The Reef Hotel Casino — Attraction in Cairns City

Horrible experience with the out of control bouncers at the Casino! 4 Weeks ago I was ejected before even entering simply because I'd had a few at pub next door. With no provocation I was grabbed by 2 thug security guys who bent my wrists. I still cannot feel my finger tips on my left hand. I have looked into similar incidents there and it seems a culture. I have a huge list of similar complaints. The security manager, Gary Rakich, just shrugged it off with "noted". The following is my email of 9/4/23. I just wanted to make some comment on an event on Saturday 1st April approx. 11:40pm at Casino entrance with security personnel.

My partner and myself had been partying somewhat in the local pubs and she had entered the Casino for a time whilst I remained at bar next door. I entered Casino and was stopped by the security and asked if I’d had many to drink which I had, and told them vaguely. Next moment I was aware that the two other security guys grabbed both my arms to eject me.

I don’t have any issues with that. What I do have an issue with is the force applied, in particular the staff who grabbed my left side. Both of them had twisted my hand to a position I believe you would use to suppress a violent attack. I was not being violent in any way so was rather surprised at this level of force applied. They removed me to the street and on way I’d told them they were hurting me and why were they doing this?

My left wrist has been hurting all week. I chose not to attend hospital as I don’t need the drama but through the week it was clear that something is not right. It has however, cleared slightly past couple of days but three digits remain rather numb due to some nerve damage. It affected me working this week (on computer) typing with two fingers. My thumb, forefinger and middle fingertips remain numb.

I’m not that delicate but believe the force applied by whoever grabbed my left arm was grossly excessive and suspect you may well run into trouble at some point with your staff if this is a regular way to eject intoxicated public.

Just wanted something on record and to let you know that I believe their response was excessive and maybe you should chat with those involved.

Thanks for your time.

Regards

Here is the response: Thank you for your correspondence on this matter. Your emailed has been noted. I have huge list of other complaints found easily searching google and others. There was even a court case...

Partner

Superior Room

4 nights · Jan 2024 5 out of 10 4 days at Pullman reef …….The rooms at Pullman reef are nice however, The carpets throughout smell of mold especially in the lobby area. I don’t understand why these areas are carpeted in such a high humidity area where nothing dries straight away despite the heat leading to mold growth ! Do yourselves a favour rip up the old carpets ! I used my asthma spray every day I was there humidity? mold? All of the above who knows …. There was ongoing works up until 6pm most nights and could hear the noise from these works throughout our stay we were not aware there would be works or would of chosen a different resort . They had a fire drill on one of the days at 9am so no sleep in that day The pool was closed all day on another day for the whole day . Organised via email in advance for a cheese plate and some strawberries in room on arrival for surprise for partner’s birthday checked in approximately 1430 and nothing there. Had to call reception and remind them around 5:30pm only to get a stale old cheese plate where the cheese was all hard on edges from sitting in the fridge ! They did however do this complimentary which I thought was lovely but couldn’t eat any of it as it was not fresh . Breakfast was included in the package had to correct lady at check in who advised us that it wasn’t who was then condescending and smirked and stated “thanks for correcting me” . Security at the hotel and doorman all lovely very welcoming and greeted each and every time we entered or left the building . Very nice little coffee machine near lobby lifts and free all other staff that interacted with were all lovely . I would consider a stay again based on the rooms and location but the Pullman def needs some fresh flooring a kick of paint and redo the pool and spa bottom as you will lose a layer of skin from the very rough cement bottom on the pool and spa . Flinders bar and grill has tasty fresh food and we ate there two nights out...

We had a wonderful stay for 14 nights - where to start… Location is superb - right next to The Esplanade. We didn’t need a car as we were able to walk to many lovely restaurants and also ate at Soy & Tamarind at the hotel which were both delightful (bookings essential at Tamarind). Walked each night along the waterfront which is a lovely part of town. The room - we were on level 5 in a room with pool view. Each room has a private roomy balcony with table, chairs & lounger. Sun on balcony for most of the day but building is well designed so it doesn’t come into the room and overheat it. We loved turning the air conditioning off having the doors to wide open whenever we could. The bed was HUGE and very comfortable (we are fussy!). Can’t be a great sleep on holiday. Service was superb - we chose the Green Option where your room is serviced every 3rd day and the hotel provides a $15 a night credit for the days the room is not serviced. If we were short of anything they immediately provide it anyway. The Team - we cannot say enough about how helpful and friendly everyone we spoke to and had dealings with- from front desk, cleaners, maintenance team, concierge, waitress/waiters. They clearly were interested in making our stay as enjoyable as they could. Value for Money - absolutely. It is certainly not the cheapest option in town but you pay for what you get and we have returned home with memories of a wonderful relaxing 5 star holiday which we fully intend to repeat again. Look forward to...