Gilligans Backpackers Hotel, Cairns > Reviews > THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN CAIRNS

Author's product rating:   

Advantages:	Hotel accomodation, backpacker prices !
Disadvantages:	popular, so book in advance, slightly more expensive then alternatives !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

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
 Spa and massage area
 Open-air beer hall & Mezzanine bar (24 hour licence)
 Half-sized football field (soccer)
 10 x 6 metre screen outdoors and 6 x 4 metre screen in the beer hall Gilligan's Mall through to the bar and reception area
 Lobby shop

PROS
 reception
- 24 hour reception means you don't have to worry if you get in late from the airport/a trip etc, they were also extremely helpful in booking taxis etc
 Location
- Located in the centre of cairns (between Sheridan, and Graftson streets, a short walk from restaurants, shopping centres, the waterfront lagoon, the harbour
- 10min drive/taxi ride or shuttle ride from domestic and international airport , close to train and bus station

 Rooms
- We had a private double room, with air con, sofa, tv, ensuite bathroom, safety deposity box, and a balcony which was just like a hostel room….Spoilt!
- But for those who wish to sleep in dorms, they are 4-6 beds, with ensuite facilities (seperate toilet and showers)
> Communal rooms
- I will admit with the Tv in our room, we didn't use the communal rooms, and we didn't use the kitchen as we were eating out, but they looked clean and modern and seemed to be ebing used by many people
- Didn't use the laundry room, but they seemed standard across australia, and you'l be to busy here to do much washing!
> Facilities
- Cocktails by a gorgeous pool at the end/start of a holiday/trip, what could honestly be better?
- The bars and clubs seemed very popular, with reasonalbly priced food
- The tour desk were extremely helpful, and provided us with honest information, without pressurising us. (This led to an AMAZING SCUBA trip on the Reef…...NOT to be missed!)

CONS

 It isnt the cheapest of hostels especially if you're just finishing or starting out on a trip, but it IS cheaper then hotels, and in my opinion is of hotel quality and well worth the spend.
A dorm room is around £11 a night, and we paid £40 (per room) for a double
 As I said Cairns can get extremely busy, and you need to book this hostel up WELL in advance (think a month or so) ESPECIALLY if you want a double room/and at weekend.
 This could be considered a Pro or Con, but after 10pm you need to show your room key (need one each) to gain access to the hostel. I felt this offered piece of mind with securty, but not great if you're a bit tipsy or forget you're key

Enjoy this amazing place