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View, Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed - Bathroom, Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns
a large pool of water with several tables and umbrellas, Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns
a room with a lot of blue and white stuff on the walls, Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns
Swimming pool [outdoor], Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns
Swimming pool [outdoor], Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns
people playing in a pool of water, Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in Cairns

Removed from saved list

8.1

Excellent

2,067 reviews

2,067 reviews

Housekeeping18
Swimming Pool4
View1
See map
See map

8.9

Excellent

Location rating score

Excellent location - Inside city center
Popular neighborhood
Exceptional for walking
Parking
FREE
Walkable places
Eggplant and Poppy
80 m
Rusty's Market
100 m
Shenannigans
110 m
Nu-Trix Club
140 m
PJ O'Briens
170 m
Popular landmarks
Night Markets
410 m
The Reef Hotel Casino
430 m
Esplanade Boardwalk
520 m
Green Island
540 m
Michaelmas Cay
570 m
Closest landmarks
Orchid Plaza
230 m
Cairns Museum
230 m
KickArts Contemporary Arts
240 m
Blue Sky Brewery
250 m
Reef Teach
260 m

Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns City Center, Cairns, Australia, 4870 - See map

The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Strategically situated in Cairns City Center, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Esplanade Boardwalk. Rated with 3.5 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to restaurant, fitness center and outdoor pool on-site.

Highlights

Hygiene Plus

Located in heart of Cairns

Check-in [24-hour]

Airport transfer

420 meters to public transportation

Facilities

Airport transfer

Bicycle rental

Car park

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Swimming pool [outdoor]

Fitness center

Front desk [24-hour]

Luggage storage

Your dates are popular among travelersUsers are booking a place in Cairns every 9 minutes on Agoda.com
Value for money7.9
Distance to city center1.2km
Location rating8.9
Nearest airportCairns Airport (CNS)
Distance to airport5.8 km

Rooms available at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel

Hotel King Room
...
  • Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 1 double bed
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Twin Hotel
...
  • Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 2 single beds
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Hotel Deluxe
...
  • Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 1 double bed
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
...
  • Room size: 44 m²/474 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 4 single beds
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
...
  • Room size: 44 m²/474 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 4 single beds
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
...
  • Room size: 44 m²/474 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 3 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
...
  • Room size: 44 m²/474 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 5 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
...
  • Room size: 44 m²/474 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 3 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
Single Bed in 4 Bed Deluxe Ensuite Mixed Dormitory
...
  • Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 1 single bed
Enter dates to see prices
Single Bed in 8 Bed Ensuite Mixed Dormitory
...
  • Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
  • Balcony/terrace
  • 1 bunk bed
Enter dates to see prices

Frequently asked questions

Does Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel have a fitness center?

Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel features free fitness center that is opportunely located at the tip of your finger, making it possible for you to get your daily exercise routine in at any time of the day so you can spend your vacation the way you want. For more details, please contact the property for more information.

Are there ATM on-site at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel?

Absolutely! The benefits of staying at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel include an on-site ATM, providing visitors with easy access point for cash withdrawal and remaining worry-free throughout your trip.

What is the typical travel time to a nearby airport from Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel?

The average travel time to get from Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel to the airport is 15 minutes, but please keep in mind that the travel time may differ based on traffic, weather conditions, and time of day.

What is the minimum age requirement for guest at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel?

Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel only allows guest visitors that are above 18 years old to reside at this property. In case you're looking for child- or family-friendly properties, please navigate to property facilities filter feature and select the "family/child friendly" filter for more selections.

When was Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel built?

Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel was built in 2003.

How many floors does Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel have?

Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel has a total of 4 floors.

What was the average room rate for Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel been in the past month?

The average room rate for Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel in the past month is 34.14 AUD, compared to city's average of 193.72 AUD.

What is the average rating that past Group travelers have given to Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel?

