We booked a 2 bedroom apartment through my work - the websites all advertise that this is Cairns' newest 4 star Motel....but I very much doubt that!! The apartment needs a good clean and alot of the furnishings / decor needs to be replaced. The phone didnt work and the TV is so small you have to pull it closer to the couch to be able to watch it!!
It was advertised as fully self contained but only had one small bar fridge and a small camp oven with 2 hotplates ( one of which didnt work)!! There was also hardly and cutlery and serving utensils provided, the kitchen area definately needs some attention! Smoking is allowed in the reception area which is the entrance to the restaurant also??
On the positive side there was 2 bathrooms in the apartment, they offer a daily service if you want it and it is in handy walking distance to the stocklands shopping centre.

We stayed for 4 nights at Rainbow Southside in early September 2009. It's clean except there are small ants in the bathroom sink area. Location is too far from the city center and Esplanade. We walked once from the hotel to Esplanade area, it took 1 hour. One review mentioned it's 20 minutes walk which is incorrect. Even the hotel staff told us it's too far to walk to the city center.

Free internet use but the connection is very very slow. In the evening, there is nothing to do because it's too far from the city. You get free continental breakfast.

There is no free shuttle from airport to the hotel. I thought it advertised free shuttle service from the airport. The taxi costs A$37-44 to the airport depending which taxi driver you get.

For price, it's a good deal. Good 20 minute walk to city center. But there is the sun bus right behind the hotel that takes you directly to city center. Also great, cheap eating place across the way from the hotel - Rex's. Breakfast is ok; overpriced. Bad coffee. Room was a good size and clean. Clean lady was super nice & friendly. Front staff was helpful and friendly. For price & location good deal. It's close to airport so it's worth taking a taxi instead of airport shuttle (granted we were there high peak season - day after Christmas). Recommend this place if you are not looking for thrills in a hotel room.

Beautiful hotel, a bit out of city, but rooms are fantastic, really classy and restaurant is sensational. Staff are really helpful.