Real Estate
30 July, 2026
Investors eye off city hotel
THE Mercure Cairns, a 75-key resort hotel in the city’s tourism precinct, is on the market via an expressions of interest campaign
JLL Hotels and Hospitality has been exclusively appointed to manage the sale process through Gareth Closter and Andrew Langsford.
Opposite the Cairns Aquarium and two streets from the Esplanade, the freehold property is currently operated under the Mercure brand through an Accor franchise agreement and managed by Mandala Hotels and Resorts. The offering includes flexibility around future branding and management arrangements.
“There is genuine investor conviction focused on the Cairns hotel market,” JLL’s investment senior vice-president Gareth Closter said.
“Year-to-date, Cairns has seen four transactions totalling circa $80 million reinforcing both investor confidence and JLL’s positive view of this market,” he said. “The Queensland hotel market has enjoyed extremely favourable trading conditions and market perception over the past two to three years and we are really seeing this convert into increased investor activity.”
The sales campaign coincides with the start of the multi-billion-dollar Cairns Hospital expansion and broader health and innovation precinct, a project expected to increase accommodation demand from contractors, healthcare workers and patients across Far North Queensland.
“Cairns continues to build its case as an investment destination, underpinned by its status as the primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, a growing international flight network into Asian capitals,” said investment sales executive vice-president Andrew Langford.
“Its status is further reinforced by 2026 hotel transaction volumes already exceeding the 10-year average.”
The other hotel sales, include The Acacia Court, the Bay Village Resort for $13m and the Cairns Harbourside Hotel for $31m.
Expressions of interest for the Mercure property close Thursday 20 August 2026 at 4pm unless sold prior. Visit www.cnslocal.s.gy/BvcWfg
