Crystalbrook Riley

We stayed at Crystalbrook Riley for two nights after spending five nights in Palm Cove, and overall we had a lovely experience. The look and feel of the hotel were amazing, light, coastal, and beautifully styled. The furniture and ambience created a relaxed atmosphere, especially with views over the three pools and out to the Esplanade. Our room was comfortable and suited our stay, though we would’ve preferred a double–double configuration. The shower was excellent. We had breakfast included at Paper Crane; it was good with lots of options, though not the best buffet breakfast we’ve had. The pool area was attractive but could feel crowded at times. We really enjoyed our time at Crystalbrook Riley and would definitely stay again on a return trip to Cairns. A few things to note, it was very busy so our room was not cleaned until late afternoon and we had to ask for the towels towels to be replaced during our stay, and the hallways could have been cleaned more regularly, as there were noticeable marks and dirt on the floors each day. It’s also not really my vibe when people drink in the pool, which was happening and did put me off a little. Like others have noted hard to get a sun lounge. That said, we enjoyed the beach-style pool with its sand entry.

Had the most amazing week here, our little boy got the best use of the heated pool with the white sand beach the entire week and we cannot ask for more. Room was clean, housekeeping was neat, Friendly staffs, great choice of food at hotel and nearby restaurants/night market, coupled with amazing North QLD tropical weather. Just noticed there was a sudden surge of large tourist groups toward the end of our stay, but what can you do when the hotel is very popular. Nice work team!

Staff were lovely and very accomodating. Room wasn’t stocked properly, had to call and ask for things like robes etc. PSA to all parents, the cot offered is a portacot with NO mattress and the base was so low I couldn’t actually put her down as I was too short. It is a plastic board with a thin foam layer (like 1-2cm thick). We asked on the phone prior to booking if it was an actual cot with a mattress as our baby is only 5 months old and we needed a sleep safe set up and we were assured it was and we didn’t need to bring a mattress. When we got there it was definitely a toddler bed/play cot. We called and asked if that was the mattress we were promised and they said they would bring us one, and it ended up being a fluffy blanket they put over the base (which is a big suffocation risk). Bub ended up cosleeping with us as we both didn’t feel comfortable leaving her in the cot, especially as I couldn’t reach her. Definitely toddler friendly, but I wouldn’t bring a baby there again without an alternative set up! Staff were lovely though and did try and help! We were also in an accessible room which I wish we were told about prior as no shower glass made the entire bathroom wet and slippery while carrying a baby - had to mop up the floor after every shower, however when we booked we were told it was the last room so there wasn’t any other option! Other than that, it was a lovely stay as per usual.

We stayed at Crystalbrook Riley for our 20th wedding anniversary and absolutely loved it. Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a spa suite and the lovely anniversary note and drink vouchers were such thoughtful touches. The resort is stunning, especially the pool at night — one of the nicest in Cairns! The staff were friendly and accommodating, even giving us a later checkout since our flight was later in the day. If I could suggest one thing, it would be to add a guest shower option for those with late flights so you can enjoy the pool before heading off. Otherwise, everything was perfect — we can't wait to come back and stay again! Highly recommended!

We stayed at Crystalbrook Riley during a busy time of year and were really impressed by how well everything ran. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxed, and the staff were consistently friendly and attentive. The buffet breakfast offered a great variety, and the frozen cocktails by the pool were a highlight. Midway through our stay, we had an issue with the shower, and the manager handled it exceptionally well - personally inspecting the problem and offering to move us to another room since it couldn’t be repaired over the weekend. We were also given drink vouchers for the inconvenience, which was a thoughtful touch. Overall, a fantastic stay with genuine hospitality. We look forward to returning in the future!

Hands down, the best of the Crystalbrook Hotels in Cairns. The pool is beautiful and spacious and you can have food and drinks delivered to the area. The rooms are spacious and well designed and the staff were very helpful. I had drinks in the roof top bar and the menu was delicious for food too. Travelled for work but will be back for a romantic weekend with the hubby!

PRO's: Great location for CBD access and activities and the Esplanade is right at the back of the hotel. Hotel breakfast was great and the staff always helpful and professional. Our room was a good size with good quality furnishings and fittings.plenty of natural light. Bathroom very good. Room service personnel were good. We would stay here again Working out the light switches to get the lighting the way liked wasn't easy. TV channel 9 reception was a bit to off putting. Improvements: English breakfast tea bags were in short supply. Not good for tea drinkers. Room service options weren't explained to us when we checked in. .Most information is via an I-pad in the room. Never did find the bar fridge pricing list. When we enquired at the desk we were referred to the I-pad. We may be old school, but clear verbal and written instructions are hard to beat.

We made a wonderful spontaneous choice to take a staycation at Riley this weekend. Our room was in the tower with spectacular views of Cairns. The bed was super comfortable and the room had all we needed. Love the shower and the hand soap! Thank you. We will be back again!

Other hotels in Cairns can be run down but the Crystalbrook Riley is cool and glistening. Location is central but not honky tonk and restaurant is cool. But best trait is the staff-- helped set up trips, dinners and more. . . AND refused to accept tips. A gem with a great staff.

Absolutely adore this hotel! Rooms are roomy and bright. Bathroom however is pretty dim. There is no magnifying mirror. Staff is very friendly and has great recommendations for food and adventures.