We're talking a mere two blocks away from the waterfront and all the action on the main streets. Every awesome restaurant you'd want to hit up is just a stroll away from the hotel. Plus, being a couple of blocks off the main drag meant we got our beauty sleep, and no noisy disturbances at night. We did cruise by another hotel during our stay, one we considered booking initially. Dodged a bullet there because it looked like a party zone. Glad we stuck with Crystalbrook Bailey, even if it meant a tad more distance to the waterfront. Our two-bedroom apartment was a winner. It had a spacious, fully loaded kitchen, a cosy living room, and room for a dinner table that could comfortably seat four. Not to mention, it had a sweet balcony, though we didn't really get a chance to kick back there. Still, from that balcony, we snagged a peek at a slice of the ocean, and it was beautiful. We kicked it at the hotel for four nights, and housekeeping swung by on day three. We also hit up the gym on the first floor. Not the biggest gym, but it had the basics, and that was all we needed. The staff? Super friendly and welcoming. Loved those wooden round keys, and eco-friendly vibes all around.

Now, on to the hiccups. First, the bathroom fan - it played by its own rules. Usually, in some hotel bathrooms, the fan taps out a minute after you turn off the light. Here, it keeps humming for at least five minutes. We were scratching our heads, wondering when it would finally give it a rest. A little note explaining this quirk would've been handy. Secondly, the induction cooker - it was a bit of a puzzle. Different from the one we've got at home. It took us quite a while to figure out how it worked. Some clear instructions could've saved us some hassle. We even tried ringing reception for help, but they were swamped and said they'd be up in ten minutes. In that time, we became DIY masters thanks to Google, YouTube, and some helpful texts from friends.

Despite a late arrival, I was met by helpful, friendly staff and offered an upgrade on the room I'd booked. Everything I needed was available, with plenty of space and smart, clean decor. The hotel itself was in a convenient location for everything in Cairns, without being in too busy an area, and had an easy pick-up spot for the excursions I had booked (plus some interesting art on display while I was waiting).

The only drawback was that one of the two lifts seemed to be under renovation throughout my stay - it still worked perfectly well, but was covered in plastic sheets.

excellent apartment. just struggled with the technology. would be good to have some written instruction on how to operate the tablet

cleanliness and newness

Lovely hotel and check in. Very much liked the focus on saving the planet by issuing wooden key cards, reusable glass water bottles in the rooms. Big refillable containers for toiletries which were of a good quality. Liked the location being just behind the esplanade which can be quite crowded and noisy at night so found the location of hotel a bit more peaceful.

Found the light switch technology confusing in the room. The tea and coffee cups were like espresso size cups and would've liked bigger cups or mugs. No service in the pool area. Hotel restaurant was closed for dinner the weekend we were there.

Location is excellent - we walked everywhere. Short walk to the Esplanade lagoon, short walk to many eateries, and a nearby supermarket. Apartment size is ample - 2 bedrooms each with an adjoining bathroom, plus a large balcony. Plenty of chairs. Apartment is well-stocked with everything you need - the washing machine and dryer was especially useful since we had many day trips out to the islands and Great Barrier Reef, so washing up and drying was easy.

Gym was large but didn't have dumbbells. Not a critical deciding factor though!

Location gets full marks. Design of the building and how it complements the surrounding trees and landscape is noteworthy. Facilities are well maintained and are very accessible. Liked the meeting spaces on Lvl 3, combined with the pool area.

1. Car parking charge of $12 per day; which was a bit of an overcharge, especially if you have a 7 nights stay booked with breakfasts paid for. A bit of a discounted price perhaps would have been better. 2. Understandably a Continental/American breakfast has a standard menu, but a little more variety or special item for each day would be welcome. 3. Room keeping service lacked efficiency- Just a few examples- Out of the 7 nights we stayed, our towels were changed only on 3 or 4 days. Drinking water was re-filled on only 3 days, milk for coffee was supplied on only 3 days, toiletries packs were not replenished on all days.

Being a solo traveller this is the perfect place to stay in Cairns, far enough away from the busy Esplanade, but close enough to walk to all the cafes and restaurants. My room was clean and comfortable, everything was perfect.

The only down side was my room had a continual damp smell either from the shower drain or the aircon. It was evident on entering the room then I guess I became accustomed to it. Staff sprayed air freshener which worked for a short while. Some staff in the Restaurant didn’t know how to apply the CROWD discount, something to watch

Location of the hotel is perfect to explore Cairns CBD. The one bedroom apartments are very modern and are located on level 1 to 4. They only get serviced every third day but you can get fresh towels or any missing bathroom items by informing Reception and they will bring it to your room. The walk-in shower is nice and the water pressure is good! The bed was very comfortable with not too soft pillows. We did not eat at the hotel so cannot comment on their food.

All was good! The only downside was that the apartment on the 4th floor comes without a balcony but the sliding doors in the living room can be opened widely.

The location was good as it is away from the hustle and bustle of the main esplanade but the pay off is no view of the water from our room, they did give us a 12th-floor room with a panoramic view of the mountain range, wish those green metal grills on the windows were not in the way :) The hotel is new (3 yr old) so things are clean and shiny, eco-friendly, the staff were very good too

The breakfast option in CC'S Bar & Grill looked basic, glad we did not book it, so many other options within 5 mins walk so not a big deal. Oh, and the pool does not get much sun so on the rare cold day it is not fun. Look it is not bad at all, at the end of the day we get what we pay for! The other 2 Crsytalbrooks are a bit more for a reason.

Location was prime and great for exploring the city on foot. hotel and apartment are new and stylish. the apartment furniture were all new and comfortable

Stayed 4nights. was informed housekeeping only provided once every 3days but requested for it to be on day 2 instead of 3. guests have to do their own housekeeping but there is hardly enough cleaning products- only 2 dishwasher tabs, 1 small washcloth, etc etc. the kitchen is very minimal- ok for reheating with microwave or oven but nothing much to cook with. there was a noise throughout the day and night, likely from the ac or bathroom vent of the other apartments. even though the bed was comfortable, the noise makes it hard to have a good night sleep.