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 | View from room
Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Terrace/patio
Exterior
Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished
Lobby

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Palm Cove Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Clifton Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Trinity Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

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

3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo

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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

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

Loft, 1 Bedroom

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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Apartment

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

Three Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 6

Two Bedroom Executive Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

One Bedroom Loft Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

Studio Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

Two Bedroom Executive Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

1 Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One Bedroom Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

Two Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Three Bedroom Ocean View Condo

  • Sleeps 6

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Palm Cove, Drift Palm Cove is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Vie Spa Palm Cove and Palm Cove Beach. 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
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Clifton Beach - 6 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Kewarra Beach - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Trinity Beach - 11 min drive - 6.0 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Espresso&Co - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Palm Cove Tavern - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Rattle n Hum Palm Cove - ‬10 min walk

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
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

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

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (weekly)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

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

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 short 12-minute walk of Palm Cove Beach and also 6 minutes on foot from 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 amenities will couples enjoy at 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, this aparthotel has a spa tub.

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.

Are there connecting rooms at this aparthotel?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this aparthotel.

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 that I can book 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.

Reviews

Drift Palm Cove Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 372 out of 830 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 291 out of 830 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 105 out of 830 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 830 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 830 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Catherine

Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Gavin

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
The air conditioning was cold. There were strong SE winds which made the unit quite cold..There was no way of heating There was a clothes drying rack but no pegs.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great pool
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

nicola jayne

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D G

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Drift Palm Cove, it was perfect and we didn't want to leave. There was nothing we didn't like.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Ann

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved that every thing i required at apartment was there. Close to shops and restaurants; clean . Lovely, informative receptionist.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mrs Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Initially we were booked into a One-bedroom Loft unit which on arrival was very dreary and not maintained. We were very disappointed and relayed this to the Receptionist as this was a celebration long weekend for my 70th birthday with guests from Brisbane attending also. The Receptionist was outstanding and allotted us a newly renovated unit with 2 bedrooms. This was very much appreciated and can recommend her with her outstanding customer service.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren James

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Love drift 3rd visit always lovely
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid

Best pool in Palm Cove, lovely staff
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Felicity

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Logan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Nice but getting tired

Drift is an affordable apartment block but definitely showing signs of ageing. We stayed in a 2 bed executive apartment which was great for young kids. Just a long walk to the pool. Would recommend but lower your expectations a little. $10 per night cot fee too
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It has an excellent pool and all of the staff were friendly and helpful. Our apartment was very clean and well equipped.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Relaxing!

I love this place and I've always wanted to stay here. The pool area is just beautiful with a hot spa and a cool pool! Very invigorating! Beautiful at night! Our room was spacious and had everything we need, but just a bit noisy above, and next door! Next visit I would request an upstairs room with no one above me! But, some people are not bothered by this!. Some things need a bit of TLC, mostly due to the fact that they are privately owned units! Nice and spacious, and in a very convenient position for restaurants bars and ice creams etc! Staff were very friendly on the front desk! I wish this business all the best for the future!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Liked: Amenities
Pool and facilities were great. However the room was average and needs to be refurbished.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Manjula

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outdated property. Need new TVs and modern amenities
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie, Proseprine

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Centrally located near everything Great staff, comfy with lifts
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great quite location right across the beach, beautiful surroundings ,we liked the BBQ facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Philomena, Yass

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Property is in poor condition. Worn furniture, very tired looking. Place around property looks rundown. Very disappointed
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The 2-bed apartment was spacious for our family of 3 adults for a week in Palm Cove. Staff were friendly and helpful. A local supermarket is just across the road. It's only a few mins walk to the centre of the main street and the beach. After checking in on the first day, we noticed that the washing machine was broken. We were moved to another apartment of the same size. Then the wifi wasn't working in the 2nd apartment. We were given the password to connect to the wifi of the apartment directly below us. The corner of the TV in the main bedroom was damaged. The resolution was impacted. Overall, the place was a little tired. Apart from all that, it's still not a bad place to stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Kerri

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
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

8/10 Good

Nileshni

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice environment, well kept. Pool is good and big. Lots of pool accessories available. Spa and BBQ facilities. Accessibility is easy, convenient close to a coffee shop, restaurants, while other cafes, shops are walking distance. The business centre and gym were reasonably equipped. Room 2410 was okay. Lounge sofa was bit small. Room itself is small. Would have been good if basics like salt and oil were provided. Most apartments have a pantry with basic stuff. Some furniture looked like self built which didn’t suit the pl. the open carpark space is spots are small. The corridors outside level 4 didn’t have aircon, while other levels did. One of the reception staff wasn’t pleasant to deal with, however overall experience was good.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024