Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey is a five-star art hotel at 163 Abbott Street in the Cairns CBD, and one of the few genuinely upmarket dog-friendly stays in the city. Through its Residential Paws package, dogs share selected first-floor Residences under a clear, published set of house rules, so a CBD trip with the dog no longer means settling for a motel on the highway.

Dogs at the hotel

The Residential Paws package allows one dog per residence, weighing 20kg or under, with an additional pet fee of $95 per stay. The package includes a food and water bowl for use during the stay and a welcome treat from Harley and Me on arrival. Pet-friendly rooms are limited, so reserve the package in advance rather than hoping for a spare at check-in.

House rules matter here: dogs must be on a lead in all public areas, cannot be left alone in the room, and are not permitted in the hotel restaurants, gym or pool area. Read the full house rules before booking, because the no-unsupervised rule means planning meals around the dog rather than after it.

The vibe

This is a contemporary, art-filled hotel with a sustainability focus, and the Residences come with the apartment-style comforts that suit a dog: space to settle, a balcony and coffee in the room. The location is the other half of the pitch, with Cairns restaurants, the Esplanade and the night markets walkable straight from the door.

Getting there and out with the dog

On-site valet parking is available, with entrance drop-off for luggage and dog. The Esplanade walkways are a short walk away, on-lead throughout, and the only off-leash patch is the signed zone at Coconut Grove on the northern end. Dogs are banned from the Lagoon precinct and must stay two metres clear of playgrounds and barbecues. For a proper fenced run, Touch Park at Aeroglen is a short drive.

While you're out there

Touch Park Fenced Dog Park is the closest off-leash option, and Lillipad Cafe serves the CBD breakfast crowd. The sibling Crystalbrook Collection property is nearby if dates clash. See more pet friendly stays in Queensland or explore Cairns City.

Pepsi: a welcome treat at a five-star hotel, and I still had to sit on the balcony like a normal guest.