The Benson Hotel

4.0 star property
Art Deco hotel with 24-hour front desk and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for The Benson Hotel

Suite
Reception
Outdoor pool, open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, pool loungers
1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillow-top beds, laptop workspace
Terrace/patio

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$220
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept

Explore the area

Map
44-56 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Cairns Esplanade
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Reef Fleet Terminal
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 22 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 40 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 22 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 22 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 22 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Benson Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior King With View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Queen With View

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Terrace Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Queen Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

Cairns

The Benson Hotel puts you in the heart of Cairns, within just a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions like Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Highlights at this Art Deco hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar/lounge. .The brasserie, Benson Bar & Restaurant, is open for breakfast and dinner. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and coffee/tea in a common area. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Near this 4-property class Cairns Central Business District hotel, you'll find Reef Fleet Terminal.

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 9 min walk
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Annee's CaPhe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Caffiend - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Gilligan's Travels - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Lillipad Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Indian brothers restaurant Cairns - ‬4 min walk

About this property

The Benson Hotel

Art Deco hotel with 24-hour front desk and outdoor pool
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Business amenities include a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

WiFi is free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 2885 square feet (268 square metres) and includes conference space. An outdoor pool, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at The Benson Hotel. Limited parking is available for a fee and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Cairns hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 101 guestrooms or units
  • 10 levels
  • 2885 sq ft of conference space
  • 268 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 1984
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Bellhop
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Benson Hotel offers 101 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and complimentary newspapers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 55-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This Cairns hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, with a Wi-Fi speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices). Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and change of towels can be requested.

Languages

English, French, Indonesian, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Secured, covered parking on site (AUD 25 per night)
  • Limited on-site parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: AUD 32 for adults and AUD 22 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Benson Bar & Restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycle tours
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms
  • 2,885 square feet of conference space
  • Business centre

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (62 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 10 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1984
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk chair
  • Free weekday newspapers
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 35.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: AUD 100 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately AUD 32 for adults and from AUD 22 for children
  • Covered self-parking fee: AUD 25 per night
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 35.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a debit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice)
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice) guidelines.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Property is also known as

The Benson Hotel Hotel
The Benson Hotel Cairns
The Benson Hotel Hotel Cairns

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Benson Hotel?

The Benson Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Benson Hotel?

As of 2 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Benson Hotel on 2 Sept 2025 start from AU$220.14, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Benson Hotel?

Yep, The Benson Hotel has a secured covered self car park for AUD 25 per night. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to The Benson Hotel?

The closest beach to The Benson Hotel is Yorkeys Knob Beach (12.4 km).

Does The Benson Hotel have a pool?

The Benson Hotel has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

What makes The Benson Hotel a romantic place to stay?

A champagne service and romance packages, as well as pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Benson Hotel.

Does The Benson Hotel serve breakfast?

Sure does, buffet breakfast is on offer daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Benson Hotel?

No, The Benson Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Benson Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Benson Hotel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Benson Hotel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The Benson Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 224 out of 446 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 142 out of 446 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 55 out of 446 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 446 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 446 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elsa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property is in the centre of the city. Most businesses areas are walking distance. Excellent location 😍.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Rebecca

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
We stayed 5 nights and the breakfast included was very average same food each day and variety was very simple and the staff were very sad. We attended the cocktail half price on Friday evening and was not offered the free canapés. The bar Manger was a complete smart ass and locked us on the balcony on our last day. Place was overall nice and central to cairns only a 8 min walk to the esplanade.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Will stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Robyn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was nothing unique about the property. It was clean & central & the car park was a plus. However we had a great big air conditioner outlet outside of our room which could be heard at all hours. That really spoilt our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Deline

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Jade

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Clean, friendly. Noisy. Could hear everything from in the hallways from people walking through late ai night probably from drinking and partying
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simone

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

bryce

Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiahna

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Megan Leonie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed here with the family . It is in a good location - central to all amenities. Accommodation itself was fine. Staff were friendly and helpful. The reason for 3 stars was for the noise. It is across the road from Gilligan's Bar which is a backpackers hostel type of bar and which closes at 3am. Unfortunately, we could not change rooms as the hotel was fully booked. If we stayed here again, I would absolutely select a room with a view of the pool. This is far enough away from Gilligans, facing the opposite directions and would be quieter. Other than the noise this was a lovely hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

lidia

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rodney

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful location for a Cairns stay. Have been to Cairns several times and stayed at various hotels and found The Benson to be in the best location, easy to walk to dining options and to the marina or Cairns Central etc.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyoichi

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Loved the facility. One lift was broken while there which made it a lengthy wait to go up and down from the room. The rest of the facility was great with good dining and activities walking distance! It was beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Krzysztof

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly staff. Spacious, clean room. Breakfast was also good. Comfortable king size bed. Thank you flr an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet, friendly! GREAT LOCATION!!! Room was spacious.. 2 queens! Highly recommend! Great coffee.. and the breakfast looked good!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Blagoja, Alphington

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Strange smell in the coridors, rooms not serviced daily.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

maria

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really enjoyed the proximity to restaurants and the Esplanade board walk.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Eamon, Innisfail

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were friendly. The room was clean and the bed and pillow were great. However, I had a major issue with the air-conditioning, it was extremely noisy. The second point was,why dose the bean counters believe that cheap toilet paper is better when you use 10 times the amount than good quality paper? For $200.00 a night hotel I expect better
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel is well situated. They could do with more washing machines and dryers. Only one of each for the guests. Parking was also a little pricey. $25 per day when there were places near by that only charged $8 for all day parking.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Pauline

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
We booked last minute. It was beautiful- nice and clean and spacious. Only issue - small one - girl at front desk was a bit cranky. Having a bad day, I suppose. No big deal. If we weren’t leaving the next morning, it would have been a perfect location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Kim

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We liked the location as we could walk to all of our booked tours, such as The Great Barrier Reef. There were restaurants and shopping close by. View not great from our room. There is laundry and a nice pool area on the 4th floor. No shuttle to/or from the airport.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025