Past group travelers that have stayed at this property have given Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel an average rating of 8.2. You can check out more precise customer reviews and feedback by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What time is check-in and check-out at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel?

Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM. You may ask for early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Travelers checking in or out before or after the designated time frame may be charged an additional fee.

See map

Explore the neighborhood

What people love about Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel

  • 10

    Exceptional
    Cleanliness

    "Rooms are very clean."

    Doug

    |

    March 8, 2023

  • 10

    Exceptional
    Staff 

    "There was clean and staff was friendly so I had a great time then."

    SATOMI

    |

    January 25, 2023

  • 7.6

    Very good
    Location

    "Good location"

    Shruti

    |

    April 25, 2023

Property ranking|Compared to 518 Cairns properties
See all rankings
Cheapest price score
Location score
8.9/10
Room comfort score
7.1/10
Value for money score
7.9/10
Better than
97
%
of Cairns properties
Better than
90
%
of Cairns properties
Better than
83
%
of Cairns properties
Better than
81
%
of Cairns properties
Overall rating:

8.1

Excellent
2,067 reviews
Cleanliness
7.7
Facilities
8.0
Location
8.9
Read all reviews >
What travelers say they love:
The pool was great, the facilities good.
Willow from Australia
Solo traveler
More about Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel

More about Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel

Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel

For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Cairns, Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel is the perfect choice. Its convenient location right in the city center allows you more time to see all that Cairns has to offer.
Enjoy all that Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel has to offer! Free internet access provided within the hostel keeps you connected throughout your stay. Airport transfer services can be booked before your check-in date, to ensure a smooth and convenient arrival or departure. Exploring Cairns is made even more convenient with the taxi and car hire services available at the hostel.
For guests arriving by car, parking is provided free of charge. Always get the assistance you need with front desk services including luggage storage and safety deposit boxes. For longer stays or whenever you need it, the laundromat keeps your favorite travel outfits clean and available. Feel like doing nothing? Available services like room service and daily housekeeping let you get the most out of your time at the Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel.
For guests who would like to smoke, the designated smoking areas are available.
All guestrooms at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel provide guests with a range of amenities to ensure a restful night. Enjoy your stay even more at the hostel, knowing that some selected rooms include linen service, blackout curtains and air conditioning. Some rooms at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel are available with design features like a balcony or terrace. For a bit of entertainment, guests will find television available in some selected rooms.
Don't worry about being thirsty as a refrigerator, a coffee or tea maker, instant coffee and instant tea are provided in some guestrooms. Bathroom amenities are just as important as others, and at the hostel you'll find a hair dryer, toiletries and towels available in some guest bathrooms.


Dining and things to do

Don't start your vacation days without your morning coffee, available every morning in the café. A number of great dining options at the hostel assures that you'll always have convenient and delicious choices. A great night out couldn't be easier! Enjoy a fun evening without traveling outside at the bar and nightclub. At any time of the day or night, you can serve yourself a snack at the hostel's vending machines.
Are you a great cook? Make your own meals in-house at the hostel's shared kitchen.
Fill your days with the array of activities and facilities offered at Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel. Don't forget to make a visit or two to the hostel's pool. Burn off you vacation calories with a quick visit to the hostel's fitness facility. Family time on relaxed evenings is easy with the hostel's shared lounge and TV area.
Got someone special waiting for you back home? Then easily pick up a memorable gift at the shops and souvenir shops.


Around the property

Don't spend all your time inside while in Cairns! Cheer on the local team at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon located 600 m away, or just buy some authentic gear and memorabilia to show your support. Be sure to visit Green Island located 540 m away, an item on every checklist of those who travel to Cairns.


Reasons to stay here

Find rooms here that are cheaper than 96% of all other options in the city.
Compared to other accommodations in Cairns, facilities here are rated higher than 85% of them.
Guests who stayed at this hostel have scored it higher than 89% of accommodations in the city.

