Crystalbrook Flynn

FILING FOR DIVORCE. I used to LOVE staying here. My how far standards can sink in so little time. Room 917 - 28/08. Checking in - great - was even given a couple of bonus drink vouchers. Reception staff are lovely. King Room - Good- as expected from previous stays however starting to show signs of wear and tear already. Cold AC, Great pressure Hot showers etc and well stocked mini bar but with horrible tasting coffee pods. BED - HORRIBLE 2 SINGLES PUSHED TOGETHER WITH CENTRE GAP - ANNOYING AS HELL! 29/08 Decided to checkout the balcony upstairs in Whisky & Wine cocktail bar and was legit watching staff jump up onto the bar outside then walk up and down it to open the security shutters then proceed to do the same inside with something else - we could see through the glass - WTF!! Ordered food which was insanely delayed to the point it ended up being free. Delayed drinks when the place was only half full to the point I gave up and went to pay my tab instead of waiting any longer only to have staff fight with the till endlessly to try process the payment - also watched the same with other guests - insanely frustrating. Bar staff definitely need training. Went to enjoy my pre booked breakfast first morning, arrived later around 9:30, walked in, was told half the seating area was closed? Huge selection with a lot of options which was good. I still enjoyed a refreshing continental breakfast. Went the next day with a price increase of $10 - asked why - was told I had to book with reception to get the discount, I said don't worry about it as I wasn't paying $38 for continental, turned to leave and was instantly discounted? Why annoy a guest first and not just process the payment and advise to book through reception next time for a discounted brekky? I sat near the entry this time and heard the same gripe with several others mentioning similar. Such an odd business practice to annoy people first up in the morning. Overall an OK stay but I'm definitely not running back to book here like I used to and will considering other options in the future. Defs not the 5 star level it used to be as backed up by other reviews - more like a basic 4 star. Glad I paid sale rates and not full room rates or this would be a 1 star review.

Had a fantastic stay at Flynn. Great location on the Esplanade, modern and comfortable rooms, and a friendly, professional team. The facilities were excellent, and everything was clean and well maintained. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cairns.

The standout has to be the staff, cleaners especially were lovely people, polite, friendly and did a great job. The location is great, we were able to walk to restaurants and sights. The room was lovely, well thought out, clean and comfortable. The Nespresso machine was a nice touch and welcome. The beds were okay, but the pillows were not to my liking, too soft and not enough support. The air con was a little frustrating, as the fan speed even on the lowest setting was too much. We opened the balcony doors, which was nice, but the noise of the myriad of air conditioners of the restaurants below was loud…nothing they can control. The other standout for me was the selection of movies available through the TV…great selection and free. The first floor pool was freezing cold…makes sense for the climate, but in winter…brrrr. We tried the gym too, once you get through the belligerent entry system…the place was small, but super clean, all the equipment looked new and it all worked. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, but would ask for an ocean facing room.

For the price you pay I don’t think it’s worth coming here. For starters, check in was at 2pm and they made us wait until 2:30pm because the cleaning wasn’t finished. I’ve never experienced this even at a motel? They offered us a drink token each but it didn’t take away the sour beginning. The pools are small, in awkward locations and are undercover - not giving you that holiday vibe. The rooms don’t have fresh air as in you cannot open any window. I understand they provide you air through a vent that is filtered etc but if you love fresh air like me - just a heads up. Our room cost $505 we didn’t even get a balcony. The restaurant Flynn’s Italian was okay - not memorable. I am conscious what posting a review does for a company and don’t want to be petty but I think it’s important when you’re paying for 5 star quality and really only getting 3 star. If this cost $250-300 for the night, I wouldn’t bother reviewing. But with how much we paid, I think it’s worth my honest opinion to help others. A pleasant stay, not a memorable one.