Gilligans Backpackers Hotel, Cairns

Would definitely recommend this amazing hostel, to anyone staying in cairns, not just backpackers Yes its slightly more expensive then some other places, however if your'e just starting your trip, and are a bit jet lagged, or you're justfinishing your trip and want a bit of luxery, it's the place to go! Giligans has:  24 reception  Communal lounge rooms and kitchens on each level  Tour Desk & Internet Café (open to guests & to the public).  Guest laundry  Resort-style swimming pool with waterfall  Beach volleyball  Gaming area  ... more

I stayed for 5 nights at Gilligans BED BUG Backpackers Resort - the first two nights my friend and I stayed in a 4-bed dorm and we thought we were in the best hostel ever ... anyway, things changed. 2 other friends joined us and we moved into a 8-bed dorm. First night was ok (ok it was loud, cause its a party hostel and we got no sleep) but before 2nd night we found out the ALL beds were infested with lots of BED BUGS - we moved/swiched 3 (!) times the room, had to put our staff in the freezer, front desk just laughed at us - nobody ever said sorry or anything else. We had booked 6 nights ... more

I stayed at Gilligan's for two weeks and had a fantastic stay. It is an amazing venue with clean rooms, a large tv area, pool, bar and a treatment room. I would say it is quite extravagant compared to all of the other hostels I stayed in during my trip up the East coast. In terms of being a traveller, there were quite a few facilities which I felt were a bit over the top, for example the Spa facilities. However, as this was the last hostel I stayed in it came as quite a treat to have a proper shower and then to head downstairs and get my nails done. In comparison to other hostels in the area ... more