Hides Hotel is an affordable, no-frills hotel at 87 Lake Street, on the corner of Shields Street, right in the Cairns CBD. You get a clean room with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, plus a lift, a guest laundry and luggage lockers, and the location does the rest: the Esplanade Lagoon is under 5 minutes’ walk, the Reef Fleet Terminal is under 10, and Rusty’s Markets is across the road.
We’ve been part of Cairns since 1885 and we keep things simple. Here’s exactly what you get, what costs extra and how to make the most of a budget stay in the city.
Key facts
- Where: 87 Lake Street (corner of Shields Street), Cairns City QLD 4870
- Rooms: premium rooms with private ensuites, and heritage rooms with an ensuite or shared bathroom
- Check-in from 2pm, check-out 10am. Reception is open 7am–9pm (front door locked from 8pm: we send your door code to your phone and email on the evening you arrive)
- Facilities: free Wi-Fi throughout, air-conditioning, lift, guest laundry, luggage lockers, tour desk
- Breakfast: continental, daily 6:30am–9am, paid (pre-book or arrange at check-in)
- Parking: paid undercover parking on site, limited spots (ask when you book)
- Housekeeping: at the end of your stay, or on request; fresh towels on request
- At check-in: a $100 card pre-authorisation (not a charge; released after check-out if the room is undamaged)
- Cancellation: 24 hours, on every booking channel
Is Hides Hotel good for budget travellers?
Hides Hotel isn’t fancy. It’s affordable accommodation in Cairns that keeps things simple: clean rooms, free Wi-Fi and a location that’s hard to beat. Step outside and you’re in the thick of it, no taxis needed. Check out the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon or book a trip from the Reef Fleet Terminal; both are minutes away.
Hides suits backpackers, couples doing the reef and the rainforest, families, workers on longer stays and regional Queenslanders in town for events, medical appointments or sport. If you’d rather spend your days out exploring Cairns than sitting in a hotel room, you’re in the right place.
How much does a room at Hides Hotel cost?
Our room rates are dynamic, so they move with the season, the day of the week and how busy Cairns is. The quickest way to see the price for your dates is to check availability online and book direct. We don’t publish fixed prices because they’d be out of date by tomorrow.
Which rooms suit a tight budget?
- Budget Queen (with ensuite): a heritage room for 2 with a queen bed and a private ensuite.
- Heritage rooms: bunk, twin and double rooms in our 1928 building, with an ensuite or shared bathroom.
- Long-term budget rooms: double, twin and single rooms with shared bathrooms, for stays of 4 weeks or more. Suited to workers, contractors and students. See long stays.
- Premium rooms: if you’d like more space, the Premium King sleeps 2, the Premium King Plus sleeps 3, the Family Room sleeps 4 (a king bed plus two singles) and the One Bedroom Apartment sleeps 2 with a queen bed and a kitchen. All have their own ensuite.
Travelling as three or four? The Premium King Plus and the Family Room let you share one room instead of booking two.
What’s included, and what costs extra?
With every room: free Wi-Fi throughout, air-conditioning, lift access, the guest laundry, storage lockers for early arrivals and late departures, and our reception and tour desk, which books reef trips, day tours and attractions.
Costs extra: continental breakfast, served daily from 6:30am to 9am (pre-book before you arrive or arrange it at check-in), and undercover parking on site, which is paid and limited, so ask when you book.
Housekeeping works a little differently here. For environmental reasons (less water, energy and chemicals), rooms are serviced at the end of each stay. During your stay, housekeeping is by special request, and fresh towels are available on request at reception.
What can you do in Cairns for free near the hotel?
- Swim at the Esplanade Lagoon, under 5 minutes’ walk. It’s free, saltwater and watched by lifeguards during opening hours. As of October 2026 it’s open 6am–9pm, except Wednesdays, when it opens at noon after weekly cleaning.
- Walk the Esplanade along the waterfront. Muddy’s Playground, a free splash park for kids, is further along.
- Browse Rusty’s Markets, across the road. Entry is free and, as of October 2026, it’s open Friday and Saturday 5am–4pm and Sunday 5am–3pm.
- Visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens in Edge Hill, about 4 km from the city. Entry is free.
- Walk everywhere. The Lagoon, the reef boats, shops, bars and restaurants are all on foot from Hides, so you won’t need a car or taxis in town.
More ideas are in our neighbourhood guide.
Is Hides Hotel noisy?
We’re right in the middle of the city, close to bars and restaurants, so there’s street life at night. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs or ask for a quieter room when you book.
Book smart, not flashy
At Hides Hotel we don’t do fluff. We do affordable Cairns accommodation that’s clean, central and good for your budget. Book direct online, or email res@hideshotel.com.au with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hides Hotel a budget hotel?
Hides Hotel is a simple, affordable hotel in a heritage-listed building at 87 Lake Street in the Cairns CBD. Rooms are clean and air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and you can choose from budget heritage rooms or premium rooms with private ensuites.
How much does a room at Hides Hotel cost?
Room rates are dynamic and change with your dates and demand. Check availability online to see the current price, and book direct online.
Is breakfast included at Hides Hotel?
No. A continental breakfast is available daily from 6:30am to 9am for an extra charge. Pre-book it before you arrive or arrange it at check-in.
Is there parking at Hides Hotel?
Yes, there is paid undercover parking on site, but spots are limited, so ask when you book.
Can I stay long term at Hides Hotel on a budget?
Yes. We have long-term budget double, twin and single rooms with shared bathrooms for stays of 4 weeks or more. Email res@hideshotel.com.au or call 07 4058 3700 to arrange a long stay.
Are rooms cleaned every day?
No. For environmental reasons, rooms are serviced at the end of each stay. During your stay, housekeeping is by special request and fresh towels are available on request.
