Lazy Lizard and Reef House set high standards in accommodation awards
Queensland Tourism Awards
The Lazy Lizard Motor Inn has been awarded Silver in the 3–3.5 Star Accommodation category at the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards, held on the Gold Coast last Friday night, November 6.
Following the Port Douglas accommodation venue’s Gold win in the same category in 2025, owner-operators Aidan Mulchay and Alex Scott said they were incredibly proud to have received recognition at a state level for the second consecutive year.
“As a small owner-operated motel in Port Douglas, we compete alongside accommodation businesses from across Queensland, so receiving this recognition means a great deal to us,” Aidan said.
“For Alex and me, it's always been about doing the simple things exceptionally well - providing clean, comfortable accommodation, a peaceful environment and genuine, personalised hospitality.
“We're particularly proud that a small independent motel in Port Douglas continues to be recognised among Queensland's best.
Also successful at the awards was The Reef House Adults Retreat overlooking the beach at Palm Cove, winning its fifth consecutive Gold for Five Star Luxury Accommodation in the Queensland Tourism Awards.
The accolade supports the vision of current custodians David Horbelt and Malcolm Bean for The Reef House Adults Retreat to be the best luxury colonial beach house providing rejuvenating tropical escapes based on exclusiveness, service and memories.
Mr Bean said General Manager Wayne Harris continued to innovate the service offering at The Reef House Adult Retreat with customer service and traditional hospitality the motivation behind each improvement.
“The team developed an AI-driven Sales Hub in-house to carry the work that no guest should ever see, freeing our people to invest more time into customer relationships,” he said.
“Our Escape Planning team now has more guest-facing time to develop bespoke sleep and rejuvenation escapes for every person who stays at The Reef House Adults Retreat.
“The more than 28 complimentary Signature Inclusions continue to evolve with the addition of Botanical Art Classes joining the ever-popular Reef House Mixology interactive cocktail experience and nightly Brigadier’s punch and canapes served in the lounge at twilight.
“I congratulate the dedicated team at The Reef House Adults Retreat for ensuring their guests have a memorable holiday that makes them want to return for another luxury tropical escape.”
