Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is set to further extend its portfolio of over 50 hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand with the development of a 76-room hotel in Cairns, set to open on 15 September 2020.

Oaks Cairns Hotel is a $12 million development being completed by the local Esplanade Central Pty Ltd group that will be operated by Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites. The hotel is being developed on the prime corner location of 59 Cairns Esplanade. Three levels have been added to the building which is undergoing a complete conversion into a five-storey hotel and will bring a much-needed injection of rooms into the heart of Australia’s most popular tourism gateways.

“It has been a challenging year for the tourism industry with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting all hotels nationally. Minor is confident in the return of the traveller and thrilled to see Oaks continue to move forward and expand its portfolio into the city centre of Cairns, offering a premium accommodation option from which to explore the region,” said Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites.

Overlooking Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and the Coral Sea , in the heart of the central business district the hotel will take full advantage of its prime position and views with a rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant and bar, serving daily buffet or a la carte breakfast and light lunch options. In the evening, the space will transform into a lively cocktail bar serving Peruvian share plates as well as contemporary Australian favourites.

An expert in development projects throughout North Queensland, Paul Kelly, Director of Kelly Development Services said this was a significant but necessary undertaking for Cairns: “New Boutique hotel stock is a necessity for Cairns to reflect the changing needs of travellers and capitalise infrastructure and improvements taking place along the Cairns waterfront. Converting a former commercial and retail space was an effective use of the site and with Oaks’ well-known brand in the region it was a perfect fit,” he said.

Oaks Cairns Hotel will join the existing Oaks Port Douglas Resort in the tropical north and open shortly after the new-build Oaks Toowoomba Hotel, which opened its doors on 1 July. Once Oaks Cairns Hotel opens, the Oaks network will total 28 hotels and resorts across Queensland.