Rydges Tradewinds Hotel and Spa Cairns

The price seemed really good until we paid $5 each for "pool" towels to be cleaned; $20 for every hour of a late check out (our flights left at 7 pm); $40 to use the lounge to shower before our flight. The hotel was empty and they would not give us a late check out!!!! It's hotel policy is all I heard. The special rate included "a free breakfast" which was ONE breakfast and we had to pay for the other. A little misleading! The housekeepers were very pleasant but they only made one of our two beds one day and forgot to remove linens another day. Concierge was the only bright light - the gal has been there for 17 yrs and really knows her stuff. We booked two different tours through her.

Best things are: location (across the street from Muddy's playground which was great for kids and not far from the ferries). The pool was great!!! Tour desk took care of our needs. The beds and room need updating and the hotel has a musty smell. The wait staff at E-bar was the worst I've experienced in a very long time. Rydges advertises to sign up for priority membership for free and you get 20% off food. But when we ate breakfast at Latitudes we were told we didn't get a discount. Don't know where that fine print was but it amounted to false advertising. They also charge an extra 1% fee for paying with a credit card (again, this should be disclosed up front). Overall average stay but if you have small kids, the pool and the access to Muddy's make it worth putting up with the other things and you can eat elsewhere (we did).

It was a nice hotel. The staff was friendly and the location was great! The bedsheet had rips in it and the floor had stains. I liked the complimentary tea and coffee. Also when I rented the movie it kept flickering so they gave it to me for free. Not enough channels on the TV. There were only about 5 channels.

great breakfasts... staff not really knowledgeable (tour lady)

Very old and in desperate need of upgrading

We were sorely disappointed by the standard of cleanliness, service and overall appearance of the staff and hotel. It reminded us of a hotel from the 1970's with its tired decor and old carpets. The whole hotel requires refurbishment and complete modernisation. The staff appear to lack any interest in your welfare or enjoyable stay. We were charged for EVERY SERVICE including the use of the in-room safe. Don't try to ask for a coffee at the bar- restaurant as we tried and were told on the first encounter that the coffee machine was broken and on the second that the attendant couldn't use the (now working) machine as he had a broken hand!! We were even advised to use the cafe up the road! This, in essence, did not make for an enjoyable wedding anniversary stay!

Housekeeping was horrible: both bed covers been left messy on the sofa and cushions been left on floor for 3 days even i report to the receptionist. Empty shower bottles been left on bath tube edge everyday too. Bath tube never been cleaned as hair in it everyday, etc. Too many to say. I doubt where 4.5 stars rating come from. I won't either recommend it to others or stay again. This disgusting hotel room really put my beautiful holiday down. Don't stay there!

Excellent location and great value, but not the best pick if you're looking for a romantic getaway~

This hotel was just okay. The location was the best part, it's right on the water (though no beach, just a boardwalk) and there were plenty of restaurants and the terminals for all your water activities were very nearby. The interior of the hotel and the furniture was very dated but the bed was comfortable.

Great location and friendly staff. Rydges Tradewinds is a lot nicer than the other Rydges hotel two blocks away. However, the jacuzzi only has cold water. You can use the hot water jacuzzi at the other Rydges hotel, but it is small, locked up behind a gate and hidden in a dark spot behind the fitness center. Otherwise, Tradewinds is a great hotel.