There is a huge range of accommodation options in the Far North. The most popular type of accommodation is holiday apartments which act like a home away from home.  There are some resorts that offer hotel rooms and villas or apartments where you can enjoy a complete resort experience with all of the services but also have the ability to self cater when required.  These options are popular with families and longer stays.

If you have special requests I suggest it is best to speak to a local information agency such as www.travstar.com as not all properties have the same policies and prices with regard to:

• The number of people able to stay in a room or apartment
• Additional costs for extra guests    
• Internet access and charges
• Cot hire and High chair charges
• Servicing
• Long stay specials

And, they can also help you if you have something special in mind but don't know where to start such as:

• Spa bath in the room
• Spa bath on the balcony
• Guaranteed ocean view
• Tennis court
• Pool Bar
• Heated pool
• Heated jacuzzi
• Kids club
• Child free resort
• Clothes free resort
• Total escape

STUDIO:
Studio style rooms are ideal for couples on a budget as usually they include simple kitchenette facilities which are handy for short stays. A kitchenette usually comprises of a toaster, kettle, microwave and fridge and sometimes a 2 burner cooktop. 

FULLY EQUIPPED APARTMENTS:
Larger apartments are great for families or groups of friends. They are fully self contained featuring full kitchen facilities, laundry facilities, a lounge and dining area. There are many deals on offer for longer stays of 7 nights or more which you can find during both high and low season.

FULLY EQUIPPED APARTMENT SERVICES:
Services are quite different in apartment style properties compared to the services of a hotel. As apartments are self contained they are generally not serviced on a daily basis unless requested. Standard features of holiday apartments include a fully equipped kitchen, fully equipped laundry, air-conditioning/ceiling fans, Austar cable TV, bathroom with bathtub or shower and weekly service. Property facilities usually include shared BBQ facilities, swimming pool, car parking and tour desk.  The reception at apartment properties is usually open between 8am and 6pm and the managers live on site.  For arrivals after this time there is late arrival procedure. 

FULLY EQUIPPED APARTMENTS ACCESS:
Many apartment properties in North Queensland are also walk up.  Basically they are within buildings consisting of the ground level, first and second levels and only have a stair case.  5 star rated apartments do have lifts and are generally larger buildings with more levels.  Larger properties also generally have disabled apartments to cater to people with a mobility problem.

CAIRNS CITY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
Accommodation within Cairns City ranges from motels and apartments to high end hotels. The hotels are located in prime position right on the Esplanade waterfront. Typical hotel services include a mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, Austar cable TV, 24 hr reception, concierge desk & porter service, swimming pool, tour desk, multi lingual staff, guest laundry and dry cleaning service, daily room service, and a restaurant.
Cairns Accommodation Booking Services

NORTHERN BEACHES:
Towards the Northern Beaches the majority of accommodation is self catering apartments. Don't be surprised if you cannot book a one night stay at the beaches, as most self catering apartments have a minimum stay requirement of 3 nights or more due to the costs in servicing apartments.

PORT DOUGLAS:
Port Douglas also features many holiday apartments plus some world-class resorts such as the Sheraton Mirage, Sea Temple Resort & Spa and also Peppers Beach Club. Resorts are a great option for those who simply want to relax and enjoy having all facilities and services on hand. Resorts also provide a great holiday atmosphere. Typical resort facilities include a tennis court, gym, resort shop, day spa, restaurants, pool bar, room service, 24hr reception, concierge and porter service.

THE TABLELANDS:
The Tablelands is a popular destination for weekend escapes with many properties offering just a handful of cottages or tree house cabins as an ideal couple’s getaway. Luxury treats include a potbelly wood-burner stove, thick merino wool blankets, fluffy bath robes, bathroom with spa bath and a homemade breakfast hamper delivered to your door daily. Breakfast hampers usually comprise of delicious homemade cob bread, preserves and jams, organic milk and eggs.  As the Tablelands is a higher altitude this nights can get very cool in June, July, August and September. 

THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST:
The Daintree is another spectacular area to getaway from it all where you will find lots of lovely rainforest cabins. Accommodation ranges from luxury four star resorts, to boutique cabins, luxurious rainforest retreats, self contained holiday houses, backpackers and camping grounds all featured in unique settings. This area comprises of World Heritage Listed Rainforest, being a rainforest it quite often rains so don't be surprised if there is a bit of dampness around or spiders hanging out next to your cabin, its all part of the rainforest experience! The accommodation in this area is quite spread out and due to the remoteness, facilities tend to be limited.

MISSION BEACH:
Mission Beach is a small sleepy township offering relaxed beach holidays. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from to cater to all budgets and requirements. Holiday houses are a popular self catering option meanwhile the resorts are ideal for those who want the convenience of facilities on hand. 

Handy Links
Cairns Info.com - Local Accommodation and Tour Information & Booking Service