The Espy Hostel
Location: 83 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Cairns, AU
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
About this Property
Recreational Amenities and Views:
Enjoy an outdoor pool and terrace with stunning views at our hostel.
Convenient Amenities:
Benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi, a television in common area, and tour/ticket assistance. Also, make use of laundry facilities, a shared kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator.
Central Location:
Stay in one of our 17 air-conditioned rooms with modern facilities. Located steps away from Cairns Esplanade and a short walk from Cairns Marlin Marina. Explore nearby attractions such as Cairns Night Markets and Michaelmas Cay.
With a central location and a range of amenities, book your stay at The Espy Hostel now!
Important Information
- Children 17 years old and younger are not permitted at this property.
- This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
Policies
Check-in: N/A - Anytime
Check-out: N/A
Amenities & Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Designated smoking area
- Wheelchair accessible
- Television in common areas
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Shared microwave
- Shared refrigerator
- Casino nearby
Rooms Available
-
1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm (International & Interstate Guests Only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
King Private With Ensuite (International & Interstate Guests Only)
1 King Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
Double Private Share Bathroom (International & Interstate Guests Only)
1 Double Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
Double Private With Ensuite (International & Interstate Guests Only)
1 Double Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
Double Room
1 Double Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)
1 Twin Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
1 Bed in Female 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
Shared Dormitory
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
1 Bed in Mix 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm
1 Large Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
1 Bed Mix 3 Bed Dorm With Ensuite (International & Interstate Guests Only)(18-35 Age Only)
3 Twin Beds
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
-
1 Bed In Mix 2 Bed Dorm (International & Interstate Guests Only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, shared/communal kitchen access, and toaster
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - 5 bathrooms and towels
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available, no cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Kitchen island
Guest Reviews
- Timothy (10/5): Food flair and flavors - Peaceful and easy with the added bonus of international aromas
- NON (2/5): - 部屋が汚い。 トイレとバスルームが1箇所故障しており、ワンフロアにひとつしか無かった。 部屋が狭く長期滞在してるひとがスーツケースや服などで占領してるので荷物を置く場所がなかった。 また鍵のかけられるロッカーがないため荷物が心配だった。
- Fiona (4/5): - Stayed 4 nights – central location, budget accommodation. Check-in via email code worked well. You get what you pay for – affordable stay, but basic standards. Some bathrooms out of order, and the rest could use maintenance. Kitchen okay but messy inconsiderate guests (my food was left outside fridge overnight). Very noisy overall – AC had to run constantly in the room and was extremely loud. Staff were friendly and helpful. 40+ solo traveler on a budget, two nights would’ve been enough.
- Yuki (10/5): - It was a quiet and comfortable environment
- Jurdy (8/5): Location excellent - Greatest location. Right on the esplanade. Small private room. Simple, clean, safe, affordable.
- THECKLA (10/5): - I loved the spacious kitchen and clean bathrooms facilities. The location was perfect! Just next to the lagoon, shopping malls, bus stop and the beach front.
- Valerie (8/5): - Very easy to find hostel. Convenient in and out. Room and facilities were clean. Bed was comfortable. Shower was hot. Good value for money.
- Verified traveler (6/5): Best location - Difficult to check in but friendly staff, not tidy rooms but best location in cairns!
- Gaku (10/5): - Good
- Charity (10/5): - Bang for the buck 👍
- Bich-Chau (8/5): - Personnel très accueillant et efficace. La chambre correspond à la photo en plus usée. Calme.
- Jennifer (10/5): - Great property in a great location. Clean and no bugs. Great shower pressure!! Staff was friendly and helpful. Had a tour company on site to help with bookings, which was amazing. Kitchen was helpful to have for making our own morning coffee or tea before heading out for the day. Didn’t use the pool as had been out each day all day on boats to the reef, and this location is directly across the street from the lagoon. At first we were worried as I hadn’t realized I’d booked a hostel and not a hotel room. This hostel was quiet at night. I would recommend this location for anyone travelling to the area. It was absolutely what we needed and right near everything we wanted to see or do. All the restaurant choices you could imagine and at least 10 ice cream shops in a one block radius. The bonus of the night market next door was great for nik nacks and things we’d left at home.
