Arrival Experience
There are twin Pullmans in Cairns that are actually across the street from each other. One is known as the Reef Casino property and the other is the Pullman International. Both are of exacting standards, which fulfill Accor's new brand promise for this meetings and business travel-focused chain. While Cairns is a leisure destination, it does quite a bit of corporate and conference business as well. This hotel fits that mold perfectly. Its colonial style lobby is elegant with high ceilings, suspended lanterns, plenty of conversational seating, and a long reception desk that is staffed efficiently so as no one has to wait longer than a few moments. Many guests like to linger in the lobby thanks to the free wireless Internet signal in public areas.
Dining
Coco's restaurant on the lobby level handles all meals, but is busiest at breakfast when one of the city's best buffet spreads unfurls. Everything from tropical fruit to a wide spread of cereal is available. A fruit juice blender station allows guests to concoct their own healthy cocktail of carrots, beets, celery, ginger, apples, oranges, grapefruits, and other selections. An omelet station provides custom egg dishes while a hot buffet features everything from Japanese dishes like miso soup and furikake rice toppings. Pastries, Nespresso coffee machines, and a variety of yogurt add to the selections. Lunch and dinner are also served here, but most guests dine in the eclectic options of the neighborhood or order a snack by the pool.
Rooms
Guest accommodations here are businesslike, but modern in every way. They vary mostly in their view between city and mountain scapes to harbor views, which are mostly visible from high floors. All rooms have soft carpeting, flat-screen cable TVs facing the soft beds with duvets, and desks with easy-access power ports. Only Australian outlets are available, but reception is happy to provide converters upon request. The executive level floors boast extras like bottled water, bowls of fresh apples in the elevator lobbies, and free wireless Internet. Members of Accor's elite program receive free wireless Internet, and everyone can use it in the public areas without charge. Bathrooms are stocked with Bigelow apothecary toiletries from New York. Marble swaths the vanities and floors, and strong water pressure complements the oversized cotton towels in baths. Air conditioning is especially strong, and all rooms benefit from balconies giving way to enticing views.
Amenities
The strongest feature for the vacationer here is the spacious pool deck with lounge chairs and a pool bar with refreshments. It is located on a mezzanine away from traffic noise. While most guests here are making use of the business facilities or ample conference space, they always find time to use the full fitness center or relax by the pool. Of course, the waterfront is only a couple of blocks away. A business center provides access to Internet-equipped computers and printers. This is one of the best full-service options in the heart of town. While the Shangri-La is still one of the city's main prizes, it charges for the privilege. The Pullman offers the same style of luxury at a better price and with friendlier service.
