Aparthotel

Drift Palm Cove

4.0 star property
Luxury aparthotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Drift Palm Cove

3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished
On the beach, beach towels
3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo | Terrace/patio
Outdoor pool, open 7 AM to 9 PM, sun loungers
Loft, 1 Bedroom | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Vie Spa Palm Cove
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Clifton Village Shopping Centre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Loft, 1 Bedroom

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

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

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

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

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

Apartment

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

3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo

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

1 Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

Three Bedroom Ocean View Condo

  • Sleeps 6

Studio Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One Bedroom Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One Bedroom Loft Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

Two Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Two Bedroom Executive Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Two Bedroom Executive Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Three Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 6

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Palm Cove, Drift Palm Cove is adjacent to Palm Cove Beach and within a 10-minute stroll of Vie Spa Palm Cove. This 65-room, 4-star aparthotel has an outdoor pool along with free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Palm Cove Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Vie Spa Palm Cove - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Macalister Range National Park - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 4 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 25 min drive - 16.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Il Chiosco - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Coco Mojo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pete's Place - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Drift Palm Cove

Luxury aparthotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
Drift Palm Cove features an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a gym. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for AUD 30 per person one-way. Staff members are on hand to provide dry cleaning/laundry services, concierge services, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach aparthotel include free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and a terrace.
Each apartment is individually decorated and features a kitchen and a balcony or patio. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels. The bathroom offers a jetted tub, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, an electric kettle, and a ceiling fan. Weekly housekeeping is available.
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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • On a sandy beach
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool loungers

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times for a surcharge
  • Car rental
  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • Children stay free (see details)
  • Children's pool

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • Alarm clock
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 44 per day

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony/patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Laundry detergent
  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Climate control

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services
  • Weekly housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In an entertainment district
  • Near the ocean
  • On the Strip
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Gym
  • Fishing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 4 floors
  • 65 units
  • Garden
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Reception hall

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • One child 12 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 44.0 per day
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for AUD 10.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: AUD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 10.0 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 44.0 per day
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 1.5 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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 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
This property is professionally cleaned
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-7:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
  • The property is professionally cleaned.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 7 AM to 9 PM.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

National rating

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

Property is also known as

Imagine Drift Palm Cove Apartment
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Palm Cove Apartment
Mercure Rockford Esplanade
Mercure Rockford Esplanade Apartment
Palm Cove Grand Mercure
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Hotel Palm Cove
Mercure Hotel Palm Cove
Mercure Palm Cove
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Apartment
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade
Imagine Drift Apartment
Imagine Drift

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Drift Palm Cove?

Drift Palm Cove offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do close to Drift Palm Cove?

This aparthotel is situated in Palm Cove within a 10-minute walk of Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. You'll also find Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at this aparthotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the aparthotel.

Does Drift Palm Cove feature a casino on the premises?

No, Drift Palm Cove doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Drift Palm Cove?

No, this aparthotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 7 AM and 9 PM.

What do couples enjoy most about Drift Palm Cove?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this beachfront aparthotel include a jetted bathtub and a kitchen in each apartment with some featuring ocean views.

Are there hot tubs at Drift Palm Cove?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this aparthotel.

Does Drift Palm Cove feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Drift Palm Cove doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Drift Palm Cove allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Drift Palm Cove.

Does this aparthotel have connecting rooms?

No, this aparthotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Drift Palm Cove?

The closest major airport to Drift Palm Cove is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is 15.6 mi away (25 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Drift Palm Cove?

Yes, every apartment at Drift Palm Cove comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean or pool views.

Does Drift Palm Cove have a wedding venue on site?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Drift Palm Cove.

