Drift Palm Cove, Palm Cove ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

75 photos

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Beach photo The photo captures a beautiful tropical beach scene on a sunny day. The sky is a vibrant, clear blue with a few fluffy white clouds scattered across it.

A wide expanse of light beige sand stretches across the foreground, showing footprints and patt

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Exterior photo The photo shows a beautifully lit outdoor swimming pool at dusk or early evening. The pool is a vibrant, almost electric blue, with gentle ripples on the surface reflecting the surrounding lights. It appears to be a large, resort-style pool, possibly

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Interior photo The photo shows a beautiful indoor swimming pool area. The pool is a vibrant turquoise blue and appears to be quite large, with gentle ripples on the surface. A central pillar rises from the pool, with water cascading down its sides, creating a refre

Book on our site

up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Australia, 4879

Steps from Palm Cove Beach

Great

8.2

8.4

/10

5.0

3.9

Loved by Drift Palm Cove Hotel guests

Clean apartments
Beautiful pool area
Convenient location
Comfy beds
Friendly staff

"The pool was a huge,inviting lagoon style with tropical & local trees providing shade over the meandering deck."

Mollie from Australia

read full review

"The best feature of the fit out was the outdoor furniture on the deck overlooking the pool."

graydudes from Australia

read full review

"It's close to the beach and cafes, It has a lovely pool & spa surrounded by luscious rain forest garden."

Lesley

read full review

Location

Located directly on the beach, Drift Palm Cove offers immediate access to the golden sands of Palm Cove. The hotel is a short walk from the Palm Cove village center, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. Guests can easily explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, both within close proximity.

Rooms

Drift Palm Cove features 150 spacious guest rooms, each offering modern amenities and private balconies. Many rooms provide ocean views with direct access to the hotel's private pools. The hotel offers variations of one and two-bedroom suites, accommodating families and couples alike.

Dining

The on-site restaurant, Drift Restaurant and Bar, offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy an outdoor dining experience while taking in the coastal vistas. A poolside bar is also available for casual meals and refreshing drinks.

Wellness

Drift Palm Cove includes a well-equipped fitness center for guests wishing to maintain their workout routine. The hotel houses a day spa, offering a variety of treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Outdoor yoga classes are available, allowing guests to unwind while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Activities

The hotel provides easy access to various outdoor activities such as snorkeling, sailing, and hiking. Guests can take advantage of complimentary bikes to explore the nearby area. The hotel also offers family-friendly activities, ensuring entertainment for guests of all ages.

Highlights

Location: Direct beach access and proximity to village center

Rooms: 150 spacious guest rooms with private balconies

Dining: Drift Restaurant and Bar with locally sourced menu

Wellness: Well-equipped fitness center and day spa

“With immediate beach access and spacious balconies designed for privacy, this resort struck me as ideal for those wanting a relaxing getaway; the lagoon-style pool and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef add to its appeal. The apartments are well-equipped with full kitchens and laundry facilities, making longer stays easy and comfortable. It's an excellent choice, particularly for families seeking a blend of convenience and natural beauty.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesSpacious Retreat

Our split-level apartment had enormous private terraces. The studio was large and comfy, with a coffee machine, microwave, washer and dryer.

Isabelle from France

Review on

Spa & LeisureTropical Pools

The lagoon-style pool felt like a tropical paradise. The pools were clean and maintained daily. Lush gardens surround the amazing, large pool.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

Sports & FitnessActive Holiday

I enjoyed using the fitness centre every day of my stay. The location is perfect for walks on the beach.

Moira O. from Ireland

Review on

Children's AmenitiesFamily Fun

Kids loved the pools. There are lots of kids enjoying the facilities. A convenience store opposite is also very handy.

George from United Kingdom

Review on

View all

Select your room type

Drift Palm Cove Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Studio

2 persons

410 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

One-Bedroom Apartment Split Level

2 persons

830 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

One-Bedroom Apartment

2 persons

885 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment

2 persons

1250 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Drift Palm Cove Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Private beach
Lift
Barber shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service

Dining

Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Business centre

Children

Cots
Baby pushchair
Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Spa & wellness centre
Jacuzzi
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Location

Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Australia, 4879

Map view

Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Australia, 4879

City landmarks

Landmark

Palm Cove jetty

4200 ft

Beach

Palm Cove Beach

4200 ft

Landmark

Village Gallery

2700 ft

Zoo

Cairns Tropical Zoo

2800 ft

Zoo

Cairns Night Zoo

1.0 mi

Landmark

Palm Cove

4200 ft

Park

Silver Crescent Park

1.0 mi

Landmark

Deadmans Gully Park

1.3 mi

Landmark

Ellis Beach

1.8 mi

Landmark

Double Island

1.8 mi

Landmark

Macalister Range National Park

2.2 mi

Landmark

Crocodile Park Reserve Cairns

2.4 mi

Landmark

Kuranda State Forest

2.8 mi

Nearby

Spa Centre

The Spa Palm Cove

500 ft

Spa Centre

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

500 ft

Restaurants

Maharaja's Restaurant

300 ft

22 Veivers Rd Shop 5

Nu Nu Restaurant

100 ft

1 Veivers Rd

Vivo Palm Cove

700 ft

49 Williams Esp Imlil

Palm Cove Tavern

600 ft

Veivers Road

Lagoon Bar

500 ft

Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove Triton Street

Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant

1100 ft

Fl 2 73 Williams Esp Floor 2

Underground Palm Cove

1700 ft

95/97 Williams Esplanade

Chill At Portofino

1700 ft

1-4/41 Williams Esplanade

The Reef House Restaurant

1800 ft

99 Williams Esp

27 Degrees

2100 ft

Shop 1 French Street

El Greco Greek Taverna

2400 ft

U 15 115-117 Williams Esp 115-117 Williams Esplanade

Espresso & Co Cafe Bar

2100 ft

3/115-117 Williams Esplanade

Explore Palm Cove

Local Attractions and Activities

Palm Cove Beach

16 minutes' walk

Stunning beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing, featuring picturesque palm trees and beautiful sunsets.

Cairns Tropical Zoo

11 minutes' walk

Home to diverse wildlife and interactive experiences, great for families with children eager to learn about animals.

Village Gallery

10 minutes' walk

Showcases local art and crafts, this gallery provides a vibrant glimpse into the community's artistic talents.

Cairns Night Zoo

5 minutes' drive

Unique nocturnal experience with native animals; guided tours offer insights into Australia's wildlife at night.

Kayaking at Palm Cove

16 minutes' walk

Paddle through the calm waters of Palm Cove Beach, with rentals available nearby for a serene aquatic adventure.

Spa Treatments at The Spa Palm Cove

2 minutes' walk

Indulgent spa services aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation; advanced booking recommended for popular treatments.

Nu Nu Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Beachfront dining with a focus on fresh, local seafood and contemporary Australian cuisine, perfect for romantic dinners.

Maharaja's Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Authentic Indian cuisine in a casual setting, offering a variety of dishes including vegetarian options and takeout.

Vivo Palm Cove

3 minutes' walk

Chic restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere serving modern Australian dishes, known for its fresh local produce.

Lagoon Bar

2 minutes' walk

Ideal for casual drinks with friends or family; enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with regular live music performances.

Palm Cove Tavern

2 minutes' walk

Relaxed pub setting offering live sports and events, as well as a family-friendly environment with good food.

Getting around

City Centre

Palm Cove8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Cairns (CNS)39 min · 15.9 mi

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 1000 ft

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-17:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room. Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2007

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Drift Palm Cove Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Drift Palm Cove is a popular choice, thanks to its prime location on the main street, steps away from the esplanade, restaurants, shops, and the beach. Guests appreciate the spacious apartments, often featuring two bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a balcony with views of the pool and tropical gardens. The large pool area, complete with a spa pool, is a highlight for many. Some guests have mentioned that certain rooms facing the street show some signs of wear and tear, but overall, the apartments are considered well-equipped, with smart TVs for streaming and reliable WiFi.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 607 verified reviews

7.9/10

Very good

80%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Location

9.4/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Facilities

8.2/10

Pros

Convenient location

Friendly staff

Well-equipped kitchen

Cons

Small apartments

Dirty room

Mark from Canada

Family with children

Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 18, 2026

6/10

cramped bedroomdisgusting stains

the second bedroom felt cramped, more like a cupboard than a proper room. storage for luggage was limited and there were glass doors on two sides, wooden shutters on the other two. this setup didn't offer much privacy.. it wasn't ideal for our granddaughter and her partner. also, i noticed a lack of care. the hallways were flooded and dehumidifiers ran constantly, yet no one acknowledged the issue at check-out. the stains on the carpet were disgusting.

0 Helpful

Emily L from United Kingdom

Family with children

One-Bedroom Apartment Split Level

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 08, 2025

8.5/10

great location, spacious apartment

central locationspacious apartmentenormous terraces

i liked the central location. i stayed in the split level one-bedroom apartment. it was very big and included three enormous terraces. the kitchen had everything needed, even though i did not use it.

Service

9/10

the front desk personnel was helpful. they offered assistance with local information and directions. they also arranged for a late checkout request without any trouble. this allowed extra time.

Rooms

8/10

the studio room was massive. it included a balcony with seating. the air conditioning operated efficiently. the bathroom had essential toiletries restocked daily. the towels provided were large.

0 Helpful