A glass wall and natural light accentuate the vast atrium lobby, which includes contemporary bench seating and a lounge area. The sound of trickling water emanates from two shallow, dark-stone pools with spot-lit fountains. All guests, from overseas tourists, to couples, older families, and business delegates are greeted by porters, assisting guests with luggage. The lobby also houses a tour office.

A driveway of palm trees leads to the doorway of the Cairns International Hotel. Inside, the expansive three-storey atrium lobby has patterned marble floors, wooden balustrades, arched windows, and cane sofas that suggest the atmosphere of a grand plantation house. Australian guests, as well as those from North America, Japan, and Europe, relax at the lobby bar and café to the right.

With 320 apartments across 18 buildings, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is an 11-acre (4.45-hectare) complex with low-rise homestyle apartments and resort-style amenities. After check-in at the main entrance, guests are transferred by motorized buggies to their apartments.