Thala Beach Resort, Port Douglas

Advantages: Beautiful lagoon pools, located on 4mile beach
Disadvantages: Buildings are quite old now but with that is the old fashioned 'space'!

...Quite an old resort now but still the grounds and pool cannot be beaten, the room size is very comfortable, and nicely set out. It is about 25 minutes walk from the town centre but the hotel still offers a free bus service to get to the marina and macrossan street. The walk into town is beautiful, just walk across the gardens to the beach turn left and follow it to the end, this will get you to the end of the main shopping street, the walk back was not so easy, against quite a stiff breeze, maybe the bus would have been better. The hotel still strives to offer great service, tours can be booked at the lobby, porters still carry your bags and although they no longer turn tired old tshirts into presentable clothes at the laundry there is a good launderette on site. Most of the rooms either face the golf course or the lagoon pool which... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Quiet, relaxing and the reef is very accessible
Disadvantages: Poor TV reception?

...A very nice village about 1h north of Cairns. The population is about 3000, built on a peninsular it gets nice cooling sea breezes compared to the surrounding rainforest. And all buildings must be no taller than the Palm trees. Your hotel can arrange a pick-up from the airport, a car is not needed. We have stayed at both Radisson resorts that have free shuttles into town. The main road in has the hotels and leads on to the main street with the shops, verandahed restaurants and pubs. Over the last two years it has grown (it now has two supermarkets!) but the character remains The marina has a number of snorkeling and diving boats leaving practically everyday of the week at about 9am but usually 10am. You can go out all year round, we have been there in August and the temperature was in the 80s. The operator will arrange the hotel pick... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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