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.
VIP Access
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
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Located in Palm Cove, a neighborhood in Cairns, The Reef Retreat is in a rural area and near the beach. Palm Cove Beach and James Cook University are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby. Visit our Cairns travel guide
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.
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
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
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
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.
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Reviews
The Reef Retreat Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.0
Cleanliness
9.2
Location
9.0
Staff & service
8.6
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 276 out of 498 reviews
10 - Excellent
276
Rating 8 - Good. 167 out of 498 reviews
8 - Good
167
Rating 6 - Okay. 38 out of 498 reviews
6 - Okay
38
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 498 reviews
4 - Poor
15
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 498 reviews
2 - Terrible
2
Reviews
6/10 Okay
Garrett
14 December 2025
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
Garrett
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kirsty
10 September 2025
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
Kirsty
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Vanessa
3 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
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
Vanessa
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Richard
26 July 2025
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.
It was the perfect place to relax with the kids, taking walks in the sea or swimming in the pool.
YUKI
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Susan Therese
12 September 2025
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.
Susan Therese
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
James
15 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
James
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Darren
1 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
Fantastic Accomadation in a very convenient location. Highly recommend 😊
Verified traveler
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chad
28 May 2025
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.
Chad
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
paul
27 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Reef retreat excellent value.
Excellent value. Great location.
paul
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ian
15 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great relaxed atmosphere - everything we needed was on hand.
Ian
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Demi
11 October 2024
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
Demi
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Nigel
7 April 2024
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, it’s like swimming in the rain forest.
Nigel
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cecylia
9 July 2024
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
Cecylia
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Stephen
8 October 2023
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.
Stephen
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tracey-Ann
19 October 2024
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.
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.
jan
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
8/10 Good
louise
7 December 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely beach walks
louise
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
David
16 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication