Our welcome at Zimzala confirmed the reason why more and more I am choosing to stay in small B&Bs rather than plush corporate hotels. Julie was a very friendly host throughout our stay and we were made to feel very much at home. The room was fairly small and a bit sparse, but it was big enough for two people and there was a shared verandah that gave some outside space. The bed was very comfortable and we both got a good night's sleep. The bathroom was across the hallway and was singled out for our use. Both the bedroom and the bathroom we clean.

Holloways Beach sounds like a decent enough place to make a base from what other guests told us and Zimzala is close to the beach (assuming you avoid the stingers and the crocs!) There's not much in the way of amenities in the area, though with small restaurants and shops in the area. We did get some outstanding fish and chips from a small take-away next to the liquor store and took the barramundi and chips back to the B&B to eat with our beer on the verandah. Although I couldn't see any mozzies about, I did pick up a couple of bites while we ate.

Breakfast was a truly sumptuous affair and even though we needed to get up well before dawn, we had toast, fresh fruit, pastries and freshly made pancakes. The pancakes in particular were delicious. I did feel guilty about getting our hosts up so early, but they would hear nothing of it.

This place is a mixed bag in our opinion. It's definitely not a bad choice. But let me list the good - and the not-so-good things.


The Good:

Location is great, since it's very quiet and almost on the beach, but still an easy bus ride to Cairns. You have an ocean view, although you hear it more than you actually see it because there are trees blocking most of the view. But it still "feels" like beachfront.

Room (we had the Rajah) has "potential" (but see below), and a very nice veranda, which you share with other rooms however.

Breakfast is very good and plenty - fresh fruit, fresh croissants and tasty pancakes. No complaints here. Also very nice to have it outside on veranda.

There is a pool, which is a nice extra (but also see section below).


The Not-So-Good:

As I said the rooms have potential, but leave you with the impression of being neglected and in need of some "love". The worst example (at least in our room) are the sterile fluorescent lights in room and bathroom. Everything is a bit "bare" and the walls could use a new paint job. The rooms are functional and big enough, but just not cozy or welcoming in any way.

Maybe we're spoiled, but on our fairly long trip and during other past vacations, we always had our room "serviced" every day (at least beds made and cleaned a bit). Sorry, but this is just international standard. At this place, this was only done once (after 2 days). And the floor was not swept at all during our 4 day stay.

Having a pool is nice, but we didn't use it, because in the evening (when we wanted to use it) there were no lights. And also the hosts had private parties at the pool area, so it felt a bit weird swimming there at the same time.

There was no WiFi. This is just standard nowadays, and this place was the only one out of 10 on our trip that didn't have it. Even places seemingly in the middle of nowhere had it.

Lastly, a few minor monetary "issues". First, when we paid, we found out that we were charged an extra "credit card fee". Though small in amount, it was not advertised, and other places in Australia didn't have that extra charge. Second, the host drove us to some tourist attraction without mentioning anything about cost. We simply assumed she was being extra nice. Later we found we were charged for that. Don't get me wrong. Of course it's appropriate to charge for something like that, but that should be made clear beforehand.

Lovely spacious two storied home with guests on the upper 4 bedroomed floor. Beautifully clean with light contemporary Balinese decor.Perfect for a relaxing tropical holiday away from the high rise apartments in Cairns City, and only 15mins by bus, with pickup at door.
Rod & Julie Mitchell are wonderful hosts and their gorgeous dogs Winston and Bundie are extremely well trained outside pooches. They add to the enjoyable atmosphere at Zimzala.
Breakfast is to die for the fruit platter each morning is superb freshly bought from the market, and ask for Banana Pancakes, fantastic. Value for money is very good. Do stay ask for the Rajah room as has own ensuite or the Melati room both open out onto the lovely verandah.

I chose Julie and Rod Mitchell's place for a 4-5 day rest in Cairns area after flying in from Europe with the intention of visiting the Great Barrier Reef. I had chosen a bed and breakfast as it is more personal, and from its description with lovely and - as it turned out - accurate photos- which clearly located it opposite the sea, with the kind of luxury that suits me which it is about having a lovely harmonious room , a great breakfast and a lovely view. But also a for a single traveller importantly I had welcoming hosts who ensured I was met, got on the best trips - to Daintree Forest - a must-, as well as the Reef, hired a car, and all with no trouble of difficulties. There were places to eat within an easy walk. I cannot recommend it highly enough.