Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.

Is breakfast offered at the hotel?

Yes, breakfast is available, but specific details regarding the type and cost are not provided.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available for a fee, subject to availability.

What accessibility features does the property have?

The property has limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and accessible public areas.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The motel is located in Cairns North, just a short 4-minute walk from Cairns Esplanade and within 4 minutes by car from Reef Fleet Terminal. It is also close to Cairns Base Hospital and Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland.

Does the property have a swimming pool?

Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool available. The pool is seasonal and operational hours are not specified.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, and the minimum age for children to stay for free is not specified.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

Cribs are available for a fee of AUD 10.00 per stay, and rollaway beds can be requested for a fee of AUD 30.00 per night. Advance request or confirmation may be required.

Reef Palms Motel in Cairns

Average nightly price at Reef Palms by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$76
February	US$76
March	US$77
April	US$87
May	US$90
June	US$104
July	US$129
August	US$120
September	US$97
October	US$94
November	US$82
December	US$85

What guests think

At Reef Palms, travelers describe an older motel near the airport with spacious rooms and kitchenettes, friendly staff, but recurring cleanliness and maintenance issues, occasional noise from other guests or aircraft, and inconsistent delivery of some advertised amenities.

Multiple reviews highlight a handy pool and self-catering setup, but note the property is dated. Housekeeping can be infrequent, and some rooms suffer from mould, odours, or broken fixtures. Airport shuttles and breakfast were advertised by some sources yet not reliably provided. Expect simple, convenient lodging focused on space and location rather than polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities include a pool, kitchenettes, and on-site laundry; some rooms have spa baths. Several guests reported the hot tub out of order, pool access restricted at times, stairs-only access, and airport shuttle availability limited or inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

8

Andrea

3 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Ein sehr tolles Motel mit super Lage - keine 5 Minuten zum Strand. Zimmer sehr gross mit toller Küche. Schöner Pool mit Steinwasserfall. Transport zum Flughafen durch Receptionist war gratis. Gesamtes Gebäude inkl. Zimmer und Umschwung etwas in die Jahre gekommen, deshalb etwas unsauber, ansonsten top.

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10

Christopher

7 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room smelled clean upon entry,the jet tub was relaxing,which is what my wife loves sitting in and the reason why we’ve been back multiple times and will most definitely be returning to Reef Palms.Special thanks to the female staff member who went above and beyond (06/07/24) to sort out a couple of minor issues we had which made our stay even more enjoyable and comfortable.Thank you.

8

Scott

8 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff were very helpful, the room we stayed in was comfortable, and the swimming pool was great to cool off in.

2

Roger

25 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This place was not as advertised. The hot tub has been broken for a long time, pool is locked, there is no breakfast or coffee and the shuttle does not run to town as advertised. (It only runs on certain days of the week to the airport and only in the morning.) The smell of cigarettes in our room and in the hallways was overwhelming and the neighborhood was dirty. It was a waste of our money and we wish we had stayed elsewhere.

10

Christiane

15 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Laverie avec paiement en carte de crédit Super pratique Environnement agréable proche de l’esplanade

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6

Eileen

13 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We only stayed here for one night, as we had an early flight in the morning, and they are very close to the airport with a free transfer. Room was very clean and comfortable. Air-cond needed attention as it didn't get cool enough. Some dining options nearby if you don't mind a walk if you don't have transport. Overall, a pleasant stay

8

Christiane

13 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Machine lave linge sèche linge avec paiement carte très pratique

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6

Michael

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff. Place is dated but has a nice pool.

8

SHUJI

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

中心部からは少し離れていますがレンタカーがあったのて問題ありませんでした。新しさはありませんが、キッチンもあり自炊も可能、バーベキューコンロも使えます。階段しかないので足が不自由な方や荷物が多い場合は1階の部屋をリクエストされることをおすすめします。

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6

Martina

30 Sept 2023

·

The property was clean and nice but outdated. Advertised breakfast, hot tub, and shuttle to town were not available.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: multiple guests reported dirty rooms, dust, mould, bad odours, insects, and infrequent housekeeping, though others found spaces acceptably clean.

Related guest reviews

6

Emma

30 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good motel in excellent location to ocean front. Lovely pool. Helpful staff...room was very dirty and carpet in such a humid environment gave the room a certain aroma of dampness

4

Patricia

22 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room smelt dirty and there were heaps of flies in the room shower wasn't cleaned properly mould on the curtains floors not cleaned properly. I needed to spray perfume to disguise the smell. I am glad it was only for 1 night.