Drift Palm Cove Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 389 out of 865 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 301 out of 865 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 865 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 865 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 865 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was spotless and the amenities were excellent. We were given extra linen upon request. We really enjoyed our stay at this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

helen

The room bland, furniture sub standard for a large resort &!a weird floorplan. Pool was great. Staff were friendly
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHARON

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very happy with my stay at Drift Palm Cove. The apartment was very spacious,clean and comfortable. It had everything I needed. The resort itself was wonderful especially the pool area and the location was great. The staff were friendly and courteous. Will definitely stay here again.
Beautiful pool and surrounds
Pool area
Gorgeous beach right on your doorstep
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Great!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cyndle

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay! When we arrived the hotel seen multiple bookings with the same surname, they upgraded the other room to a two bedroom so we could be on the same floor, without being asked, amazing service. The apartments were great (beds a little on the harder side), the pool is amazing, walking distance to everything. We will be back :)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing affordable holiday that is pleasant and clean and close by many food options and grocery store, room has kitchen so can also cook
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jaclyn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a nice time staying at Drift. Comfortable and close to cafes, beach and friendly reception.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location in beautiful surroundings. Friendly and helpful staff. Very nice hotel with a lovely pool area with a nice pool and green tropical surroundings.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Ry

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Annemarie

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Maja

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were great , friendly and helpful. Maybe in the future of getting better bed pillows.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shanelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning pool & green surrounds, clean & well ventilated apartment. Great, family fun!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephanie

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Well positioned, easy walk to beach, cafes, restaurants. Pool is huge, late check in process was smooth/well communicated. The "2 bed" apartment itself was small and tired, one shower head not working, holes in walls, lighting not working. Disappointed to pay $40/night extra for a rollaway bed that didn't come with a blanket or towel and wasn't even set up. Overpriced overall for what it is.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rory M

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Have stayed at Drift twice. Is excellent in just about all respects. Lovely staff, amazing pool and great rooms. Would recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Pip

Liked: Cleanliness
A nice place to base yourself right on the beach & with a big pool = happy kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Reception staff were friendly and helpful. Perfectly located to all restaurants and cafes. There was some damp musky smells in placed (not our room) Would stay at Drift again
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Emma

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really liked out stay here - we booked 3 rooms and the 2 with pool views were fab. A couple of minor things - pool is not at all heated - which means despite it being amazing looking it was pretty cold and the two kids with us could barely use it. The spa however was great and the bbq area also great! My parents have mobility issues so I should have mentioned this when booking as the corridors can be really long depending on your location. Location to beach and all the shops was great
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment that was modern and clean. The units are very quiet unless you are on the versndah you hear the noise from people at the pool. The hallways have stained carpet from water damage . Staff were excellent and very helpful. We would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Natalie

Short stay in Palm Cove

I was there for a long weekend break. The property was a little tired and worn. Dirty, stained carpets. Corridors smelling of cigarette smoke, covers falling off windows. It needs a good overhaul.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Darren

Disliked: Cleanliness
Gym closed at 9pm. Security guy rude , was hurried out of gym. Left phone on exercise bike.. Literally didn't make it to lift , halway down corrider , and realised phone left in gym,hadn't even been 2 minutes.Guy no where to be found. Reception unattended, rang contact number,staff member had no idea of who Security firm was, and could not identify who may have been working to contact to get gym unlocked.Advised only was to retrive phone was to pay a "call out fee " which I refused,effectively holding my phone to ransom. and subsequently, spent the rest of the night quite anxious.Needless to say i was the first person to the gym , and relieved phone was still there. A truly rotten experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and comfy beds . Loved that I did a load of washing too . Lived the jacuzzi pool and serenity
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Indraveer

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Traveled with group
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The buildings are old and in need of a fit out. One elevator for our building meant that my diabled guest had to walk long distances which caused her a lot of pain. Everything else was great. Excellent food and diningboptions all very close toour accommodation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group

Disappointed

Booked drift for a 4 night getaway, booked a two bedroom apartment, I thought! Walked into a 1 bedroom with annexe, the annexe had no wardrobe, side tables, no power points to charge tech, divided by glass doors and shutters so no privacy, especially if the other person was up later with lights on. The apartment face the street and carpark very noisy, the room light up like daylight during the evening due to very bright street, carpark and venue lighting making sleeping near impossible. The resort is tired and needs some TLC. Arrived at venue and no-one sent locked box instructions had to ring to get them after they said they would e-mail. Have stayed at other resorts for the same price with much better offerings. Disappointed
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025