In the heart of Cairns, Reef Palms Motel offers a tranquil retreat. Unwind in the spa tub or soak up the sun by the outdoor pool with comfortable sun loungers. With free WiFi, a library, and helpful staff on hand, this motel provides all you need for an unforgettable stay.
Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Cairns Performing Arts Centre - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
Esplanade Lagoon - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
Getting around
Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 5 min drive
Cairns Station - 3 min drive
Freshwater Station - 9 min drive
Redlynch Station - 10 min drive
Restaurants
Muddy's Cafe - 18 min walk
Smith Street Cafe - 6 min walk
Dunwoodys - 7 min walk
Paper Crane - 3 min drive
Serpent Bar - 7 min walk
About this property
Reef Palms Motel
Reef Palms Motel puts you just a 5-minute drive from Cairns Esplanade and Reef Fleet Terminal. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool, and the hot tub makes for a relaxing end to the day. A terrace and a garden are offered, and in-room conveniences include refrigerators and microwaves. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
At a glance
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Hotel size
41 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-in/out available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
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Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) and Monday - Sunday (7 AM - 7:00 PM)
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with 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
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Front desk hours are 7 AM - 5 PM on public holidays.
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Required at check-in
Credit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
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Other information
Smoke-free property
No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
Room service (limited hours)
Traveling with children
Grocery/convenience store
What to do
Horse riding nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Working away
Computer station
Services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free newspapers in lobby
Luggage storage
Pool loungers
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
An outdoor pool
Hot tub
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Grab bar near toilet
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Soundproofed rooms
Pillowtop mattress
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
Kitchenette
Stovetop
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Access via exterior corridors
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
A damage deposit of AUD 100 will be collected before check-in
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge
Children & extra beds
Cribs/infant beds are available for AUD 10.0 per stay
Rollaway beds are available for AUD 30.0 per night
Policies
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.
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
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. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, JCB International
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
National rating
This property has been awarded a star rating from the Australian Star Ratings Agency, Star Ratings Australia.
Also known as
Reef Palms
Reef Palms Cairns North
Reef Palms Motel
Reef Palms Motel Cairns North
Reef Palms Motel Motel
Reef Palms Motel Cairns North
Reef Palms Motel Motel Cairns North
Frequently asked questions
Does Reef Palms Motel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Reef Palms Motel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Reef Palms Motel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Reef Palms Motel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Reef Palms Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Reef Palms Motel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at Reef Palms Motel?
No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Reef Hotel Casino (4-min drive) and Cazalys Cairns (6-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at Reef Palms Motel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like horseback riding and snorkeling. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub and an invigorating swim in the outdoor pool. Reef Palms Motel also has a picnic area and a garden.
Does Reef Palms Motel have self-catered rooms fitted with kitchens or kitchenettes?
Yes, a kitchenette is available in every room, and also includes a stovetop, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Does Reef Palms Motel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Reef Palms Motel like?
Reef Palms Motel is a short 4-minute walk from Cairns Esplanade and 9 minutes' walk from Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland.
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Reviews
Reef Palms Motel Reviews
8.2
Very Good
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.
8.4
Cleanliness
8.0
Location
8.8
Staff & service
8.0
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Airport
Service staff
Flights
Cleanliness
Walking
Bed
Air conditioning
Clean room
Reviews
Verified
6/10 Good
Mar 4, 2026
The room was in very good condition. The receptionist or staff member at front desk could of at least had a smile & be a bit more courteous, especially when dealing with multi- cultural backgrounds.
Anthony
Anthony, 1-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Apr 13, 2026
Not a great stay at the Motel. The room was OK but in our room the WiFi didn’t work so we were reliant on going elsewhere with WiFi. It also wasn’t very clean, our sheets were stained and the ceiling fan was incredibly dusty. The motel in general is very dated and doesn’t look as modern or tidy as the advertised photos. You are a 20+ min walk to the main restaurants, markets, lagoon etc. There was also some construction work happening which meant loud construction work at 8am in the morning.
Ryan
Ryan, 3-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 7, 2025
Friendly staff. Place is dated but has a nice pool.
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jan 20, 2025
Great stay
Motel has everything you need , clean and staff friendly and helpful
Matthew
Matthew, 4-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 8, 2023
The staff were very helpful, the room we stayed in was comfortable, and the swimming pool was great to cool off in.
Scott
Scott, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Aug 1, 2023
It was a comfortable stay and was easy to walk around.
Ken
Ken, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 7, 2023
Room was spacious, well equipped kitchen, beds comfortable quiet and value for money. Definitely recommend staying here.
Marianne
Marianne, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 21, 2024
Great place to stay in Cairns
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.
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Mar 20, 2026
On the plus side, Reef Palms is conveniently located mid way between the airport & Cairns City. It is off the main busy road, & within easy walking distance of the city bus stop & the foreshore. The couple running the place are hard working & obliging.
However being below aircraft flight path it is very noisy during the day. The hotel is in need of a major injection of resources - staff & maintenance - e.g. the spa pool - an annexure of the main pool has wires cut & doesn't work, room service is only every 4 days with linen change every 7. Guests must remove own rubbish daily & clean rooms, with a sign saying that cleaning products are available from reception. It looks as if the breakfast restaurant, now closed due to staffing will never re-open -disappointing as there are no breakfast places within easy walking distance. During rain, water pools in part of the downstairs corridor which is quite dingy. Bathroom tiles are mouldy, taps old, mismatched and difficult to turn on and off. Room service seems ad hoc e.g. no conditioner in dispenser & 6 light bulbs missing when I arrived. On request, the proprietor did install some bulbs. The little balcony was grubby & the sliding door lock was difficult to operate. The driveway in front of the steps was always covered in seeds which could get slippery. Despite 'no smoking' signs, the smell of smoke from rooms was everywhere. Wish I could say better as the proprietors are obviously trying hard, but this is just how I found it.
Roberta JOY
Roberta JOY, 9-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 16, 2024
The new managers were very helpful, friendly & made their guests feel at home.
michelle
michelle, 10-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 30, 2024
Close proximity to local shops,Cairns city and restaurants.
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Dec 27, 2024
Nice spacious room
Altaf
Altaf, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 26, 2025
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
Tom
Tom, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 10, 2023
The property is close proximity to shops and businesses we need to visit whenever we come to Cairns for a couple of days.
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Dec 28, 2024
It was okay and beautiful
Gladys
Gladys, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 11, 2024
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.
Bruce
Bruce, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 21, 2024
Bit noisy in the area. Very helpful staff.
Amanda
Amanda, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2024
Extremely helpful proprietors who made us feel very welcome. They bent over backwards to help.
The room was very comfortable.
Judith
Judith, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jun 30, 2024
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
Emma
Emma, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 29, 2024
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
Brent
Brent, 5-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 23, 2024
One night in Cairns
Excellent service - very helpful and obliging.
Room a little tired and maybe could have been a touch cleaner.
Peter
Peter, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 13, 2023
Good overnight stay
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
Eileen
Eileen, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 12, 2024
Comfortable and clean
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.
Anita
Anita, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 26, 2024
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.
Melanie
Melanie, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 30, 2023
The property was clean and nice but outdated. Advertised breakfast, hot tub, and shuttle to town were not available.