Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VERY EXPENSIVE
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas
One of Australia's most luxurious
properties, this low-rise Sheraton has 2 hectares (5 acres) of saltwater pools, and
a championship Peter Thomson-designed 18-hole golf course. It is a bit too far
from Port's main street by foot, but a free shuttle runs from 9am to 6pm to the
golf course's country club/health center, to Marina Mirage shopping center, and
into town. All the rooms are large and light-filled. You might fancy upgrading
to a Mirage room with a corner Jacuzzi and king beds, but I thought the stan-
dard rooms just fine. The 101 privately owned two-, three-, and four-bedroom
luxury villas with golf course, garden, or sea views are rented out by Sheraton;
the decor varies, but each has a Jacuzzi and two bathrooms.
Davidson St. (off Port Douglas Rd.), Port Douglas, QLD 4871.
&
1800/07 3535
in Australia; 800/325-3535
in the U.S. and Canada; 00800/325 353535 in the U.K., Ireland, and New Zealand; or 07/4099 5888. Fax
07/4099 4424, or Starwood Hotels reservation fax 07/4099 5398. www.sheraton-mirage.com.au. 394 units
(including 101 villas). A$619-A$830 (US$402-US$540) double; A$2,895 (US$1,882) 1- or 2- bedroom suite;
A$950-A$1,250 (US$618-US$813) 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom villa. Extra person A$70 (US$46). Children under 17
stay free in parent's room with existing bedding. Rates include full breakfast. Discounted rates available. AE,
DC, MC, V. Free valet and self-parking. Helicopter transfers available.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; 2 bars; 25m
(82-ft.) outdoor lap pool; 18-hole championship golf course with country club and pro shop, aquatic driving
range (with targets in a lake), putting green, and golf clinics; 9 day/night tennis courts; health club; spa;
Jacuzzi; bike rental; daily day care for kids under 5, kids' club for children 5-15 during school vacations (for
additional fee); concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center (with extra charge for Internet access);
salon; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, kitch-
enette (villas only), minibar (hotel rooms only), coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
EXPENSIVE
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Built in 1999 over three lev-
els, this intimate studio apartment hotel fronting Four Mile Beach is one of the
nicest places to stay in town. Every apartment features an open-plan living
room/bedroom, a contemporary kitchenette (with microwave and dishwasher),
and a groovy bathroom boasting a giant double tub (or Jacuzzi, in some units).
Corner apartments are a little bigger. The decor is a stylish mélange of terra
cotta, mosaic tiles, granite, and wicker, with classy extra touches like a CD player
and boxed Twining's teas. Most have great beach views from the roomy balcony
or patio, while a few look onto the green and mauve complex of petite Art Deco-
ish pools, waterfalls, hot and cold Jacuzzis, and sun deck rising and falling on
several levels. A 2-minute walk brings you to the main street. There's also a pic-
nic hamper service on offer.
9-13 The Esplanade, Port Douglas, QLD 4871.
&
1800/676 674
in Australia, or 07/4099 9100. Fax 07/4099
5440. www.peninsulahotel.com.au. 34 units. A$312-A$400 (US$202-US$260) double. Rates include full
breakfast. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Complimentary round-trip transfers from Cairns airport. Cov-
ered parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; small bar; large outdoor pool; hot and cold Jacuzzis (no kids under 15
without an adult in either); bike rental; tour desk; laundry/dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV/VCR, dataport, kitch-
enette, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
MODERATE
Archipelago Studio Apartments
You won't find a friendlier or more
convenient place to stay in Port Douglas than these apartments, 10 seconds from
the beach and less than 10 minutes' walk from town. Your hosts Wolfgang Klein
and Christel Bader are eager to help with tour bookings and to give useful
advice—and they also speak fluent German, conversational French, and some
Spanish. The apartments are on the small side (most suit only three people, at
the most), but all are well cared for and were refurbished in 2001. You can opt
