Though only two blocks further away from the Novotel on Cavil Avenue, the Mantra Legends was almost 25% cheaper and sure the Novotel has been done up, but it would be unfair to say the Mantra is rundown.

I booked 4 rooms for the extended family and the review reflects this.

Some points;
• No cover or shade what-so-ever on the pool from 10am to 5pm
• Happy Hour between 4-6pm was okay but drink size seemed to reflect price.
• Carpark worth any $20 fee per day
• 3min walk to the beach and 5 min walk to Cavil Avenue
• WiFi inconsistent, higher it goes up the worse it seemed to get. So kids often went to lobby to play Roblox.
• Good shower pressure
• Love Urban Skin care toiletries, but mounted on wall.

Staff were amazing and very helpful and kind. Nothing bad to say about any individual from reception to the bar to the dining room for breakfast. But there were consistent long waits at reception and often for the lifts (3).

That said, buffet breakfast was never packed and food was always well stocked. Quality was right on average.

By biggest beef with the hotel is because it’s a little cheaper the type of clienteles is the type who don’t wait for people to exit the left before entering, walk naked dripping wet from the pool through the lobby, in the lift and to their room. Or yell and scream on the phone during breakfast, including having domestics at the top of their voices during breakfast or at the bar, never waited at reception, honestly some guests dressed and lied on furniture like a homeless person.

It was like they forgot they are guests and as just because they are on holidays and paid to stay, they forget to be kind, forget human decency and be respectful of others.

If you are on a family budget, Mantra Legends is the perfect place to stay on the Goldie, close to everything, decent sized rooms, loads of restaurants nearby. But can get a bit seedy in the evening and if you have the money and everyone has decent mobility, I would look to go elsewhere. Staff were amazing in ‘trying’ conditions.

Most annoying aspect was booking said it was all paid for on Accor all.com site, but then was charged “again” and had to get it rectified and became an issue which Accor knows about.

The renovations were annoying and having to go down the lift from the room on level 3, through the smelly carpark, breath in all the fumes and then go up by lift (or one flight of stairs) to exit the complex, sucked big time, but didn't ruin the holiday. And the renovations came pre-warned, it will be interesting to see the price difference next year YoY when I could go directly from the Hastings street entrance, through 3 gates to the a room in building 2, rather than via the car park. Also with a working kids pool, sauna and BBQ area, all under renovations, though clearly warned.
Big complaints, the curtains only pulled 3/4 of the way so light streamed in from 5:30am. Building renovations started at 8am way to ruin a holiday. So bring sleeping eye mask! No breakfast option, so no advantage for Platinum Accor members or anyone wanting a buffet breakfast. The Beach House, wouldn't comp me as Accor Plus member let alone Platinum.

Room came with a Washing Machine and drier – didn’t say this on booking and Accor official website.

Two double beds - one was a pull out bed lounge bed, Sebel should have been clearer, I would have been clearer I was happy to pay for proper beds. No BBQ - seemed like most other apartments had a BBQ on their balcony, thought it was included but could have been wrong.

Walls are paper thin so seemed always noisy as people coming home or workers started setting up, before they officially started work. Could clearly hear conversations outside the room.

Left flip-flops, and thermometer were left behind and not found. Though that's on me, though would have gained a star if Sebel found it.

Positives really nice gym. Pool is smaller than what the pictures look like, but adequate. Staff were friendly and attentive. Though having to give my room details each time for a beach towel, was annoying more than anything, but always gave me one without issue.

Wifi was stable, though had to log in and renew wifi license at least twice a day. Great location on the middle of Hastings Street. I would probably consider other options for my next visit to Noosa.

Do you ever find a setting, an untouched piece of earth, a patch of green so special you don’t want to share it with anyone. Well as Hotel’s go, you just found it in your next visit to the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. After a few wonderful stays over the years, I feel it’s time to let the Novotel Cat our of the Cairns Bag, even though I am sure this will drive up demand. With a family of two young kids, I truly love the Novotel and always stay here with my family when in Cairns. Though there are more prestigious hotels which are probably nicer in terms of rooms and restaurants, for us it’s all about the kids.

