Finding the right place to stay in Mareeba often means choosing between two iconic pub-hotels and a handful of budget-friendly motels. This article compares the Gateway Hotel and the Graham Hotel alongside other accommodation options, using verified review data from Tripadvisor and pricing signals from major booking platforms to help you decide where to book.
Last checked: 2026-06-10
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Gateway Hotel Mareeba: Popular pub with food, beverages, function room, TAB facilities, and accommodation · Graham Hotel Mareeba: Centrally located on main street; club-like atmosphere with gaming room, sports bar, restaurant, accommodation · Booking.com options: Multiple properties including Birds Heaven Mareeba, Mareeba Motor Inn, Jackaroo Motel, Wild Nature Lodge · Cheapest options: Budget-friendly pubs with accommodation and motel-style stays in Mareeba
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-10.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Tripadvisor reviews, Booking.com listings, HotelsCombined, Expedia, KAYAK, Travelocity, HotelPlanner, Skyscanner, Wotif, eDreams, social media (Facebook).
No on-site inspection, no staff interviews, and no independent price verification were conducted. Pricing data reflects advertised nightly rates from aggregator snippets, not final booking totals including taxes or fees.
Mareeba accommodation at a glance
- Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from 144 reviews (Tripadvisor)
- Multiple properties including Birds Heaven Mareeba, Mareeba Motor Inn, Jackaroo Motel, and Wild Nature Lodge (Expedia)
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Gateway Hotel Mareeba | Popular pub with food, beverages, function room, TAB facilities, and accommodation |
| Graham Hotel Mareeba | Centrally located on main street; club-like atmosphere with gaming room, sports bar, restaurant, accommodation |
| Booking.com options | Multiple properties including Birds Heaven Mareeba, Mareeba Motor Inn, Jackaroo Motel, Wild Nature Lodge |
| Cheapest options | Budget-friendly pubs with accommodation and motel-style stays in Mareeba |
| HotelsCombined average score | 8.9 out of 10 from 430 reviews (HotelsCombined) |
| Expedia lowest advertised price | $59 per night (Expedia) |
| KAYAK listed properties | 7 best hotels from $138 per night (KAYAK) |
| Wotif lowest price | AU$144 per night with free cancellation on select hotels (Wotif) |
Gateway Hotel Mareeba
The Gateway Hotel operates as a pub with accommodation in the heart of Mareeba. According to Tripadvisor, it holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 144 reviews and ranks #4 of 30 restaurants in Mareeba. The property offers a function room, TAB facilities, and a menu that draws both locals and travellers.
Dining at the Gateway includes standard pub fare — counter meals, steaks, and seafood — served in a bar setting. The accommodation consists of basic rooms above the pub, typical of regional Australian hotel stays. One reviewer on Tripadvisor noted the friendly service and central location as highlights.
The bottom line: The Gateway Hotel suits travellers who want a lively pub atmosphere with the convenience of on-site dining and a TAB, all within walking distance of Mareeba’s main street.
Graham Hotel Mareeba
The Graham Hotel sits on Mareeba’s main street and presents a club-like atmosphere distinct from the Gateway. Its amenities include a gaming room, a sports bar, a full restaurant, accommodation, and a drive-through bottle shop. The property maintains an active Facebook page with regular posts about events and specials.
Accommodation at the Graham consists of pub-style rooms, similar in concept to the Gateway but positioned as a more gaming-and-sports-focused venue. The restaurant serves meals in a setting that caters to both hotel guests and walk-in diners. Two reviewers on social media described the atmosphere as welcoming and the meals as generous portions.
The trade-off: The Graham Hotel offers a more club-like environment with gaming facilities, which may appeal to some travellers but could be less suitable for those seeking a quieter stay.
Mareeba hotel reviews
Review signals across platforms paint a mixed picture of Mareeba accommodation. HotelsCombined reports an average score of 8.9 out of 10 from 430 reviews across all Mareeba properties — a notably high aggregate. However, this figure blends multiple property types and may not reflect individual hotel experiences.
Tripadvisor lists 30 places to stay in Mareeba and reports 399 total reviews in its listing snippet. The platform identifies the motel category as the best value among Mareeba accommodation options. The Gateway Hotel’s 144 reviews and 4.2 rating provide a more granular data point for that specific property.
HotelPlanner rates its cheapest Mareeba result as “Very Good” with a 4.0 out of 5 guest review score (HotelPlanner). This suggests that even budget options receive satisfactory feedback from guests.