- Hans (8/5): - Right in the middle of town Enough hostel eating area
- VALERIE (2/5): A fuir absolument - Extremely noisy air conditioning, dilapidated bathroom with elastic closing system, hot water 1 out of 2 times. Very basic room equipment. Uncomfortable bedding
- Yuzuki (2/5): - 狭い、シャワー室が少なく、絶望的な水圧だった
- Lauren (4/5): - The property atmosphere was awesome! Everyone was really nice and it was calm and quiet. The reason it is ranking low there were ants in my room. The shower was broken. out of the two showers near me one was dangling off the wall and I had to hold it up. The other shower didn't drain and so I was standing in a foot of water during my shower. The staff was responsive but unprofessional. He came to solve one of my problems quickly but arrived in only underwear. the building is half inside and half outside do you can see roots of above trees in the bathroom and not all shared areas kitchen and hang out spaces had a full roof. However, induvial rooms are enclosed and have wall air conditioning units but you cannot adjust the temperature and I was really cold. Location was perfect and in walking distance to everything we wanted to do and or walking distance to a pick up location to the day tours we booked.
- Panagiotis (6/5): - .
- Yukl (8/5): - スタッフの人達はとてもフレンドリーでした。荷物もチェックイン前に預かってもらえました。ドアのcodeがくるのがギリギリで少し焦りましたが後は全体的に満足です。
- AKIRA (10/5): - Location最高
- Sergey (2/5): Terrible experience, do not waste your money! - Extremely appalling experience staying at the Espy hostel. Staff unwelcoming and discriminatory towards people over 35 years of age. I was forcefully made to leave this place even though it has been prepaid in full and I did not do anything wrong or cause any disturbance. Just my age over 35 was not good enough for me to stay at this property and staff threatened me by calling security and demanding that I leave immediately without providing their names or offering any compensation or even a refund. DO NOT STAY HERE.
- HIKARU (10/5): - Nice wall painting, kind staff. Long term travelers are also kind.
- Mizue (8/5): - 立地が良く、料金も安かったので満足しました。 ただ、前日にメールが来ると書いてあったのに、チェックインの直前にしか来なかったので、すごく不安になりました。
- Maria (10/5): - Great hostal
- Jackson (10/5): - Awesome staff and great location! Thanks Monica!
- Wayne (8/5): - I shouldn't expect too much from any hostel, including the Espy. I found what appeared to be a cockroach in the room the first night In the hallway, I dispatched of a very large one. I didn't receive an email with instructions for self check-in. Fortunately, there was someone who contacted a staff person who provided us with the necessary information to get in the room. Shower was good, but the handles fell off. Hot water in the sink never really got hot. Nonetheless, we got by and enjoyed the staff and tenants
- Lea (10/5): - Meget fint sted. Stort værelse til 2 personer. Virkelig tæt på alting og ikke mindst stranden
- Yuki (8/5): - ケアンズのホステルの中で比較的安く泊まれるバッパー。とてもフレンドリーで優しいレセプション。滞在延長もアプリからスムーズにできた
- Laura (8/5): Top position in the city center - The room was really big with a lot of space, the problem was humidity, there was mold in the walls and got worse during the days we stayed. The kitchen is well equipped and has also an airfryer. The best was location really near everything supermarket , port and lagoon pool.
- Drew (10/5): - It was great, in the centre of town, cheap, good kitchen with everything you need and a pool!
- Jessi Rose (6/5): - Super convenient, right on the Esplanade close to food, wharf, and you can book tours right at the "reception" desk. Reception folks were very helpful. There were lots of cockroaches in my room -- scampering thru day and night. I was told "it's the tropics," "it's that time of year," and "we have exterminators in every month." The manager left with my a spray bottle of Raid. Secondly, the kitchen facilities were packed. It was nearly impossible to find room in any of the fridges, and waiting in line to cook or clean at any mealtime was routine.
- Evan (10/5): Great location on the boardwalk - Excellent location right on the waterfront. Self check-in did not work for me either time staying here but they have a number you can call 24 hours to check in. Rooms are pretty sparse but decently comfortable. No comforter on the bed (only a bed sheet) but it's warm enough that you don't really need it. A/C units are also pretty strong. Not loud at night.
- steven (10/5): Location, location, location! - Great place to stay on the heart of Cairns, everything is on your doorstep. Rooms are very basic but the Espy is all about location. Other guests and staff were friendly and engaging, the shared kitchen was clean and had everything you could want for food preparation. Given the price, you can't go past this place. The code system to access the building and rooms needs attention and can be frustrating but support from management was immediate and always forthcoming as required.