2

Jamie

16 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Whole room was filthy. Aircon was full of mould. Under bed was filthy a health risk bed and pillows stunk of b.o

4

Murray

21 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 9 nights

The room rates were reasonable. We didnt like the shower above a plastic bath as this is a hazard for all ages. The unit needed a complete upgrade. The room was only serviced every 4 days and was extremely dusty. You could write your name in the dust on the tv cabinet. We had to wash all the cutlery and plates before we used them as they were filthy. The hotel policy was that when the tenant leaves they had to clean this stuff or be charged extra. Not good enough in our opinion.

4

Michelle

20 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location near the airport was handy but it is in the direct flight path of all aircraft. The room smelt unpleasant and was dirty. The curtains were hanging off the track. The fridge leaked. Not at all good value for money.

4

Andre Paul

16 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Pas de service de la part de l’établissement: séjour de 4 jours et aucun ménage même pas de changement de serviette ni vidange de poubelle. Hall malodorant. Sur les photos on y indique un buffet oublié ça il n’y en a pas. Pas moyen de maintenir la climatisation dans la chambre quand on y est pas car l’hôtel ne fournit qu’une clé et c’est celle-ci qui fait fonctionner l’électricité, j’en ai demandé une deuxième mais refus total de la part de l’hôtel!!! Finalement très mauvais service.

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10

Elizabeth

2 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property manager was great. Very clean.

2

Lucy

26 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Room was absolutely filthy. Thick layers of dust on everything bathtub and shower had black hairs all over.

8

Agnes

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Ideal for us. Comfortable and clean

6

Madeleine

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

I was expecting my room to be cleaned and fresh linen provided. I’ve been here seven days, put out the “please tidy my room” .. but nothing.

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Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious with kitchenettes and some comfortable beds, but the property is dated. Recurring issues include weak or nonfunctioning air conditioning, broken TVs or fixtures, problematic doors or windows, and noise from other guests or aircraft.

Related guest reviews

6

Paul

10 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The facility is aging with smelly carpeting that desperately need replacing. Furniture is spartan. Kitchen is minimally equipped. The key to the room turns on the electricity so when you leave for the day, room can heat up to inhospitable levels. Shower is good sized with adequate water pressure. Bed only has a thin sheet instead of a comforter or duvet. View from balcony was of a side alleyway with rubbish.

10

Marianne

7 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was spacious, well equipped kitchen, beds comfortable quiet and value for money. Definitely recommend staying here.

8

Altaf

27 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice spacious room

4

Hannes

27 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Was a bit disappointing for what we expected. Close to the airport was a bonus but the unite was very dated. TV and water jug didn’t work because the wall power sockets were not working.

6

Vaughan

9 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice staff. Located close to the beautiful Esplanade. Overpriced but it is a busy time of year in Cairns. The room was very tired looking and windows could not close so very noisy when trying to sleep. Had adequate facilities for light cooking.

4

Michelle

20 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location near the airport was handy but it is in the direct flight path of all aircraft. The room smelt unpleasant and was dirty. The curtains were hanging off the track. The fridge leaked. Not at all good value for money.

2

Tiajuana

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Tv was broken

6

Brenda

4 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was fine. But the air conditioner did not work. Luckily the fans did work. But it was an extremely hot December night. The lady at reception was great, helping us to call a cab to the airport the next day.

6

Susan

11 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I do not normally complain but I must say, the whole toilet suite lid fell off first up. (Rather unsafe, as I nearly fell on the floor)😖 The sliding glass door to the rear patio was un-lockable. This posed a security concern because the actual sliding security screen door in the same opening could not be locked either (except my carpenter husband was able to tweak the lock a bit to lock it) The bath itself was a spa type that was very high and difficult to get into for us older folk. Very outdated. My rating for this particular room I was given was barely a 1. Thank you for your understanding.

10

Bruce

11 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I really liked our room, for us, father and son, it was perfect. Two queen beds placed in different areas of a large room, the room has a kitchenette and the shower in the bathroom is big with plenty of hot water. Next time in Cairns, and there will be a next time, I'll stay here.

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Service

Many mention friendly, helpful staff and workable late check-in, but there are also reports of rudeness, poor communication, and limited on-site presence in the evening.