Show less

Amenities and facilities

Very good
Facilities

8

Most talked about facilities

Housekeeping

15 mentions

Swimming Pool

9 mentions

Food & Dining

3 mentions

Internet

2 mentions

Languages spoken
  • English
Outdoor
  • Bicycles
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible
Internet access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
  • Internet
  • Internet services
  • Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
  • Billiards
  • Fitness center
  • Garden
  • Nightclub
  • On-site entertainment
  • Swimming pool [outdoor]
Cleanliness and safety
  • Anti-viral cleaning products
  • Cashless payment service
  • Daily disinfection in all rooms
  • Daily disinfection in common areas
  • First aid kit
  • Free face masks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hot water linen and laundry washing
  • Hygiene certification
  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
  • Protective screens in common areas
  • Rooms sanitized between stays
  • Safe dining setup
  • Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
  • Shared stationery removed
  • Staff trained in safety protocol
  • Sterilizing equipment
  • Temperature check for guests and staff
Dining, drinking, and snacking
  • Bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Kitchen
  • Restaurants
  • Room service
  • Shared kitchen
  • Vending machine
Services and conveniences
  • Air conditioning in public area
  • Cash withdrawal
  • Contactless check-in/out
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Elevator
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Gift/souvenir shop
  • Laundromat
  • Laundry service
  • Luggage storage
  • Safety deposit boxes
  • Shops
  • Smoking area
  • Xerox/fax in business center
Access
  • Adult-only property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • CCTV outside property
  • Check-in [24-hour]
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Front desk [24-hour]
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Pets allowed
  • Service animals are welcome
  • Smoke alarms
Getting around
  • Airport transfer
  • Car park [charges apply]
  • Car park [free of charge]
  • Car park [nearby]
  • Car park [on-site]
  • Rental car
  • Taxi service
Sports equipment rental
  • Bicycle rental
Available in all rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony/terrace
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Fitness club privileges
  • Free bottled water
  • Hair dryer
  • In-room safe box
  • Ironing facilities
  • Non-smoking
  • Private bathroom
  • Refrigerator
  • Satellite/cable channels
  • Shower
  • Toiletries
  • Wi-Fi [free]

Food and dining

Breakfast options
  • Continental
Restaurants on site
Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Australian

Location

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns City Center, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Excellent
Location

8.9

Airports
  • Cairns Airport (CNS)
    5.8 km
  • Dunk Island Airport (DKI)
    119.0 km
Public transportation
  • Cairns Railway Station
    450 m
  • Freshwater
    8.4 km
Hospital or clinic
  • Cairns Central Medical Centre
    460 m
Shopping
  • Night Markets
    410 m
Convenience store
  • NightOwl
    120 m
Cash withdrawal
  • ATM on-site

What's nearby

Popular landmarks
  • Night Markets
    410 m
  • The Reef Hotel Casino
    430 m
  • Esplanade Boardwalk
    520 m
  • Green Island
    540 m
  • Michaelmas Cay
    570 m
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
    600 m
  • Cairns Aquarium
    630 m
  • Muddy's Playground
    990 m
  • Cairns Botanic Gardens
    3.6 km
  • Gallo DairyLand
    5.5 km
Nearby landmarks
  • Eggplant and Poppy
    80 m
  • Rusty's Market
    100 m
  • Shenannigans
    110 m
  • Nu-Trix Club
    140 m
  • PJ O'Briens
    170 m
  • City Place Disposals
    170 m
  • Pure Synergie Skin Store
    190 m
  • Bones and Jones
    200 m
  • Cairns Family Court
    200 m
  • Coles Supermarket - Cairns
    210 m
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

Property policies

Children and extra beds

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

Minimum age of guests is: 18 year(s).

