Pullman Reef Hotel Casino – Hotel Review

With a waterfront position close to the Cairns coastline, rooftop pool, glittering casino and a dome-topped wildlife park within its boundaries, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is a playground for all kinds of visitors to Tropical North Queensland, from families to fun-finders. Read on for the full review.

Where is Pullman Reef Hotel Casino?

Straddling Wharf Street across from the Trinity Inlet, the property is mere strides from land’s edge, in the east of Cairns City. You can be whisked there from the airport in a taxi in less than 15 minutes.

What’s near Pullman Reef Hotel Casino?

In town to explore the Great Barrier Reef? You’re in luck. The reef is easily accessible from the Cairns marina, a few minutes walk away, while pristine Fitzroy Island – one of the best locations for viewing the reef – is but a 45 minute high-speed ferry trip. If you want to explore the town a little more, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is 500 metres north, as is the small but mighty Cairns Art Gallery.

Room types

The rooms are functional and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows behind plantation shutters revealing city glimpses or, if you’ve selected specifically, views of the lovely Trinity Inlet. Rooms are kitted out with espresso machines, pillow menus, spa baths and bathrobes.

Restaurants and bars

There are four on-site eateries as part of the wider casino complex. Start the day at Merchant Artisan Food & Coffee, which serves locally roasted coffee and all manner of à la carte classics (eggs Benedict, B&E rolls and house-made granola dolloped with biodynamic yoghurt from nearby Mungalli Creek). For heartier meals, there’s a bar and grill (a tick box for a casino complex, naturally), as well as flavour sensation Tamarind Restaurant, featuring finessed additions of things such as coriander emulsion — which tops a Crystal Bay prawn — or fennel pollen, attached to charred Coral Trout.

Travel for work

This property is well-versed in hosting both small and large-scale conferences and events. So much so, there’s an entire floor dedicated to it. (The rooftop deck is also available for hire should you want to make the most of the wonderful weather.)

Every room type has a space to commandeer as a workstation, with free wi-fi, of course.

Gym and pool

You’ll likely spend a significant chunk of time at the rooftop swimming pool, lined with loungers and in prime position to soak in the warm sun that shines on Cairns so readily. There’s also a gym and sauna on-site for a quick endorphin rush.

Accessibility

The hotel has three accessible rooms, plus seven designated parking spaces for travellers with disabilities.

What you need to know

The on-site wildlife park, Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome, is a bit of a win for families. It’s packed with fascinating critters (rainforest wallabies, kookaburras and crocodiles) to observe or “zoom” above, with a suspended ropes course that hangs above it all.

SEE ALSO: The Best Resorts to Book in Cairns