The Plaza Palms Resort is located outside the central Cairns area, in a suburb perhaps a 10-minute drive from downtown. While there are no commercial areas nearby, this quiet getaway is adjacent to several large sports fields, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and our favorite local running/hiking trails in the forests on Mt.Whitfield. Beyond walking distance from town, the hotel runs a regular shuttle bus to and from Cairns and the airport, both of which are 10 minutes away. Resembling a charming village, this modest resort consists of several clusters of small buildings, each containing several units.The rooms are clean and furnished in a modest tropical motel style. The center of the village is clearly the pool/bar/caf? area, where everyone seems to congregate and mix. During our visits, the resort gave us the impression of a global village, with people of all nationalities and ages. Judging from the gear people carried, and the vehicles in the parking lot, their interests ranged from relaxing by the pool to skydiving and other very active interests.While those seeking full-service luxury and easy 24-hour access to town would not be well-suited here, those with a less opulent budget seeking off-the-beaten-path surroundings, a quiet neighborhood with parks and open space, and the freedom to be gregarious should be quite happy with their stay here.