Rydges Reef Resort, Port Douglas

Advantages: Friendly staff and fantastic location close to the town centre and beach
Disadvantages: none

...We stayed at this hotel twice and can honestly say that it is without doubt one of the best hotels we have ever visited. The staff are fantastic. All tours can be booked directly by the hotel and they offer advice as to which operators to use. We booked a day out on the Reef with HABA and it was brilliant. The hotel staff even checked the weather forecasts to find the best day to go. Our nine year old daughter loved the 2 swimming pools. The hotel has a real leisurely, laid back feel to it and it never felt crowded. Breakfast is available at the poolside (try the happy eggs!) and is excellent value. The barbecue facilities are really useful for families for both lunch and dinner options although you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in Port Douglas (our favourite is 'On the Inlet'). We will definately... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great location and value. Wonderful pool area!
Disadvantages: Lack of dining facilities!

...The Port Orleans French Quarter is classed as one of Walt Disney World's Moderate and up to a few years ago was actually two Disney resorts: Port Orleans and Dixie Landings. The good folks at Disney then decided that it would be cheaper to make one huge resort and now you have the French Quarter (formerly Port Orleans) and Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings). Confused? You should be as no one who has ever stayed at either of these resorts quite understands why Disney took this decision; maybe there was too much pixie dust flying around that day! The hotel is located in the Downtown Disney area and a great treat at this hotel is that a boat service down the river direct to the Market place which is lovely and peaceful but if you go in winter make sure to wrap up warmly as it gets mighty cold on the water even though this is Florida... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Peaceful cabins in tranquil surroundings, beautiful beach
Disadvantages: Remote, stinger season

...to stay as since Cape Trib is so calm and relaxed anyway you may as well indulge in this by staying in a resort that itself if calm. The cabins are sweet and well maintained if a little under equipped, and the surroundings verge of rustic in the best possible way. You can get back to nature here and therefore it adds a unique experience to any Australia trip.Go with a book or two, or a partner, and enjoy the surroundings, but plan to stay only a few days to prevent rain forest fatigue. I left saying if I never saw any more rainforest in my life that would be ok, but now I'm no longer there I miss it. I guess the (rain forest) grass is always greener on the other side (of the world). Travel to Cape Trib from Cairns or Port Douglas either as part of a roundtrip or en route to somewhere such as Cape York. http://www.capetribbeach.com.au/... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful