Crystalbrook Flynn opened in 2020 on the Cairns Esplanade, access via Abbott Street. It is one of three hotels the Crystalbrook Collection opened in the city, alongside Riley and Bailey. The group's own site lists 311 rooms and suites, while earlier material cited 217, so the figure is worth checking before booking.
The essentials
Group Crystalbrook Collection
Opening 2020
Rooms & suites 217 rooms and suites
Segment Luxury
Designer NC
Entry rate From AUD 150 Learn more → The place The hotel is at 85 Esplanade, about ten minutes from Cairns airport. The Esplanade Lagoon, the Cairns Aquarium and the Museum are near. The group markets it as a base for trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
The concept Rooms face the Coral Sea, with large balconies and waterfall showers. The group calls the hotel fun and energetic, and puts social spaces ahead of formality.
There are glass swimming pools, a gym and the Eleme Day Spa, with massages and facials. Three event spaces hold up to 130 people.
Dining & wellness Boardwalk Social is a market-style restaurant with pub classics and live music. Flynn's Italian serves northern Italian cooking with wine pairings. Whiskey and Wine is a bar with balcony seating.
Our take The address on the boardwalk is the draw. Rates from about 150 Australian dollars are modest for a hotel of this size.
Google guest reviews 4.5/5 · 1117 reviews
For the price you pay I don’t think it’s worth coming here. For starters, check in was at 2pm and they made us wait until 2:30pm because the cleaning wasn’t finished. I’ve never experienced this even at a motel? They offered us a drink token each but it didn’t take away the sour beginning. The pools are small, in awkward locations and are undercover - not giving you that holiday vibe. The rooms don’t have fresh air as in you cannot open any window. I understand they provide you air through a vent that is filtered etc but if you love fresh air like me - just a heads up. Our room cost $505 we didn’t even get a balcony. The restaurant Flynn’s Italian was okay - not memorable. I am conscious what posting a review does for a company and don’t want to be petty but I think it’s important when you’re paying for 5 star quality and really only getting 3 star. If this cost $250-300 for the night, I wouldn’t bother reviewing. But with how much we paid, I think it’s worth my honest opinion to help others. A pleasant stay, not a memorable one.
The standout has to be the staff, cleaners especially were lovely people, polite, friendly and did a great job.
The location is great, we were able to walk to restaurants and sights.
The room was lovely, well thought out, clean and comfortable. The Nespresso machine was a nice touch and welcome.
The beds were okay, but the pillows were not to my liking, too soft and not enough support.
The air con was a little frustrating, as the fan speed even on the lowest setting was too much.
We opened the balcony doors, which was nice, but the noise of the myriad of air conditioners of the restaurants below was loud…nothing they can control.
The other standout for me was the selection of movies available through the TV…great selection and free.
The first floor pool was freezing cold…makes sense for the climate, but in winter…brrrr.
We tried the gym too, once you get through the belligerent entry system…the place was small, but super clean, all the equipment looked new and it all worked.
I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, but would ask for an ocean facing room.
Had a fantastic stay at Flynn. Great location on the Esplanade, modern and comfortable rooms, and a friendly, professional team. The facilities were excellent, and everything was clean and well maintained. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cairns.
I had a fantastic stay at Crystalbrook Flynn and would happily return. I stayed in a silent room on the 9th floor, which was perfect quiet, comfortable, and exactly what I needed for a relaxing visit.
The room itself was clean, modern, and simple, but still had everything I needed. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into making the space functional without overcomplicating it.
Breakfast was included and served in the Italian restaurant downstairs, which was a real highlight. The full buffet had a huge variety of options, and everything I tried was fresh and delicious.
The location is excellent, making it easy to get around and enjoy the area. On top of that, the staff were genuinely helpful and welcoming throughout my stay, which made a big difference.
Overall, a great experience comfortable stay, great food, and excellent service. I’d definitely come back again.
I recently treated myself to a two night birthday stay at this hotel, and it turned out to be such a lovely experience.
From the moment I arrived, the service was outstanding. I especially want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the receptionist, CC. She was incredibly warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about her work. As a sweet birthday surprise, she even gave me a complimentary drink card, which made my stay feel extra special and thoughtful.
The room was spotless, and the bed was wonderfully comfortable. Everything felt clean, calm, and well cared for. I felt relaxed and happy throughout my stay.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my experience and truly appreciated the attentive service and welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect birthday treat.
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