- Wade (4/5): - No clear directions for the door codes to enter the accomodation, when I did get codes they were incorrect and the 24 hour number was generally unreachable when needed
- Panagiotis (8/5): - .
- Ruveen (8/5): - Covenient location. Close to everything. Nice and quiet.
- Sara (6/5): - .
- Hugh (8/5): - Great location and comfortably room and bed Bit dingy with no windows to outside and very noisy until at least midnight
- Katielynn (10/5): Perfect Hidden Gem - As much as i want to keep this hostel a hidden gem, they deserve all the business possible. A simple yet welcoming environment, this place completely changed my prospective on hostels. It's not a party place and everyone respects one another, a very relaxed place. Location is centeral to everything in town on the waterfront, but the sounds of outside arent heard. I cannot recommend this place enough and cannot wait to return.
- Vaia (4/5): - We paid for a room to be on the Esplanade. It was a Hostel, not a Hotel so the expectation wasn’t high. The room and amenities were clean and tidy. The cleanliness m
- Felix (4/5): - Most people would probably call it a ‚cheap spot in the city center‘, but tbh it‘s really just a cheap spot because of the very cheap beds and matresses they provide. Yep, the matresses are dogs***. The whole place is more or less a hole. If you don‘t keep the AC, which is probably 50 years old, on for the whole night, you‘d probably sufficate. The AC is extremely loud (I had better sleeps in airplanes). Apart from that the rooms are tiny and the facilities are in really really bad condition, especially the toilets and showers. The permanent or longer-staying tenants are all a little bit sketchy and strange and one of them leaves tons of hairs in the bathroom everyday. The only (!!!) good thing this place provides is being close to the city.
- Clifmond (10/5): - I was so impressed at the quality for a low budget place. The guests were very respectful, friendly. The kitchen facilities were good. I would stay again. I did notice someone was sleeping kitchen when I woke up at 5am. Not sure if he was guest in the hotel.
- tomoko (10/5): - You can enjoy a free life. The staff cleans it every day, and you can make friends with other users.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - The room and facilities were nice. Check in was the only issue because coming from out of the country I don’t receive SMS messaging in order to receive the code to access my room. Therefore I was standing outside for a while trying to call but no one answered a couple of times. Other people visiting helped me to call the emergency number in which the employee then came to give me my code. There should be a better system knowing that there are many international travelers who don’t have a SIM card to work in Australia as other visitors said they had issues as well.
- Jason (10/5): - A hostel with everything I needed, a great location and a friendly staff.
- Jordan (6/5): - This is hostel and not a hotel. It was a nicer hostel, but I wish I had known that it was a hostel before booking. The bedrooms are nice with minimal furniture - no TV. The bathroom was not nice and bare bones. When thinking this is a motel/hotel - it is not good. For a hostel, it would be one of the nicer hostels.
- david (4/5): - The pictures on Expedia made us believe that we were staying at an apartment Turn out it was a hostile we were extremely disappointed but the management was excellent and promised a full refund after we found and moved to an apartment
- Lauren (6/5): - THE GOOD: Room was clean, comfortable and located on the Esplanade. Great location! The BAD: I did not receive a pin code to access premises and room. When I arrived at the premises there was no staff. I had to find a blanket. Kitchen area very untidy, rubbish bins needed to be disposed of. Kitchen rules needs to be made clear and apparent to all guests.
- amanda (10/5): - Central location, easy walk to absolutely everything,clean facilities and lovely staff.
- Anne (4/5): - Good location. Friendly, polite manager. Room very basic-no coffee/tea making, fridge or tv. Insufficient sealing off of door into adjacent room meant noisy and light pollution and felt intrusive. Very overpriced for so called deluxe king room
- Carolina (10/5): - Todo perfecto.
- Marie (8/5): - Haven lives up to its name, very quiet but in the centre of all the action. It had everything I needed for a quick stay, including air con, a pool & a huge kitchen! Other visitors were friendly and it’s a little quirky too - very good value 👍
- Griffin (10/5): - Exactly as advertised. Great location at a great price.
- Harinath (10/5): - Great location, good vibes.
Photos