There really is no better place in Cairns to for the kids, if it’s the School Holidays this is the place to come, run by the institution that is Debbie, she’ll keep your kids entertained in a safe and awesome environment (no extra cost). During the hols there are activities everyday around 10:30, 2:30, 4:30 and 6pm. Some of the activities allow for adult participation and is encouraged, or you can keep a close eye on them as you sip a Pina Colada or your favourite cocktail which the Novotel team always make to perfection from the pool bar or get it delivered to your deck chair.

Focusing on the pool area, one end has a beach so the little ones have a nice incline before reaching the 1.2m limit. If your kids aren’t strong swimmers they can be kept nice and close and safe. Especially the toddlers with the sand nice and soft. All whilst you can lounge back in the numerous deck chairs and table sitting area nearby, or jump in and have a swim with them as you order another cocktail from the pool bar including pool seating. Definitely do the Kuranda Rail, Aquarium next door, but the great thing about the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort you will be more than happy to spend lazy days near the pool and really unwind.

Rooms are clean and well kept, I would suggest they are on the smallish side but your not going to be spending much time in them given the Hotel and Cairns has so much to offer. Other complaint was the water pressure in the shower was rather weak.

Staff from reception, dining and throughout the hotel are warm and friendly. With Max at reception an absolute standout, Max was as happy as I felt every morning and every day of our stay, it’s nice to be able to build a repour with a staff member when you are one of hundreds of guests and only staying a week.

I highly recommend the Hotel for lunch or Diner with all the dishes having a very tropical and unique Cairns flavour to them. We had 2 lunches and 2 diners at the hotel over the week we stayed and we never disappointed. But given the great location, you will want to go for a leisurely stroll and try the many restaurants nearby. The 10-15min walk to the Marina is well worth it for the delicious and affordable seafood. On the topic of location, the Novotel is literally next door to the Aquarium and 3mins walk to the main bus interchange.

Breakfast can get really busy and depending on times of the morning you may have to wait to be seated, or to use the toaster, but nothing that’s out of the ordinary. Great selection and variety of food, though I do feel the bacon spoils it (yuck and I love Bacon). You often you have to wait for the fruit to be filled up, but this is more of a testament to how good the fruit is, rather than then anything else.

Sadly the only thing I would not recommend is making a tour booking through the tour desk found in the lobby, absolute nightmare and just went from bad to worse. Do it online yourself, which is easy given the decent wifi in the Hotel, but the tour desk is separate and you can’t charge the room anyway.

I probably wouldn’t stay here as a couple or business traveller. But with a family with young kids, it’s really the only place to stay in Cairns.

It’s acceptable that not every visit to any franchise will be perfect every time. But the important aspect to remember is how does the store and the manager re-act when things go wrong. My Relished (Grill’d Membership) card will show me and my kids are regular Grill’d are weekly visitors.
So when I had issues at the Toowong Grill’d, like the Sweet Potate being completely burnt, they were quickly replaced with no fuss and the manager came over to talk to me, which reminded me about the family feel. Great staff, great high standard true to the Grill’d name.

Plenty of choices to eat in Toowong, this has to be in the weekly rotation. Highly recommend.

Approximate cost: $28

During Covid requested NONE, requested Gloves nothing. Not interest in looking after the customer or their own useless staff.

Smashed a small kids table ($20) which I had to throw out, and trampled all over a bean bag which also had to be thrown out. Worse part is that they started at 10:14 and stated 10:00 which I signed as I didn’t think it would be an issue. But then when they finished at 02:16 it was rounded up to 02:30pm and essentially charged an additional hour. This doesn’t include the 15mins spent on the phone, organizing their next delivery which they were rushing my job to get too. I feel if they were on time and not on the phone, they could have done a better job rather than handle my things so poorly. Lastly they would not move the glass coffee table

Very unprofessional, way over priced, damaged goods and no Covid safety precautions! This is my 5th move and includes interstate, so I have very fair and reasonable expectations. I have contacted Gold Removals, but not interest in rectifying the situation. But Gold Removals is scary bad! Lots of other options and choices, {Removed comment}

Gave this Hotel another chance and picked a weekend which was far less windy and the manager actually explained they have tackled some of the draft and wind issues around the pool so the kids got to use the pool which was fantastic, though it has no shallow end for the little kids. It does make up for it with noodles and plenty of bean bags which requires adult supervision but is loads of fun!!