Others
  • Guests must provide a valid form of government regulated identification (eg. passport, ID card, driver’s license, etc.) upon check-in.
  • When booking more than 8 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply. (This policy is imposed by the property.)
  • As per the Queensland Government regulation, the property can only accept vaccinated or medically exempt travelers as they are a dual hospitality and accommodation venue.
  • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Some helpful facts

Check-in/Check-out
  • Check-in from14:00
  • Check-out until10:00
Getting around
  • Distance from city center1.2km
  • Travel time to airport (minutes)15
The property
  • Non-smoking rooms/floorsYes
  • Number of bars/lounges1
  • Number of floors4
  • Number of rooms 120
  • Room voltage220
  • Year property opened2003
  • Most recent renovation2010

Reviews of Gilligan's Backpacker Hostel from real guests

Provided by verified guests of Agoda
8.0
/
10
Cleanliness7.7
Facilities8.0
Location8.9
Room comfort and quality7.1
Service7.8
Value for money7.9
High score for Cairns
Rating
9+ Exceptional (65)
8-9 Excellent (45)
7-8 Very Good (51)
6-7 Good (29)
<6 Below Expectation (54)
Time of the year
Mar - May (56)
Jun - Aug (57)
Sep - Nov (61)
Dec - Feb (70)

Show reviews that mention 

Showing 244 verified guest comments
12345
10.0
Exceptional
Jacinta from Australia
Couple
Hotel Deluxe
Stayed 2 nights in September 2022

Book now!”

100% would recommend. We are a couple and and booked a private room, so I can’t comment on the dorms. The price was a bit more than usual for a backpackers but the facilities are worth it. There’s a pool, bars, restaurant, trip bookings, right in the center of town so you don’t need a car. We would have stayed longer if we had more time. We were directly next to the kitchen and so there was some noise in the night from people cooking food after being out but mostly people were reasonably quiet and it didn’t disturb us too much. Our room was clean and tidy. I’d tell my friends to stay here for sure.

Reviewed September 16, 2022

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10.0
Exceptional
SATOMI from Australia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
Stayed 1 night in January 2023

Exceptional”

There was clean and staff was friendly so I had a great time then. But there close to night club so it was loud at the night time. I’d like to stay the hostel when I come to Cairns again.

Reviewed January 25, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
Willow from Australia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
Stayed 8 nights in October 2021

I was there in quiet Covid times... and it was perfect”

The pool was great, the facilities good. Nice having a party bar downstairs... but it was quiet times, so the noise was just perfect amount, the pool was busy on Sundays and relaxing the rest of the week, and no silly excess partying, just the right amount! This place is run excellently.

Reviewed June 27, 2022

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10.0
Exceptional
WEN from Malaysia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
Stayed 2 nights in October 2022

Clean and spacious”

Like the idea of having power outlets for every bed. Clean and spacious with a nice balcony.

Reviewed October 28, 2022

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10.0
Exceptional
PRANJAL from India
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in September 2019

The Most Happening Place ”

Gilligans is the most happening places to stay and party while in Cairns. There is no other place which is more value for money and equally fun!! I strongly recommend staying here if you are a solo traveller!

Reviewed January 24, 2021

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10.0
Exceptional
Duranski from Australia
Solo traveler
2 Queen Beds, Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in April 2022

Exceptional”

Theo The man at reception was perfect host great man and ready to help you in any time 👏🙏 Thanks

Reviewed April 27, 2022

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10.0
Exceptional
Janet from Australia
Solo traveler
Hotel Deluxe
Stayed 6 nights in April 2022

Best place to stay”

Great place, great room with balcony. Easy to get around,

Reviewed April 27, 2022

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9.6
Exceptional
Cassandra from Australia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
Stayed 7 nights in October 2021

Best location and staff were so nice! ”

So glad I picked gilligans! Staff were so nice, having a nightclub down stairs was so fun and never interrupted my sleep! Thank you 😊

Reviewed October 20, 2021

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9.2
Exceptional
Janine from Switzerland
Solo traveler
Bed in 8 Beds Female Dormitory
Stayed 4 nights in January 2023

