Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Escape to The Reef Retreat, an upscale aparthotel near Palm Cove Beach. Unwind by the outdoor pool with sun loungers or relax in the spa tub. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden and visit the library for some quiet time. With free in-room WiFi, dry cleaning/laundry services on site, car rentals available and self parking at your convenience.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

See the benefits you'll enjoy with VIP Access

Get more when you're a member

  • Save 15% or more on select VIP Access properties when you reach Silver tier or above
  • Experience top-rated quality and exceptional service
  • Get an in-stay perk at select properties, plus free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available

Similar properties

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

Pets not 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

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Reef Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Reef Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Reef Retreat?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does The Reef Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of AUD 27 per person applies.

Where is The Reef Retreat located?

Located in Palm Cove, this aparthotel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Palm Cove Beach and within 9 mi (15 km) of James Cook University and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station. Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos is 18.7 mi (30.1 km) away.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 278 out of 503 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 169 out of 503 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 39 out of 503 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 503 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 503 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Good size room and great location as everything is close. The staff are great and have good knowledge of the area. Definitely a good base to explore the region and reasonably priced.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gaylene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We absolutely loved our room on the 1st floor overlooking the pool. It was quiet, staff extremely helpful and so easy to walk everywhere
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Garrett

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

YUKI

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the perfect place to relax with the kids, taking walks in the sea or swimming in the pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
We had a lovely big room , bed , balcony with a kitchen , we didnโ€™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
Verified

8/10 Good

Janine

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

10/10 Excellent

James

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

10/10 Excellent

Susan Therese

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified

8/10 Good

Darren

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

8/10 Good

Lesley

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Fantastic Accomadation in a very convenient location. Highly recommend ๐Ÿ˜Š
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication

Reef retreat excellent value.

Excellent value. Great location.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great relaxed atmosphere - everything we needed was on hand.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Excellent position just off the beach, and lots of great restaurants nearby. Very quiet and relaxing, the pool is surrounded by large original trees, itโ€™s like swimming in the rain forest.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Demi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect location and space to stay for a quick getaway. The room was set up nicely for what we needed with a bed, bathroom and convenient outdoor cooking space and area. The pool was close to the room and a lovely spot to relax
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cecylia

This place is well maintained, lovely surroundings around the pool and spa, all day. Clean and perfectly positioned, close to everything but as well tacked away. Lovely place to stay
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The hosts were very friendly, generous and and accommodating. The property was very conveniently located o the beach and restaurants/cafes. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey-Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A lovely place to stay. Very leafy and calm with a fabulous outdoor kitchen on our balcony. We had a spa room and it was very spacious.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

louise

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely beach walks
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great outside garden and pool area to relax.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication

Great place to stay, with all you need.

The Reef Retreat was perfect for the few nights we were is Cairns. The pool and A/C made the heat a little more bearable and Jim was always available to assist with cabs/transport bookings and offer advice. 50m from the beach and the esplanade, which leads in both directions to a variety of excellent shops, bars and eateries.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023