Matson Resort Cairns

We booked a 2 bedroom studio apartment for my colleague and I to attend a conference in Cairns. The "studio apartment" was actually only 2 connected rooms and did not have the kitchen or laundry facilities that we had requested. It was located at the back of the complex adjacent to the gym and an unused pool and near a busy road. The rooms were very stained and smelled mouldy - in desperate need of refurbishment.

We changed to a 2 bedroom apartment which was much better located in the main complex. The apartment was spacious and the kitchen and laundry facilities were modern. The apartment was fairly tired though with stains and holes in the upholstery. There was significant mould in the bathroom.

On the positive side the staff at the Rydges Espalanade were always very helpful.

Not recommended for business travellers as this Rydges is too far from the CBD for walking and the courtesy bus only commences at 9:15am.

We recently spent 8 nights at the Rydges Esplanade in Cairns. We were impressed with the genuine friendliness and helpfulness of the entire staff. What particularly impressed us is that people went out of their way to be of assistance even when we did not initiate a request for assistance. It is impossible for us to tell whether the responsiveness of the staff is the natural outgrowth of hiring people who are eager to be of service or whether this spirit is created by a deliberate management policy and careful training of staff. In either case, the Rydges Esplanade operated at a level that is comparable to or, in some respects superior, to any five star hotel. Our room was large (we were given a complimentary upgrade so had an ocean view), came with the breakfast buffet, and that, too, was excellent. There was no problem storing our luggage for 4 days while we took a train journey.

What a fantastic hotel. Huge bedroom with balcony overlooking the sea. Lovely bathroom. Fantastic swimming pool with swim up bar. It is a good 10-15 minute stroll into the centre of Cairns but it is quite a pleasant walk along the seafront. Be sure to take a boat trip out to the barrier reef. Also take the cable car up to the village in the rainforest, which although is completely tourist driven and unauthentic is still a good way to spend a few hours and the views from the train on the way down are spectacular. Although Carins is not the best city in world if I did return I would definitely stay in this hotel.

Arrived on World trip - allocated 'Studio Apartment' in distant Barrack style complex (on opposite diagonal to main Hotel Building)- It was dirty 2 star room with food stained corded floor coverings and furniture/bedding as seen on TV as accommodation for Homeless. Also discarded pizza cartons/trays and food trays outside room on open style landing. Recommended Rydges route to room - Exit Reception and go down unlit side road, enter poorly lit enclosed car park passing maintenance areas and Diesel Store to unlit open car space. Enter second poorly lit enclosed car park passing more maintenance areas and Chemical Plant. At rear of 2nd Car park enter dark enclosed wire cage area (out of sight of anyone)and exit thru' aa narrow gap at far end to small foyer containing one service lift to rooms. Asked if another route to room possible - informed can go all around outside of block, but it isn't safe in the dark (did they think dark Car Park route is safe???). Asked any local restaurants - informed 7/11 Convenience Store below where you can buy your food! Rydges is well distant

from Cairns city center Pubs/Bars & Restaurants - too many negatives to say here - just don't stay here. Checked out within 1 hour went to Outrigger on Esplanade in City Centre (Recommended location).

We spent 4 nights at this hotel. We started out by leaving our extra luggage w/concierge while on a 4 night liveaboard scuba boat. After the dive trip we moved into a huge room w/separate tub & shower. It was very quiet. We used the concierge to make phone calls to tour companies and for many other questions--very handy & they know the lowest price way to get places--i.e bus or taxi. The shuttle service went into town & back until after 9pm, there also was a shuttle back to the airport. There is a convience store on the property, also an easy walk to an IGA & take out type restaurants. The only draw back is manouvering through the large, usually Japanese, tour groups.

What I like about this hotel is their concern for widlife, on at least two occasions in recent years the hotel has not made a certain penthouse room with ocean view unavailable for guests as peregrine falcons were using the balcony for nesting. Room was not available until chicks left the nest.

We had booked only one nights accommodation in Cairns, for our arrival in August, not realising how busy the town would be , with Accom at a premium and August and September being Northern Queensland busiest tourist months! We were upgraded on arrival to a fabulous apartment overlooking the sea. Two bedrooms two bathrooms , full kitchen and laundry. Great for us travelling with a 10 and 12 year old. Managed to book two more nights in same apartment, for a higher rate, but still discounted from normal. Staff and facilities were great. A special mention of the Gym staff, who were very kind to our boys, who used the tennis courts frequently.

GReat central base for harbour and sightseeing. Lovely big balcony, and views day and night.

The Meban Family.

We stayed at the Matson in Jul 04 in a fantastic 2 bedroom deluxe appartment. It was spacious and included two full bathrooms, complete kitchen including dishwasher & laundry - which is a must when you have 3 children. The views of the ocean & lush green were beautiful & we had a beautiful balcony. The food was overpriced in the dining areas as the buffets only had a very limited selection so we chose to eat at the many restaurants/cafes on the esplanade which was a 10 - 15 minute walk, although the matson does have a shuttle bus that runs hourly (drawback being last bus at 9.20pm) although cabs are reasonable and unlike other cities in Aust don't mind short trips! The pools on offer (three in total) were sparkling and very much enjoyed by my children. We stayed a week, but wish it were two! Yes, I'd definately return & hopefully next time there is a bbq available for guest use! We did enquire a few times as we spotted one, however no-one could assist there! Apart from that the staff especially concierge were most friendly & helpful!

We stayed at the The Matson Resort in February during our honeymoon.

The hotel was OK once we got settled in. They had to change our room on arrival because the air was not working in the first one. The room itslef is very spacious and comfortable, and our stay was enjoyable.

Food in the hotel was very expensive, so we opted to go out to dinner.

The staff was very attentive, and recommended a few places to go.

The hotel is not close to the "action" in Cairns, although the distance is walkable. They have a shuttle that takes you to the marina area, where most of the activities and restaurants are, although the times are not the most convenient, especially at night, since the last one coming back to the hotel was at 9:30. We ended up taking a cab back to the hotel after dinner.

Overall, if the price is right, it's a good hotel, but I would prefer to stay closer to town...