THE BEST HOTELS
PALM COVE
Sebel Reef House
A short drive north of Cairns, the Sebel Reef House has the feel of a Robinson Crusoe-like
retreat. Rooms and suites have beach-themed interiors with white washed walls, wicker
furniture, wooden tea chests and slate floors.
It is worth taking a close look across several room categories, as some more basic rooms are bigger than the suites. The five-star property offers a fine dining and drinking experience as well as a Jacuzzi and three pools.
The conference room can cater for up to 25 people. Phone House, a European mobile phone retailer, recently held an incentive event here for 60 delegates (see Case Study,
September CEI Asia Pacific, p30).
www.reefhouse.com.au
Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef
Stretched over a wide patch of beachside land and tucked into pockets of foliage, the suites and facilities here are flawless.
Each of Angsana’s four different categories of suites raises the bar in terms of style.
Sophisticated colour schemes are offset by polished dark timber, wood carvings and delicate wall hangings. Folding doors open onto private balconies, each with cushioned sun lounges.
The executive boardroom houses a beautiful timber table, seating up to 18 delegates in large, comfortable executive chairs. A stylish conference room is also available for larger groups and different seating configurations for up to 60 people.
www.angsana.com/gbr
CAIRNS
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
This revamped, five-star extravaganza holds pride of place on the Pier Marina and offers
some of the finest accommodation in Queensland. No expense has been spared on the makeover and the 255 rooms and suites are a destination unto themselves.
The Horizon Club rooms offer spa baths with a view, they also grant access to the exclusive Horizon Club floor. The ballroom is equipped with the latest videoconferencing technology and offers space for theatre-style meetings seating up to 380 people, a banquet for 220, and cocktails for 400. The adjacent Marina Rooms are excellent for smaller gatherings or
breakout rooms.
www.shangri-la.com
Cairns International Hotel
Opened in 1988, this high-rise hotel featuring Colonial-style architecture has 321 rooms and suites – some of the largest in Cairns – across 16 floors, with panoramic views of the harbour, the mountains or the city.
The property has ten meeting rooms complemented by indoor and outdoor function spaces. Refurbishment of the grand ballroom which is the biggest in Cairns was completed in February, with new carpets, wall treatments, seating upholstery, lighting and a new state-of-the-art sound
and light system.
The outdoor dining area Twin Peaks offers a function space for up to 300 people by the pool.
www.cairnsinternational.com.au
Hilton Cairns
The Hilton Cairns is ten minutes from the airport and walking distance from the Cairns
Convention Centre. All rooms have highspeed internet access and a private balcony.
The Mondo Café Bar and Grill is a relaxed waterfront choice for al fresco dining with views across Trinity Bay. The hotel offers ten meeting venues for between two and 300 people.
www.hilton.com
Sofitel Reef Hotel and Casino
The Sofitel Reef Hotel and Casino is located in the heart of Cairns, across the road from
the Reef Fleet Terminal for departures to the Great Barrier Reef.
Decorated with plantation shutters and light timbers, the 128 rooms and suites are in
Tropical North Queensland-style. Each room has its own spa bath and private garden
balcony overlooking the city or the wildlife sanctuary of Trinity Inlet.
The hotel has a versatile choice of boardrooms, grand ballroom and several outdoor venues. An unusual feature is the Rainforest Dome – a spectacular all-weather wildlife exhibit encased by a 20m-high glass dome on the rooftop of the casino.
www.reefcasino.com.au
