Rooftop bar will be talk of the Esplanade

SUNSETS while sipping pina coladas with the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon as a backdrop is just around the corner for locals looking to hit the city’s newest rooftop bar.

Oak & Vine serving Peruvian share plates, cocktails as well as contemporary Australian favourites will open on September 15.

New Oaks Cairns Hotel general manager Matthew Everson said the opening was a good news story amid the forced hiatus and closures of other CBD hotels impacted by the coronavirus downturn.

“This property fills a niche for a corporate hotel brand of The Oaks stature in the Australian market and we believe it will be well embraced,” he said.

“The rooftop restaurant and bar with views over the lagoon pool and the Esplanade is something that’s unique to Cairns and will attract a lot of visitors and locals.

“The views are spectacular, it’s covered and has a giant TV for sports buffs.”

The hotel manager said the main point of difference from newly opened competing CBD hotels was The Oaks brand familiarity, location and exceptional service.

The $12m, 76-room property has been developed by business partners Night Owl franchisor Adam Adams and business partners Kim and

Paul Kelly. Three levels have been added to the building, on the corner of the Cairns Esplanade and Shields Street, which is undergoing a complete conversion into a five-storey hotel.

Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites chief operating officer Craig Hooley said the new accommodation would bring a much-needed injection of rooms into the heart of the Far North’s tourism gateway.

“Minor (Hotel Group) 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.”

Mr Kelly said the new build was “significant” in its scope and vision.

“New boutique hotel stock is a necessity for Cairns to reflect the changing needs of travellers and capitalise on infrastructure and improvements taking place along the Cairns waterfront,” he said.

An introductory offer of $139 a night including breakfast for two is available now.

THIS PROPERTY FILLS A NICHE FOR A CORPORATE HOTEL BRAND OF THE

OAKS STATURE ... AND WE BELIEVE IT WILL BE WELL EMBRACED

BIG PLANS: Oaks Cairns Hotel’s Matthew Everson and build project manager Andrew Durbidge.

VIEWS: Matthew Everson and Andrew Durbidge.

LUXURY: Generous double sinks and showers.

PRIME LOCATION: The $12M Oaks Cairns Hotel.