Driftwood Mantaray

We’re going back to Port Douglas next year and plan to stay here again. The location is excellent, with everything a short walk away. We spent 10 nights at Driftwood Mantaray in mid November 2024, booking the four loft apartments for four families. Being on the same floor with doors close together meant the kids could safely visit each other. The rooms were clean, functional and good value. Since they’re privately owned, the fittings and decor varied from room to room. The pools weren’t resort standard, but that matched the price, and they were adequate.

The location was great, but that was about it. We moved out after four nights because the place was so disappointing for the price. Our room was dirty, with black dust all over the fans and dead roaches everywhere, even though it had supposedly been cleaned. The TV, oven and air conditioner didn’t work, and the kettle was burnt out. The pool was gross, with dead bugs and tree seeds in it, and didn’t look like it had been cleaned during our four days there. Family in the room beside us also found theirs dirty and had other complaints. My poor daughter was covered in bites from the couch, which was supposedly new but had white stains and clearly wasn’t. Save your money and stay somewhere else.

We’ve stayed here twice before for the location, but #4 has been such a letdown that we won’t return. It’s dark, dirty, run-down and in the worst spot in the block, with so little care over the past few years that it shouldn’t be rented out. We’ve already complained to the office twice, but nobody offered to move us. We’re still here, and the position of the apartment meant other guests kept us awake all night. The main bedroom has two big steps up to the bed, and you need a safety rail to avoid falling as you get out. The dryer is mounted so low that the top-loading washer lid only opens about two hand spans. The kitchen drains smell, so after the apartment’s been shut all day you have to open every door. The floors weren’t clean when we arrived, so I had to get a broom from the office. The broom provided was useless, there were no cleaning products, and nobody offered a mid-stay clean during our three-week visit. We’re really not feeling the love this time.

Our deluxe refurbished apartment, #17, was excellent value. The furnishings were comfortable and all the amenities were really good. The Wi-Fi was strong enough to stream internet TV without trouble. We spent plenty of time at the pools, which were nice even if not very large. The location couldn’t be better. I’d recommend it to anyone. (Oct. 2022)