Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

4.0 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

Beach nearby
View from room
Dining
Superior Suite (Spa)
Dining

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View in a map
10-14 Harpa Street, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Vie Spa Palm Cove
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Clifton Village Shopping Centre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members

Room options

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Standard Spa Suite

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Escape Package - Standard Spa

  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

3 Bedroom Townhouse

  • 180 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Single Beds

Family Apartment

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Large Single Beds

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Studio

  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 119 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed OR 4 Single Beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 116 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds OR 4 Single Beds

Superior Suite (Spa)

  • Garden view
  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About this property

The Reef Retreat

Aparthotel with free parking, near Palm Cove Beach
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free aparthotel has a hot tub and dry cleaning. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and tour/ticket assistance. Each apartment offers free WiFi, a microwave, and a Smart TV with digital channels. Additional amenities include a stovetop, a ceiling fan, and a hair dryer. Weekly housekeeping is available.
The Reef Retreat offers 32 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. 55-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided weekly.

An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the pool at The Reef Retreat. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of Palm Cove Beach. Free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and an outdoor pool are available. Built in 1997, this upscale aparthotel has 32 apartments on 3 floors. Free WiFi and a Smart TV are available in each apartment.
  • Each apartment offers a Smart TV, a microwave, and a stovetop
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub
  • Services include babysitting, dry cleaning/laundry, and tour or ticket assistance
  • Just a 1-minute drive from Palm Cove Beach and 13 minutes from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
The Reef Retreat offers its guests an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi is free in public spaces. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. A library, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at The Reef Retreat. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Cairns aparthotel is smoke free.


Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool loungers

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Car hire
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 40 per day

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch Smart TV with digital channels
  • Library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Laundry facilities

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Blackout drapes
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local maps
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Weekly housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near the boardwalk/promenade
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 3 floors
  • 32 units
  • Built in 1997
  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (9 AM - 2:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 40.0 per day.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 27 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 14 (one-way), (from 4 to 11 years old)
  • Housekeeping is available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 40.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
The Reef Retreat offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. This property's front desk is open during the following times:
  • Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Guests arriving after 5:30 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Reef Retreat
Reef Retreat Hotel
Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment
The Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel Palm Cove

The Reef Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 274 out of 495 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 166 out of 495 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 38 out of 495 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 495 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 495 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Catherine Jo

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is very outdated. It is not clean. The doors and windows had cracks for critters to get in. There is no housekeeping services to clean the room after each night.Small little details, like the garbage can you had to touch to open, It definitely took away from Experience I was hoping for. In addition when I went to check in during normal office hours, the office manager came out and talk to me, but he referred me to the instructions as if I were a late check-in and I had to read how to get to my room. It was a little awkward. Also, when I had my early check out, I had to pick up the phone to call him to check out and it was very strange to me. I felt like I was bothering him. The lampshade had cobwebs. The shower was inside a jacuzzi tub, very odd. The windowsills were filthy. You can hear your neighbors. The pool and jacuzzi were very dirty as well. All that being said, Palm Cove is a very exclusive area and I would highly recommend staying in this area compared to Cairns, which is very touristy. I am guessing this property gets away with their prices since the area is so premium. In the end, I would not stay at this property. It is definitely not worth the price!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We had a lovely big room , bed , balcony with a kitchen , we didn’t have a view , we went swimming , did yoga Saturday morning on the beach and went to the Palm cove market Sunday . A lovely weekend away
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Janine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well appointed appartments- very comfortable, central to everything. Will definitely return!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and well run. Helpful staff, great location with everything you need. Would stay again and recommend to others 5*
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to relax and unwind
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This property and its sheltered garden courtyard was indeed a ‘retreat’ from the wind warning. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan Therese

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing property, loved being there. It's very beautiful & comfortable. Great pool & Spa. Easy walking. Rooms are well maintained & comfortable. I will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was in a great location, very easy walk to beach and shops. Great size rooms, very clean
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phil

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Great Motel Close to Everything

Great little motel - excellent location close to shops and restaurants. Room was very comfortable with all the necessary facilities. Awesome huge tv in room. Very comfortable bed. Great pool and bbq area. Overall really good Would definitely stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed our stay here. Comfortable beds, all mod cons, lovely outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi. Great location, would recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

John, Auckland

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice peaceful setting with lovely cool shady garden area around the pool. We especially enjoyed the outdoors deck area in the kitchen patio of our room. Close to the beach and esplanade with the restaurants and bars. Palm cove was a great choice for our first visit to Cairns.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location next to beach , pool and spa are amazing! Staff and friendly and polite. Would go again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, exceptionally well equipt room - loved the outside kitchenette and eating area. Spacious and very clean. Highly recommend this as a well priced stay for exceptional value. Only 2 small things let the place down - (1) it smelt like chlorine the bleach was so strong (it was very clean though!) and it took a bit to remove the smell and (2) the surly guy at reception who was more interested in what he couldn’t do than what he could. We still loved our stay and would definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Darren

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

We had a great relaxing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bevan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice welcome from Jim and Joanne thr Property Managers. Very helpful people. Nice apartment with good facilities and view over the Pool. Would definitely stay again.
The pool area at night.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lesley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, nice pool, quality fittings etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean well situated unit. Only thing i would like to change is shower head very small hard to have a decent shower. Also matress are too soft.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had the best stay at The Reef Retreat. My apartment was perfect. I'd have breakfast there that I cooked myself before exploring Palm Cove and the local attractions. Jim at reception would book anything you'd like to including transport. After exploring Palm Cove, Cairns the reef or where you went. You come home to relax before treating your self to the local restaurants. Having such prime location is amazing. After a long I'd go for a dip in the heated pool and hot tub spa. Amazing atmosphere. My favourite place, I'll be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad, Sydney

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool as a Sectional temperature. The grounds were quiet. The room was large, open and had a beautiful atmosphere. I highly recommend selecting VIP option for this stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

jan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had 4 nights here recently and really enjoyed our stay. Jim on reception was very welcoming and friendly. As we had flown from Adelaide on the 6am flight we were very pleased to be able to access our room early so we could start our relaxing holiday. The property is older but everything was clean and well maintained. The bed was very comfortable. It was in a great position close to the beach and restaurants. Water pressure in the shower was a bit feeble but adequate. We would definitely book this property again on our next visit to palm cove.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loren

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025