See all properties

Drift Palm Cove

Luxury aparthotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drift Palm Cove

Room
Room
Bathroom
Room
Living area

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
The current price is $240
$240 total
includes taxes & fees
$240 per night
May 11 - May 12

Explore the area

Map
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Palm Cove Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Clifton Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Trinity Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Choose your unit

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Private kitchen

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 118 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for Condo

Living area

Condo

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 9
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Living area

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

Room

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

  • 829 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Loft, 1 Bedroom

Living area

Loft, 1 Bedroom

  • 829 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Living area

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Room

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 883 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Studio, 1 Queen Bed

Room

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

  • 409 sq ft
  • Studio
  • 1 bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment

Room

Apartment

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

Sports facility

The Reef Retreat

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.8 out of 10, 460 reviews
The price is $226
includes taxes & fees
$205 per night
May 18 - May 19
The Reef Retreat

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Palm Cove, a neighborhood in Cairns, Drift Palm Cove is on the Strip and on the beach. Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Smithfield Shopping Centre are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cairns Esplanade and Wet Tropics of Queensland. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Kite Rite Australia are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.

What's nearby

  • Palm Cove Beach - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Clifton Beach - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Trinity Beach - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Kewarra Beach - 11 min drive - 5.4 km

Getting around

  • Redlynch Station - 19 min drive
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Numi - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Trinity Beach Tavern - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Underground Palm Cove - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Kewarra Village Take Away - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Drift Palm Cove

Luxury aparthotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
Guests of this beach aparthotel will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as a hot tub and a fitness center. Each apartment boasts a jetted tub and offers free WiFi and a kitchen. For a bit of entertainment, a flat-screen TV comes with digital channels, and guests can also appreciate conveniences like a washer/dryer and a refrigerator. Weekly housekeeping is available.
Drift Palm Cove offers 65 accommodations with washers/dryers and safes. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Accommodations at this 4-star aparthotel have kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with jetted bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided weekly.

An outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision.

Amenities

Pool
Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Parking included

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
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); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 1.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open Monday - Thursday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 12 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 44.0 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are available for AUD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: AUD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 30 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 10 (one-way), (up to 15 years old)
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: AUD 20.0 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 44.0 per day
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 1.5 percent

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 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
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
This property is professionally cleaned

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 7 AM to 9 PM
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision

National rating

This property has been awarded a star rating from the Australian Star Ratings Agency, Star Ratings Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Does Drift Palm Cove have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is from 7 AM–9 PM.

Is Drift Palm Cove pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Drift Palm Cove?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Drift Palm Cove?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Drift Palm Cove?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Drift Palm Cove provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs at scheduled times. A fee of AUD 30 per person applies.

Where is Drift Palm Cove located?

Located in Palm Cove, this beachfront aparthotel is in the entertainment district and within a 15-minute walk of Vie Spa Palm Cove and Palm Cove Beach. Clifton Beach and Wet Tropics of Queensland are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Drift Palm Cove Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 362 out of 802 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 279 out of 802 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 100 out of 802 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 802 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 802 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

8.4/10

Communication

Reviews

8/10 Good

laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great pool. Odd layout for access to elevator , long walk down hallway as lift at the end. Unit was nicely refurbished, but could use new mattress. Overall great stay., our second visit to the Drift. Close to good restaurants, pubs and grocery.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice pool area, close to beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Whilst this apartment looks nice from the outside and the location was great the actual resort felt very tired and sterile . The 2 bedroom apartment was a very strange , unusable layout. The 2nd bedroom was hardly a bedroom rather a space with a bed- so glad we didn’t have another couple with us. The lounge area was very small and not at all conducive to sitting in. On the flip side, the bed and linen was great so we had good nights sleep BUT for the price we paid we are sure we could have stayed in any of the 5 star hotels and felt like it was money well spent.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort, communication

NOT 4.5 Stars

It is not a resort but a set of individual apartments under management. We had a very uncomfortable bed, it was so bad we considered forfeiting the last 3 nights and leave early (we did not do this). We were told there is "nothing they can do about it". PITY, The general condition of the room and common areas, including the pool, are very good. Location is very good also, directly across from the beach and strolling distance to all bars, cafes and restaurants.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sonia

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication

Solo traveller in palmcove

The pool was great,the bed was comfortable,the location was handy to everything.would stay again in a heart beat
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The lagoon pool is lovely, shaded, water cool and clean. It has a real sort feel to the pool area. The rooms are spacious and well catered. The outdoor balcony has comfortable furniture for relaxing and lounging. I always book at Drift when staying in Palm Cove.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Curtis

Liked: Staff & service

Disappointing Stay

Disappointed in the resort. The pictures and description on line were very nice, but the property had a distinct smell (not in a good way) and the room was dirty. Actually had a few Cockroaches in the room each morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice rooms, clean, good location and an impressive pool.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A wonderful spot along the beach. We splurged for an ocean view room and it was worth it. The sunrises through the palm trees were beautiful. Many restaurants along the strip to choose from but jack and shamans right on the imagine property was our favorite. The room amenities (washer,dryer,dishwasher) were nice to have. The pool was great and not at all crowded when we were there in late April. A little far from Cairns but close to the Skyrail which is a must do if you are visiting the north coast.

6/10 Okay

Linda, Kuala Lumpur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

OK...BUT!

