The Lakes Cairns Resort, Cairns

The Lakes is the most stunning resort and wonderful for children. The tennis court and pools with sand beaches are awesome. The 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment we had on the top floor overlooking the main swimming pool had such a wonderful feel at night with beautiful lights display and water feature. We had a very private lanai verandah to eat our dinner and enjoy coffee and the paper in the morning. We were in room 715 and would ask for this one again next time we stay.

My husband and I travelled to Cairns for 3 days, 2 nights. When we got there, we were shocked at the very close proximity to the Cairns International Airport. All evening, all night - we heard planes taking off. I am an extrememly heavy sleeper, but still got awakened at around 5am with planes departing. The cycle repeated itself at night with planes still taking off at midnight. Also, we were given a room above the Restaurant/Canteen/Bar area. We thought that since there is a curfew on the bar, that patrons- or at least management- would respect the rules. However, by midnight, there were still some very loud revellers shouting/yelling/cursing. When I called the Front Office to complain about the loud noise, they sounded puzzled as to why I was calling. On our second night, this pattern repeated itself. But then, it got worse when the people in the suite above us made so much noise by bouncing balls and playing games on the hotel floor until 1 a.m. Both my husband & I called the Front Office 4x to complain. Each time, they said they would send Security to "check it out." But the noise didn't subside until after 1a.m. Upon checkout, I complained to the Manager about our disturbances and she seemed non-apologetic. In fact, she even admitted that they regularly get alot of complaints from guests staying in that part of the hotel because of its proximity to the Bar/Canteen area. I asked her- if that's the case, why do you continue putting guests up there??!! She had no response. Aside from the very noisy issues, the hotel compound itself is pretty. But as other posters have written, it's quite far from the city center. There is basically nothing worthwhile within walking distance. If you don't have a car, you're at the mercy of their shuttle bus, which stops running at 6p.m. Ridiculous hours as guests are then "stuck" staying at the hotel or hiring a cab if they want to go into town for dinner. Finally, since this hotel does not have an elevator, be prepared to haul your suitcases up several flights of stairs. Overall, my husband and I were EXTREMELY disappointed with the Lake Cairns. We will never go back to it, nor will we ever recommend it to anyone. There were so many more negatives (e.g horrible location, bad customer service, non-responsive Front Desk, et al) than positives. The next time we go back to the area, we are going to skip Cairns completely and stay the entire time at Port Douglas (which we loved!)

Liked: - the happy hour at the Lime Bar 5-6pm $2 schooners of XXXXGold - the pools - particularly the sandy beach and spa area - the staff were friendly and efficient - the shuttle service into Cairns $3.50 one way leaves each hour (except 1pm) - the space in the apartment, good sized kitchen and outdoor area Disliked: - we were on the 2nd floor - lots of steps with a pram and toddler - lots of bugs. Mainly ants and midges but a few mosquitos. Sand flies not too bad. Our friends room had bed bugs (but were moved promptly and clothes washed and fumigated) - the neighbourhood seemed a bit seedy especially at night around the Dunwoodie Hotel Overall I would go back. My wife (due to bug bites) not so keen. Suggest you pack your rid and take some lotions.

We stayed at the lakes for Christmas for 4 days in 2006. I was amazed at the amount of additional costs involved with hiring a high chair and cot for a baby. We had just stayed at a cheaper hotel in town prior to checking in at the Lakes and no charges applied with these items. I was also amazed that depending on the amount you pay for your room (special prices) the Lakes will not service the room, including replacing towels, sugar, washing powder etc. I spent most of the time trying to wash towels for use near the pool (as there was a charge for using extra towels near the pool.) When we did use the pool, the amount of sand flies at the time made using the pools only occasionally (this also included using the outdoor courtyards). The Lakes is close to Mangroves from the Botanic Gardens. I would also recommend that you ask about where you will located as the 1 bedroom room we had consisted of 2 flights of stairs with 2 very heavy doors in between . We had requested a room that would be suitable for a baby.

Myself and my 2 cousins came out from England in feb 2006. We spent 1 week at the Lakes. We kept thinking we were in the wrong place. It was so wonderfull. I had the en-suite bed/bath and it was paradise. It was worth every penny we paid. 2nd floor overlooking pool. I`m going back next week with my husband for 9 days. Cant wait. I tell everyone I know to book it.

stayed at lakes resort with family in their 2 room 2 toilets appartment from 23.6.06 to 27.06.06 the resort was veryv good they allowed early check in (6.30am) service was very good and staff very polite and helpful. though we had specially asked for pool side room they did give us that but with the pool under renovation. as it was alean season and they have 4 pools they should have done better the double bed was placed in the room without attached toilet and children split bed in the master bedroom of the appartment!! this is afamily resort and there were no locks in rooms and even the toilets.it was really uncomfortable with my son and daughter they certainly should do something about this though there were 2 wash basins in the toilet on either side but the looking mirror was right in the centre .u just could not lookn in the mirror while using the basin inspite of the above shortcomingf we had a very good stay

Hey!now ladies you want to treat yourself on your Holiday to the great far north of Australia Cairns then come to this place and Try RED's while your here the best spar in town

100% Excellent Resort clean frendly very well thought and total value for money,A family village with in its self.

The service was really poor but pretty good value. the rooms were nice and spacy but need more stuff such as appliances and kitchens needs.

fantastic place would stay again, very nice pools, staff very friendly and helpful.