Port Douglas Plantation Resort

It is primarily an apartment residence where people live year-round. It is a few minutes' drive from Port Douglas. Family of 2 adults and 2 children, the accommodation is frankly large. The pool is clean and very nice. Among the cheapest in the entire area. It is a bit aging, but it remains a good budget compromise. The linens were fairly clean, the bathrooms were clean, the sheets and towels were clean, however, the bedspread was really not clean. The kitchen is poorly equipped (there are few things). Only one large pot in a very lamentable state; I asked the gentleman at the front desk to change it for us, and that very evening I had a brand-new, very large pot! It must be emphasized that my request was well received and that the gentleman is friendly.

ot impressed. Went to check in and nobody was there. Don’t like writing negative reviews and like to focus on the positive but after pondering over this holiday I feel necessary to make a review. When we were finally able to check in (way past said check in time) we found the room to be partially cleaned and it’s never nice to check in after a long flight to see the evidence of previous people who have stayed. But the cleanliness wasn’t the worst part: trying to deal with an unreasonable and aggressive manager really put a sour taste in our mouths. And it wasn’t just us copping a bad attitude (for reasonable requests mind you) - but we saw his attitude and behaviour towards other people at the pool, restaurant and around the resort in general. Absolutely abhorrent behaviour from a so-called manager, it seemed like everything was a bother and he didn’t want people around. Previously stayed at higher-end resorts in the past in port Douglas but this time affordability had us forced to opt for a cheaper option, but this was ridiculous! Will definitely bite the bullet and pay for decent accommodation (and respect!) in future. DO NOT RECOMMEND

After booking and paying in full 5 months in advance, on arrival we were told by the "Owner/Manager" that we had not booked and not paid. We had our receipt and confirmation printed but were told it was not valid as Expedia had not told the resort. The Owner/Manager was very rude and had no idea how to contact Expedia to verify. Instead he used an 0800 NZ number (everyone knows you can't phone this number from Australia). We then sat outside the office for 30 minutes whilst he tapped on his computer and actually did nothing to help us. I had to say we would go into Port Douglas and speak to the Police. He then got Air NZ Expedia on the phone who verbalised that they had a confirmation from the property of accepting our booking paid in full. He then threatened the Expedia Rep with physical violence. He should have had his ongoing dealings with Expedia at another time and not in front of any customer. Another Host arrived (female) who was apologetic for Expedia. Our room then needed to be cleaned (check in was 2.30pm and we got our room at 5.40pm). We did get a complimentary drink and some wine which we did appreciate but our kids had to witness and listen to much of the 45 minute "discussion" to get our room. A real downer to the start of our much needed holiday. The room was good, although one bed had unclean linen and several towels were not clean. The reception and customer service was really poor from the "Owner/Manager". We tried to overlook this but when on one afternoon we tried to sit quietly by the "resident/guest" only pool, there were over 50 kids, many in swim nappies who were squealing, screaming and some pulling their pants down to do their business on the grass. We weren't the only guess who left the pool area. On asking at the bar why kids were jumping off the rocks and it being like a daycare centre we were told that it was a public pool (the signs said public only between 4pm-8pm when eating in the restaurant). I ended up sitting in the carport to read and driving back to Port Douglas to swim at the beach. Reception hours on our booking were Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm, on arrival was actually Monday- Friday 9am-4pm.