We booked a larger room and it was well worth the additional fee and being on the top floor was fun. Breakfast buffet was really good and wide variety and selection.

Staff was just as friendly and personal as previous stays and being between Surfers Strip and Broadbeach has it's advantages for noise and parking - the tram is conveniently located right outside and is only two stops to the Casino (Broadbeach) and just as easy to get to for Surfers main strip.

Really pleased with my stay and will stay here again when its time for the family to visit surfers.

Approximate cost: $287

As others point out, there is always a line up for this Sushi train which is a good indication of how great this place is. Once you get your seat, service is prompt without feeling rushed.

For me it starts with the Chicken Kaarage where every pieces is a morsel of divine Japanese bliss. Otherwise all the other plates are fantastic and not one disappoints. Price are reasonable for any Sushi joint, but considering the taste - it becomes very reasonable on a plate-by-plate comparison.

Salmon is a high grade and is as good as it gets in Australia. Lost a star as you have to wait most of the time.

Approximate cost: $3.50

So in summary great drinks below average food.

I would happily recommend anything from the Coffee to the harder drinks and cocktails on offer. Made by professional barista's and mixologists. The juices are also fantastic and extremely well made.

But unlike many of the other reviewers I have no idea what they are talking about in regards to the food. My burger was blah and boring, more expensive than tasty. My friends sandwich, felt like it was made yesterday then shoved in a sandwich press.

My boys friande was dry and felt like it had been sitting there for years.

Awesome drinks, go anywhere else nearby for food.

Approximate cost: $10

Often the nostalgic memory of childhood is often better than the reality.

Here at Luna Park, it feels like some of the rides haven't been updated or changed since my youth 30 odd years ago. Entry to do nothing is free

Currently June 2017 prices are $52 for an adult all day. And $22 for a little kid unlimited rides all day. I feel my 4 year old boy can get full value out of the $22 but since I am the only parent with him, not really worth it for me. Irrespective of that, the Wild Mouse (roller coaster) was being fixed and it would be a stretch one way or the other to say an adult could truly get $55 worth of 'fun' on the rides.

We had a few goes on side show alley and won some tiny fluffy dice (only $15) but that should be expected to be honest. Food was the normal astronomical price for burgers, fries and soft drinks. Actually makes the movies seem cheap.

I don't want to hate on Luna Park, 'cos at the end of the day it is a fun place to go. Maybe if they lower their price to $40 I think people would come more often. But at $52 plus all the other crap it's a bit too much.

Friday day-afternoon was dead if you like the ghost town feel. You still have to wait to go on the rides as there is only one attendant for the entire kids section, so that sucked.

Worth a visit, but expect to spend some serious cash - especially with young kids.

Approximate cost: $52

There are a time in your life when a dingy dirty pub won't do. When the finer things in life need to be enjoyed and savored like a 1st date in a sunny afternoon afternoon.

Well welcome to the Greenwood where there is enough space for all of these experiences and more. Plenty of rooms to have a private function and enough outdoor seating to enjoy the breezy rooftops taking you to new heights.

Staff are always friendly and the food is above average for Pub grub. Plenty of room so even meeting a large group is not an issue after work.

Decent selection of beers and drinks. Most come at a reasonable 'Sydney Price." Though I would like to see some more top-top shelf Scotch and whiskey from Japan, but I appreciate I am not in a whisky bar. Rather a very nice rooftop bar in North Sydney.

Approximate cost: $18