Not very social”

Not much to do except getting drunk. The bar is pretty much the only common space. The hostel itself was fine, just not what I expected

Reviewed January 18, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
Troy from Australia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
Stayed 3 nights in February 2020

Awesomeness ”

The stay at gilligans was awesome could not fault at all

Reviewed March 05, 2020

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10.0
Exceptional
Barry from Australia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
Stayed 4 nights in January 2022

Awesome Place ”

Loved it , perfect little getaway

Reviewed January 16, 2022

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9.2
Exceptional
Victor from United States
Solo traveler
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
Stayed 3 nights in September 2022

Exceptional”

It was nice. A bit too sexy for my taste, but if that’s your energy, go for it :)

Reviewed September 28, 2022

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8.8
Excellent
Yuka from Japan
Solo traveler
1 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
Stayed 2 nights in November 2022

good”

It was very good location, good value for the place and staff are kind as well. I reccomend to people who need just for sleep.

Reviewed December 23, 2022

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9.6
Exceptional
Claire from Australia
Solo traveler
Single Bed in 8 Bed Female Ensuite Dormitory
Stayed 5 nights in December 2020

Amazing!!”

Highly recommend this place. It has it all and it’s so cheap!

Reviewed January 06, 2021

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8.8
Excellent
Brahiam from Germany
Solo traveler
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Mixed
Stayed 2 nights in June 2022

Good hostel not for sleeping ”

Big, new and clean hostel but almost impossible to sleep with the loud music and drunk people. If you are looking for a party place, this is your place. If you want to sleep then is not a good idea.

Reviewed July 02, 2022

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8.0
Excellent
Yvonne from Singapore
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with En-Suite - Female Only
Stayed 3 nights in April 2022

Great rooms!”

If you love to have some bit of party, music and fun, this is a place for you. The room is spacious and facilities are all clean. Just below the hostel is a nice bar by the pool, great for hangout. Met couple of amazing people as well. I did think that the staff at the reception can be better in terms of their service and think they charged me twice for that deposit. But, Overall, great place to stay in.

Reviewed May 12, 2022

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8.0
Excellent
Chelsea-Anne from Australia
Couple
Hotel King Room
Stayed 2 nights in September 2022

Newly reno'ed but not able to swap”

I loved Gilligan's, we booked a private double room just so we could be amongst the party but have the privacy. The room was freshly painted and it was so fumy it gave me a headache and we couldn't be in the room. Would have benefitted from more time in-between service and occupying. we spent the day away with all the windows open and it was manageable when we came back. Interesting experience but the facilities and amenities were great as always though and we did really enjoy our time.

Reviewed November 09, 2022

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7.6
Very good
Pun from Hong Kong SAR, China
Group
Twin Hotel
Stayed 1 night in January 2023

Very good service, but average room only”

Staff are friendly and helpful! But unfortunately that doesn’t change the quality of the room. When I walk into the the private room the floor is wet. Shower and toilet are not separated and there’s no shower curtain also. Ac is weak (the room is stuffy) and there is sort of a smell in the room. Luckily the staff there helps sort out the AC issue later. No hairdryer and hangers in the room. The bed is comfy though and they have smart TV in the room which is an upside. Have lift and free parking.

Reviewed January 07, 2023

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8.4
Excellent
quenton from Australia
Couple
Hotel Deluxe
Stayed 2 nights in January 2023

Great location ”

All in one backpackers on steroids

Reviewed January 14, 2023

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7.2
Very good
Ian from Australia
Solo traveler
Hotel Deluxe
Stayed 3 nights in July 2022

Deluxe room 313 ....icebox”

The room was not cheap and proved comfortable except for the aircon. There is no way to adjust this or turn it off??? The room was freezing....apparently the manager has the code??? It isn't that warm here currently with no need for any Aircon!

Reviewed July 11, 2022

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