Related guest reviews

2

Abhinav

10 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

“It’s a 3 Star Motel not a Hotel - Dirty Bedding… Deal with it!” I had an unhappy experience at this motel. The room was dirty and absolutely not worth the overpriced rate. From the moment I arrived, the reception staff were rude and unprofessional. When I tried to address my concerns, they cut me off mid-sentence and started talking on the phone, completely ignoring me. The bedding in the room was filthy, and when I complained about it, I was shocked by their response. They casually told me, “Don’t use that bed; guests only use it to put their luggage.” That’s completely unacceptable. Why would there be a dirty, unusable bed in the room I paid for? I got told we paid for a smaller room so dirty or not he was doing me a favour! To make matters worse, instead of taking accountability, they dishonestly tried to blame me for the situation. It was clear they had no interest in resolving the issue or providing even basic customer service. When trying to discuss my issue I had to tell the owner to “please stop interrupting me” as I was being shouted over Furthermore, I happily went down to reception and kindly asked for a new pot as the one I had was rotted and I got told it wasn’t rot and it was simply used and that it was a motel not a hotel deal with it - eventually got a new pot but with no ease Advised to avoid this motel, the lack of cleanliness, poor service, and dismissive attitude from the staff made it one of the most disappointing stays I’ve ever had

10

Christopher

7 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room smelled clean upon entry,the jet tub was relaxing,which is what my wife loves sitting in and the reason why we’ve been back multiple times and will most definitely be returning to Reef Palms.Special thanks to the female staff member who went above and beyond (06/07/24) to sort out a couple of minor issues we had which made our stay even more enjoyable and comfortable.Thank you.

8

Scott

8 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff were very helpful, the room we stayed in was comfortable, and the swimming pool was great to cool off in.

10

Anita

12 Mar 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Overnight stay as it was conveniently located near the airport for my flight the next morning. The room was large and everything was clean. The bed was comfortable. The air conditioning and ceiling fans worked a treat. I arranged an after hours check in in advance, and both this and the check out the next morning were seamless.

4

Susan

4 Jun 2023

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Stayed 1 night

This is close to the airport, but I arrived at 7pm no staff on property no where to eat food, and also it was extremely noisy all night and early morning , but is was very clean, and cheap

8

Melanie

26 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loy, the desk manager was very helpful. He gave us a ground floor room when he learned of my husband’s disability. He also recommended a nearby restaurant, and called a previous hotel in an attempt to find a lost item.

6

Stefan

10 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wir sind kurz vor Mitternacht in Cairns angekommen und die Zugangscodes für den Late Check In waren dann auch da - muss gestehen, dass ich da etwas nervös war, nachdem bis 20 Uhr keine Info kam aber alles perfekt dann. Zimmer inkl Bad etc war sauber, hier und da sicherlich in die Jahre gekommen und (auch aufgrund der generellen Luftfeuchtigkeit) ein wenig modriger Geruch. Der größte Kritikpunkt an unserer Nacht hier hat nur mittelbar mit dem Motel zu tun, aber letztendlich gab es keine Möglichkeit dies zur Sprache zu bringen (Rezeption nur 24/7 besetzt). Im Zimmer (oder Zimmern) über uns gab es bis 3 Uhr Party mit Musik quer durch Haus und über den Balkon. So war an Schlaf bis 3 Uhr nachts nach einem Interkontiflug nicht zu denken. Und verständlicherweise hatten wir wegen Late CheckIn auch nicht das ruhigste Zimmer , so dass ab 6/7 Uhr aufgrund der Hellhörigkeit die Nacht auch zu Ende war. Unterm Strich war die Übernachtung sehr getrübt und wir hätten uns gewünscht, dass die Ruhestörung seitens des Motels irgendwie geregelt worden wäre.

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8

Matthew

20 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Motel has everything you need , clean and staff friendly and helpful

8

Audrey

25 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The staff went out of their way to help and handle any questions we asked. The man at check in (same person most days of our stay) was excellent. He stepped up to every issues or concern and was a go to for travelers questions. Made our stay on the coast very enjoyable when it could have gone bad very quickly at some points. The cleanliness could have been better. The fountain outside the front door was a horrible first impression. The room was pretty good. Roach hatch the first night was a bad experience. The desk clerk handle it well when we advised him in the morning. It made us more cautious and observant throughout the 5 days we were there.

2

Mary

17 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked a motel for a particular reason online. It wasn’t a motel. Manager and his sister very rude. Didn’t stay. Tried to get in touch with WOTIF but it was like trying To fly to the moon by bike.