The hotel is WAY away from the town, and other than swim in the pool, there's NOTHING to do! The staff is very friendly and helpful, ESPECIALLY at Jake & Shannon's restaurant on the property. UNFORTUNATELY, during Jan., Feb, and March,...there are jellyfish in the water, some VERY small ones that can sting and u don't know it til your OUT of the water. PLUS,...there can be crocs in the water, not to mention sharks! Also,...there is NO SMOKING ANYWHERE on the property or in the open air restaurants. You must go across the street IF you want a cigarette. Rooms are comfortable, and FULLY equipped with all that is needed to cook and clean. PLUS, there is a washer and dryer in EACH room which makes having clean clothes very convenient!
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great room!

Only stayed one night and wish we had booked longer. Great hotel and location. Only downside is the spotty wifi. Our favorite hotel throughout our whole vacation though!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Harvard Mom, California, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Close to everything

The room was pretty big with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. We used the washer and dryer in the room but not the full kitchen because we wanted to try the local restaurants. Prepare meals. The restaurants were super expensive. Our son enjoyed reading on the balcony. One negative about our room was that it was close to another restaurant/hotel. LOUD music played until late at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great for family travel.

The location is fantastic, we walked and did not have to drive unless we where leaving the area. Having two bathrooms is great with a family. I enjoyed the ability to create a separate sleeping areas then have it open and airy during the day. Plus just downstairs was a fantastic pool, restaurants, hair salon etc...
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Catherine The Great

Wonderful staff. If it wasn't for the kindness of the GM Catherine, we would have moved to another hotel. Like most Mercures, this was no more than a three star hotel situated in a private cove with very expensive shops and restaurants. The hotel is in dire need of a complete renovation and WiFi in Palm Cove is spotty and virtually nonexistent. But again, Catherine's kindness made our stay tolerable.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great property and great staff!

Very nice property with all amenities within walking distance. Ideal location on the esplanade literally steps to the beach. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with local recommendations for day trips or more organized events. Our stay was fantastic. I highly recommend staying here.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, Mount Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful hotel and beautiful people

A gorgeous place to stay with amazing Tropicsl views in and out Lovely people that work here and nice clean tidy rooms surrounding a stunning pool and decked area Easily best value property in Palm cove,will be back again
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel right on Pal Cove beach

This is a nice hotel located right on the beach at Palm Cove. It is located at one end of the main street. Many restaurants and shops are located right at the front of the hotel. The rooms are spacious and modern and clean. The room has a complete kitchen and a washer/dryer, which was very convenient. We bought food at the local supermarkets for breakfast and washed clothes a few times during our stay. The rooms are vacation apartments so there is a cleaning service once a week and there is no one at the front desk after 7pm. Took tours to the rainforest and great barrier reef which picked up right at the hotel. Hotel staff was very helpful in setting these up. Walking distance to Cairns zoo where you can hold koalas and pet kangaroos. There is a public bus which will bring you all the way into Cairns. The pool area is beautiful and is a good area for getting away from the heat during the Australian summers. But during the winter, it is cold. Bought a wetsuit top to go swimming. Wish is was heated. There is a big hot tub also. The beach is beautiful and long so great for walks. We went in August and the ocean was a bit cold, and the water was rough due to a lot of wind in the afternoons. Wished there was a better gym. It only had 2 spin bikes, one rowing machine, one small set of hand weights and a very old universal set. The treadmill was broken. My wife ended up getting a membership for the week and an outside health club that was a mile away
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Dirty, Unkept - with Great Potential

We rented a 2 bedroom compact apartment. While the layout was superb, the rooms were dirty, had small ants EVERYWHERE, and had extremely poor lighting. The hotel staff although friendly was minimal. The one elevator in our building had a foul odor. The entire facility appeared to be unkept and managed on a tight budget. Signs outside indicate that that all or part of the property was in receivership, but has been purchased. We loved the location, and the property has such great potential; we were, however, disappointed. One note: the one swim net for Palm Cove was a long walk down the beach from the property.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Anonymous

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Palm Cove in November

The staff from check-in to check-out were extremely helpful and very courteous. They helped with arranging trips that included great barrier reef snorkeling and train/sky cable to and from Kuranda rainforest. They made excellent suggestions for dining and also directed us to the best priced car rental. The two bedroom apartment was modern, clean, and situated with an ideal view of the massive and clean lagoon pool and courtyard. We could even view the ocean from our balcony. The beds and furniture were practical yet modern and very comfortable. Only one complaint about the accomodations: there was insufficient lighting in the bathrooms. The ceiling mounted spot lights created shadows and made it difficult to shave, apply make-up, etc. With that being the only complaint I would say our week-long stay was nearly perfect. The weather was fine all the time and the beach and esplanade were fantastic. Were it not for the fact that we traveled halfway across the globe to reach this destination I would absolutely and without hesitation return here in the future and I would certainly give this facility and surrounding area the highest recommendation.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness

cleanliness of room very poor

If our room had been clean, I would give this hotel great recommendations. The location was absolutely perfect. The grounds of the hotel were well kept and beautiful. The business and fitness centers were clean and user friendly. The night manager was friendly, helpful and went out of his way to improve our stay. Although the room did provide a great kitchen, all utensils, washer/dryer, two full bathrooms, etc, it needed to be vacuumed very badly. The first room we were in had a mattress that looked like it was stained with blood and the floor was scattered with dead bugs. We were immediately moved (without question) by the night manager to a 2 bedroom suite. Though it was an improvement, the room needed to be dusted and vacuumed.

8/10 Good

Kerri

Liked: Amenities, communication
A great location - some furnishings and parts of the room were worn and could do with a spruce up. Lovely staff. Great restaurants nearby, and Palm Cove is gorgeous.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025