Guest reviews Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

by Scottysdad

Breakfast shocking. Dinner great!

We visited this seemingly upmarket cafe/ restaurant within the Peninsular Boutique Hotel for breakfast on two occasions and both were as bad as each other. It may be ok on a quiet day but if it’s busy it’s clearly best to go elsewhere. While the wait staff are running around like headless chooks, you are expected to wait out in the heat of the sun to be seated. A canopy over the ‘wait area’ is a must in this climate. Once seated, the breakfast service is appalling. We were faced with a surly waitress who treated customers as an intrusion. I ordered a second cup of coffee ....still waiting half an hour later! The people on the table opposite waited an hour for their breakfast. If you need condiments or sauce it’s no good waiting for someone to serve you. Instead you have to get up and wander to the kitchen area to ‘catch’ a waiter. Dinner on the other hand is a totally different kettle of fish. Excellent table service from Tara who managed a full restaurant admirably and very cheerfully. . Reasonably priced menu and food is terrific. It’s a great position being opposite the beach and would be so much more enjoyable with the above breakfasting matters addressed. Whoever manages this place needs to get a grip and more wait staff in the mornings would be a good start!

by Thomtsit Melbourne, Australia

Great location but missing the 'boutique' experience

We spent 3 nights after Xmas at at this hotel. We were aware we were choosing to visit at a peak tourist time, during unfavourable weather conditions (extreme humidity, high likelihood of rain). However after taking these things into consideration and with a room rate as high as we've ever paid anywhere in the world (>$400 pn) it's fair to say our expectations prior to arrival were high. The positives: 1. This hotel has the best position in town. An easy walk to and from shops, cafes and restaurants, directly across the road from the beach. 2. The Hi Tide restaurant is lovely, capturing beach views and afternoon breezes. The food is good, the service super friendly. Breakfasts provided as part of the package were delicious and generous, the only issue having to pay extra for 'proper' coffee. 3. The room was generously proportioned with a fabulously comfortable bed. The downsides: 1. We booked an ocean view room and were allocated room 2, on the ground floor right next to the restaurant and reception. Everyone staying at the hotel passes this room on the way to anywhere. It's on the beach side of the building, however, it's impossible to enjoy beach views as right outside are passers by. We had to keep the blinds more or less closed making the room dark and not that pleasant to hang out in. 2. Our room was not serviced until around 3pm, putting paid to any opportunity for an afternoon siesta! Maybe it's just me who enjoys this as part of a 'beach holiday' and, in the scheme of things it's pretty minor, but it was irritating. 3. As mentioned above the hotel is well located, the room comfortable and the breakfasts good and if we'd paid a 'regular' hotel rate (say ~$200-$250), we might have considered it reasonable value. But at almost double that price and having booked 3-4 months in advance, we were disappointed.

by 621marting Hythe, United Kingdom

Excellent location and friendly hotel

We stayed 4 nights and were impressed with the excellent location a stone's throw from Four Mile Beach, and 100m from the start of the main street in Port Douglas, Macrossan Street. Only 10 mins walk to the marina too for Barrier Reef, river and fishing trips. Our room was spacious with a comfortable large bed, sitting area, great bathroom and a view towards the beach fringed by palms. Nice that the room has a fridge, microwave and 2-ring hob if you wanted to self-cater anything. With a good choice of restaurants nearby that wasn't necessary! Nice breakfast by the pool every morning with a choice of cooked options. The hotel's own restaurant Hi Tides was also very good. Friendly and helpful staff. We would choose this hotel again on a Port Douglas trip.

by H6715TIpatricks London, United Kingdom

Just the ticket

We arrived after long haul and then drive from Cairns -about an hour along the coastal highway -bit bendy in the dark! Found our room -more like an apartment with kitchenette-great fridge for your own beer or wine. Massive bathroom and nice seating area. Bed very comfy. Hotel right opposite beach and at the end of main street with restaurants nearby. Lovely staff -really friendly and helpful. Breakfast was freshly cooked to order. Washing machine on site was a useful addition. Pool area little used and looks a bit dated but clean and well kept. My only comment would be that Port Douglas is a bit pricey as it’s very geared to tourists but well worth the visit.

by kgould24 London, United Kingdom

A little paradise

I have never received such personal service at a hotel. We were welcomed on arrival by Kylie, Sophia and Gavin. We were shown around the hotel by Kylie and Sophia, with all of the amenities pointed out en route to our room, Suite 15. On arrival our baggage was already in our sea view room. The hotel is superbly located, right on the beach. The rooms are large and ours had a balcony overlooking the beach. Breakfast could be taken at tables next to the pool or in the hotels restaurant (High Tide) which overlooks the sea. The food, both at breakfast and when we ate to hotel was top class. All of the staff were friendly. The perfect place to stay in Port Douglas!