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Location

Convenient for Cairns Airport and within walking distance of the Esplanade and shops, though a bit off-centre. Some guests noticed aircraft noise.

Related guest reviews

8

Tom

26 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location close to airport. Unfortunately just a one night booking so unable to access tourism services which appear to be a specialty of this property. Sadly another motel that hadn’t bothered to provide any milk in room

8

Brent

29 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Although the motel is aged a bit it has clean & spacious rooms. The Staff is friendly and informative. The area is safe, quiet & easy walking distance to the Esplande. Once on the Esplande it is a nice walk along the ocean to many shops, restaurants & the Marina

8

Sourish

10 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It's an old property and little bit off centre but that's a benefit as it is a quiet location. There are enough eating places within a 15/20 minute walk, that you don't go starving. Makes it convenient. The cleanliness, though, can be improved significantly. We checked in around 8PM to find one of the beds unmade, a wrapping strap on the sofa and we also found a dead cockroach in one of the kitchen cabinets while looking for plates.

10

Andrew

21 Aug 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Lovely place to stay and very convenient to the hospital that I needed to visit. Very convenient to shops, eateries and the main areas of Cairns! A quick walk to the lovely walk along the foreshore.

10

Paul

26 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very close to airport. Large room. Nice fans

6

Vaughan

9 Sept 2023

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Stayed 3 nights

Nice staff. Located close to the beautiful Esplanade. Overpriced but it is a busy time of year in Cairns. The room was very tired looking and windows could not close so very noisy when trying to sleep. Had adequate facilities for light cooking.

4

Megan

31 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Basic older motel near airport.

4

Michelle

20 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location near the airport was handy but it is in the direct flight path of all aircraft. The room smelt unpleasant and was dirty. The curtains were hanging off the track. The fridge leaked. Not at all good value for money.

10

Christopher

30 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Close proximity to local shops,Cairns city and restaurants.

8

Sabrina

4 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 9 nights

Great little place for the price Close to town would definitely return

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Dining

Several reviews say breakfast advertised was not provided, and some rooms lacked milk; little else is mentioned about on-site dining.

Related guest reviews

8

Tom

26 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location close to airport. Unfortunately just a one night booking so unable to access tourism services which appear to be a specialty of this property. Sadly another motel that hadn’t bothered to provide any milk in room

2

Rodney

31 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had no tea towel or dishwasher liquid the bathroom all the soaps etc were out of liquid the remote on the TV doesn't work looked like the room needed a good clean

2

Roger

25 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This place was not as advertised. The hot tub has been broken for a long time, pool is locked, there is no breakfast or coffee and the shuttle does not run to town as advertised. (It only runs on certain days of the week to the airport and only in the morning.) The smell of cigarettes in our room and in the hallways was overwhelming and the neighborhood was dirty. It was a waste of our money and we wish we had stayed elsewhere.

2

Jamie

16 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Whole room was filthy. Aircon was full of mould. Under bed was filthy a health risk bed and pillows stunk of b.o

6

Martina

30 Sept 2023

·

The property was clean and nice but outdated. Advertised breakfast, hot tub, and shuttle to town were not available.

8

Sarah

11 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Be aware that checkin ends early; though they tried to give us late checkin information, we didn't get it because we didn't have data. Room was nicer than we thought it might be, but dishes have to be cleaned manually and that was a pain when we had to leave at 4am to get our flight.

4

Phillip

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nothing to like about the place 1.no milk in room to have with coffee 2.no toilet roll on Holder 3 .no shuttle bus to the airport and at $172.00 a night not happy.

6

Martina

20 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Outdated but clean. No breakfast although advertised

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $99	2 $96	3 $96
4 $96	5 $92	6 $87	7 $87	8 $87	9 $87	10 $87
11 $88	12 $86	13 $78	14 $78	15 $84	16 $84	17 $78
18 $88	19 $84	20 $82	21 $78	22 $78	23 $84	24 $84
25 $86	26 $81	27 $100	28	29 $118	30 $97	31 $97

Reef Palms

Prices for Reef Palms

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Triple Studio

Family Studio, Multiple Beds

Quad Studio

Deluxe Spa Room

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

Twin Queen Room

Deluxe Spa Studio $$$ Saver

Guest reviews of Reef Palms

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Reef Palms

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27 $115	28 $97	29 $86	30 $97