Review: Pullman International Cairns, Australia

WHAT’S IT LIKE When you have two Pullmans across the street from each other, it can certainly get confusing. But, resort-focused Cairns has two, one with a casino and one known as the Pullman International. Both are of exacting standards, but the Pullman International showcases a more colonial twist and grandiose spaces, which fulfill Accor’s new brand promise for the meetings and incentives business.

Sure, Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and stunning beach scenery, but it does quite a bit of corporate and conference business as well. Guests enter to discover a high-ceilinged lobby with suspended lanterns, loads of natural lighting, and a friendly reception desk with a special area for Accor’s most loyal followers.

Another popular feature of this hotel is that it is within close walking distance to the waterfront, downtown bars and restaurants, and nearby shopping.

DINING Despite its proximity to nearly every type of cuisine known to man, the hotel’s own Coco’s restaurant on the lobby level serves three meals a day, but it is of course busiest at breakfast.

Many rates include a morning meal, but if not, it is still worth it to pop down for a bite. It seems that nothing was forgotten here, and most popular (well, after the omelet station) is the fruit juice blending station offering guests a do-it-yourself array of carrots, beets, celery, ginger, apples, oranges, and grapefruits to mix and crush at their own will. In addition to brewed coffee, the Nespresso machines are a nice touch although the buffet area can get quite crowded at times, especially around the omelet stations. Perhaps the hotel should consider hiring a second chef to cater to the demand.

AMENITIES If sand between your toes is not in order, then the hotel’s expansive pool deck does the trick. Most of the day, it sees substantial sunshine and it is ringed with lounge chairs. Being on the mezzanine level helps to keep traffic noise at bay. If one too many Foster’s beers made it your way, the hotel has a full fitness center to help out in that regard. The steamy humidity makes jogging midday tough so try to head out around sunbreak. A business center provides access to Internet-equipped computers and printers.

ROOMS Guestrooms here are pleasant, modern, and businesslike offering both city and mountain vistas. Be sure to request a high floor to take in the best vantage point, but having outdoor balconies is a special treat for some fresh air. All rooms have soft carpeting, flat-screen cable TVs facing the oversized beds with duvets, and desks with easy-access power ports (often a complaint at other hotels). Clearly, the guest list here skews to the domestic market as there are only Australian outlets in the room, but reception can provide converters upon request. It’s too bad there is no executive lounge on the premium floors, but these upgraded rooms do come with extras like bottled water, bowls of fresh apples in the elevator lobbies, and free wireless Internet. Members of Accor’s elite program receive free wireless Internet too, and everyone can use it in the public areas without charge. Bright bathrooms have strong water pressure, wide vanities stocked with Bigelow apothecary toiletries from New York, and hairdryers. Air conditioning is especially strong, which is a big plus in this warm climate.

CONCLUSION This is one of the best full-service options downtown. Sure, the Shangri-La is still one of the city’s main prizes for the luxury market, but it charges for the privilege. The Pullman International offers the same level of service, but set back from the waterfront at a better price.