HOTEL REVIEW: The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville, North Queensland

The Ville: an all-round great bet

A modern coastal resort hotel offers Jacqui Gibson the ideal base to explore Townsville and beyond. 

View of the swim up bar and pool at The Ville in Townsville. Image supplied.

The resort

The Ville Resort-Casino.

Check-in

With upcoming gigs like Pink’s Summer Carnival Tour in March and the 2024 World Triathlon and Multisport Championships in August, The Ville serves as a great base for taking in Townsville’s growing list of must-see international events and Australia’s world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

In the airy marble lobby, guests are welcomed with a matter-of-fact efficiency.

The look

Evoking the sleek, bold Art Deco architecture of the 30s, The Ville’s gleaming white exterior and distinctive geometric V-shaped logo, together with its playful blue, green and white interiors, bring more well-known tropical destinations like Miami to mind.

Fitting the theme, The Ville is a casino, resort and hotel wrapped up in a beachy bow.

With a gym, spa, several restaurants, a swim-up bar, a sports bar and cafe and poolside cabanas for hire, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied when you’re not out and about exploring Townsville and the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

The room

The resort’s deluxe suites rooms have to be some of the roomiest and best stocked in Townsville.

There are tempting treats like jerky and peanut brittle. In the mini bar: local beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks.

The bathroom, meanwhile, suggests a late night is likely on the cards with a dental kit of toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, floss and blister pack of panadol for purchase.

My room looks out to the bougainvillea-edged pool and beyond to the Coral Sea.

A king-sized bed, spacious seating area, metres-long wall desk, smart TV and en suite complete the package.

Food and drink

Though there are plenty of reasons to dine within the resort, I take the easy half hour beachside walk along The Strand to The Shoreline, a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant, recommended by locals.

Prompted to try the seasonal cocktails, I opt for Flower Power, a well-balanced floral tequila drink, and enjoy sharing plates and a fun family vibe.

For breakfast back at The Ville, I head to The Palm House for the buffet and barista-made coffee.

Out and about

There’s heaps to do outdoors in Townsville.

Hike the cool, forested trails of Paluma National Park. I sign up for a half-day walk with a local volunteer group Townsville Hike and Explore who advertise free guided weekend walks on Facebook.

Dive the new Museum of Underwater Art. The submerged art installation is located about two hours’ boat ride from Townsville on the Great Barrier Reef.

Jump on the ferry to Magnetic Island, a five minute walk from The Ville, where you can swim, take a guided bus tour or go on a sunset sailing tour with Pilgrim Sailing.

You might strike it lucky like I did and see a koala bear snoozing in a eucalyptus tree in plain sight.

Take a cruise on Pilgrim Sailing’s luxury yacht off Magnetic Island in Townsville, North Queensland. Image supplied.

Highlight

The buffet breakfast at The Palm House — excellent barista-made coffee, fresh fruit and made-to-order pancakes. In-house ATM machines in the resort’s main lobby.

Lowlight

Limited road lighting and pedestrian access around the hotel make getting to and from the ferry terminal and The Strand a little off putting for solo travellers after the sun’s gone down.

The verdict

The Ville, with its central, ocean-facing location, impressive offerings and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef—together with the city’s ever-growing international event’s calendar—may be all that’s needed to put Townsville more firmly on the tourist map.

FACT FILE

Essentials: Rates from around AUD$200.00 a night for a deluxe room or around AUD$517.00 for a two bedroom apartment. For more information, see: the-ville.com.au

Getting there: Air New Zealand and Qantas have regular flights from Auckland to Cairns that regularly connect to Townsville on various domestic routes.

Jacqui Gibson stayed as a guest of The Ville.