When trying to decide on a hotel in Palm Cove, I had a few concerns with Reef House based on previous reviews, but we got a great special deal - $135/nt with breakfast and $50 spa credit - so I thought we'd give it a try. For us, it was a fantastic value. We were pleasantly surprised with the hotel. Our room (Veranda room) was spacious and nicely appointed. We had a large veranda with table, lounge chairs, a bar, fridge, etc that had a beautiful view of the resort and pool area. We also had a bathroom and separate "changing room" each with a sink and vanity which allowed us to spread out. We also liked the two pools (never found the 3rd one that was advertised), the honor bar (not cheap, but a cool feature for a hotel of this size), the unlimited towels, the restaurant (which served breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the staff were great too. We got a couples massage in the spa, and although the facilities were nothing fancy, the massages themselves were VERY good. It seemed there were only two employees working in the spa, who also did the treatments, so it was hard to actually make an appointment. For such a "well renowned" spa, the small size and simple facilities surprised me, but again, the treatments were really good. The continental breakfast was plentiful and what we would have expected. We ate dinner at the restaurant once and luckily were able to take advantage on a 25% off early bird special. The prices were pretty high and probably not worth what we got if it weren't for the discount. Our first waitress must have been new because she seemed really inexperienced and not knowledgeable - this surprised me, as I thought this was one of the top restaurants in Palm Cove and expected more. Our second waitress was great - personable and knowledgeable - and saved the experience for us. The location of the resort was perfect, right in the center of the esplanade and all of the shops and restaurants and right across from the beach. We chose to stay at the pool though as there were signs on the beach about crocs being in the waters. A couple of small things that bugged us a little: you had to pay to use the in-room safe and you had to put a deposit (they put it on your room until you returned it) to use the resort's umbrellas. I also agree with some of the other comments about upkeep - some things needed to be painted and the pool ladder was rusty/crickety. Overall we were happy with our stay and would recommend the Reef House.
- The Sebel Reef Hotel
- Sebel Reef Hotel
