115 Davidson St, Port Douglas, Australia | (888) 635-3814
Vivid colors throughout give the hotel a lively atmosphere
Adults only (a con for some)
Small size and secluded villas create a sense of seclusion
Well-maintained rooms with comfortable beds and functional bathrooms
Kitchen facilities in all the rooms
iPod docks and free soft drinks in the rooms
Medium-size pool surrounded by lush foliage
Library of DVS, CDs, and books; pool table
Free bike rental
Small selection of cardio and weight equipment
Barbecue area
Free Wi-Fi in common areas
No in-room Wi-Fi
Fee for housekeeping
About a 20-minute walk to Port Douglas shopping and dining
No on-site restaurant
This small, adult-only hotel wins points for its distinctive style, quirky touches, and gay-friendly ethos. The dozen rooms are packed with features like outdoor bathtubs and small kitchens, and each feels private and self-contained, thanks to the lush gardens on all sides. The slightly out-of-the-way location and lack of big-hotel amenities may be off-putting to some, but those looking for a boutique mid-range option in the Port Douglas area should be pleasantly surprised.
Scene
A colorful, adult-only boutique hotel for the young at heart
It's hard to miss the Pink Flamingo: It's the property with the pink, orange, and purple front wall and the large metal gate adorned with sculpted palm fronds. The same vibrant color scheme is repeated in the breezy lobby, which also features flamingo statues and paintings. The message is that the Pink Flamingo doesn't take itself too seriously, and its guests shouldn't, either. But don't be misled by the playful attitude: This is an adult-only hotel (guests must be at least 18) with an emphasis on discretion and privacy. It's also gay-owned and operated, and provides a welcoming atmosphere for LGBT travelers.
Location
Fine for keen walkers, but less active types will want a car
The Pink Flamingo is right in the middle of Port Douglas's resort belt, on a quiet street perpendicular to the main road. When the weather is cool, it's about a 20-minute walk north to the main shopping strip, Macrossan Street, although that can become an arduous trek in hot and humid conditions. Luckily, there are some restaurants close by on Port Douglas Road (which becomes Davidson Street as you head north). The southern end of Four Mile Beach is about a 10-minute walk from the Pink Flamingo. The Cairns Airport is about an hour's drive from Port Douglas.
Rooms
Bright colors and charming additions give the rooms a feel-good vibe
There are just 10 one-bedroom villas and two studios at the Pink Flamingo. As in the common areas, a strong color palette is the defining feature, with boldly painted walls, throw pillows in blue and green, and red carpets by the beds. Tiled floors, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning keep the lodgings cool. The villas feature king beds, private outdoor bathtubs, small kitchens (with fridges, microwaves, stove top burners, and coffee plungers), and flat-screen TVs. The smaller studios are equipped with queen beds and have kitchenettes (no stovetop burners) and outdoor seating areas instead of outdoor tubs. There is no in-room Wi-Fi. The bathrooms in all rooms are small but adequate, with brightly tiled stand-in showers.It's the small touches that make the rooms feel homey, such as the free pink soda in the mini-fridge on arrival, and the candles and incense available to burn. iPod docks are another welcome addition. Less welcome is the lack of free housekeeping service.
Features
The pool is well-maintained, and there is a range of other entertainment options.
It may not be particularly large by Port Douglas standards, but the pool at the Pink Flamingo is heated, clean, and surrounded by lovely foliage. There's a swim-up honesty bar and plenty of cabanas, as well as a barbecue area that seems to be used only occasionally. Further options for active types include bicycles for free hire, and a small selection of gym equipment, which has been set up outdoors. The less energetic can borrow something from the DVD, CD, and book library, or connect to Wi-Fi by the pool or in the lobby.