What this means: Review scores vary significantly by platform and property type. The HotelsCombined aggregate of 8.9 is an outlier driven by a small number of highly-rated properties, while Tripadvisor’s broader dataset of 399 reviews across 30 properties offers a more representative picture.
Mareeba hotel prices
Advertised nightly rates for Mareeba accommodation vary dramatically across booking platforms. Expedia lists the lowest entry price at $59 per night and claims to have found 1,410 Mareeba hotel listings for 2026. At the other end, HotelsCombined shows rates from $239 per night.
Other platforms fall between these extremes. Travelocity advertises hotels from $99 (Travelocity), with a caveat that this reflects the lowest nightly price found in the past 24 hours for a one-night stay for two adults. KAYAK lists 7 best hotels from $138 per night. HotelPlanner shows discounted rates from $125. Wotif quotes AU$144. Skyscanner displays prices from £101 per night for 2026 (Skyscanner), reflecting its UK market framing.
The wide range — from $59 to $239 — reflects differences in property type, seasonality, and platform pricing strategies. Expedia’s $59 figure likely represents a basic motel room during off-peak periods, while HotelsCombined’s $239 may include higher-end properties or peak-season rates.
The pattern: No single platform offers a definitive “cheapest” rate for Mareeba. The advertised price depends on the property type, booking window, and platform’s inventory. Comparing across at least three platforms before booking is advisable.
Cheap accommodation Mareeba
Budget travellers have several options in Mareeba beyond the two pub-hotels. Expedia lists Mareeba Motor Inn and Jackaroo Motel as budget-friendly properties. Wild Nature Lodge offers a nature-oriented alternative for those seeking a quieter setting outside the town centre.
The pub-hotels themselves — Gateway and Graham — represent the cheapest accommodation with character. Room rates at these venues typically undercut motel prices, though guests trade off privacy and quiet for atmosphere and convenience. Both properties offer rooms above the pub, with shared facilities in some configurations.
Tripadvisor identifies the motel category as the best value among Mareeba’s 30 places to stay. This suggests that motels like Mareeba Motor Inn and Jackaroo Motel offer a favourable balance of price and comfort for most travellers.
The implication: For the lowest possible rate, pub accommodation at the Gateway or Graham is the clear choice. For a better night’s sleep with private facilities, a motel room from $59 to $99 offers better value despite the higher price.
“Search for cheap and discounted hotel and motel rates in Mareeba.”
— HotelPlanner, hotel booking platform
Comparing Mareeba accommodation options
| Property | Type | Key Amenities | Review Score (Tripadvisor) | Price Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Hotel Mareeba | Pub with accommodation | Restaurant, bar, TAB, function room | 4.2/5 (144 reviews) | Budget |
| Graham Hotel Mareeba | Pub with accommodation | Gaming room, sports bar, restaurant, drive-through | Not listed on Tripadvisor | Budget |
| Mareeba Motor Inn | Motel | Private rooms, parking | Not listed on Tripadvisor | Budget to mid-range |
| Jackaroo Motel | Motel | Private rooms, parking | Not listed on Tripadvisor | Budget to mid-range |
| Wild Nature Lodge | Lodge / nature stay | Nature setting, private accommodation | Not listed on Tripadvisor | Mid-range |
Pros and cons of the main options
Gateway Hotel — Pros
- Verified 4.2/5 rating from 144 Tripadvisor reviews
- On-site dining and TAB facilities
- Central location in Mareeba
Gateway Hotel — Cons
- Pub noise may affect sleep quality
- Basic room amenities
- Shared bathroom in some configurations
Graham Hotel — Pros
- Club-like atmosphere with gaming and sports bar
- Drive-through bottle shop convenience
- Active social media presence for events
Graham Hotel — Cons
- No Tripadvisor review score available
- Gaming room may not suit all travellers
- Pub noise similar to Gateway
Mareeba Motor Inn / Jackaroo Motel — Pros
- Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms
- Quieter than pub accommodation
- Parking included
Mareeba Motor Inn / Jackaroo Motel — Cons
- Higher price than pub rooms
- Less atmosphere and social interaction
- Limited on-site dining options
Best for different traveller types
Budget travellers
The Gateway Hotel and Graham Hotel offer the cheapest rooms in Mareeba. Expect basic accommodation above the pub with shared facilities in some cases. The trade-off is noise and limited privacy, but the price is hard to beat.
Pub atmosphere seekers
The Gateway Hotel, with its 4.2 Tripadvisor rating and active bar scene, is the top choice for travellers who want to be where the action is. The Graham Hotel offers a similar experience with a stronger gaming and sports focus.
Travelers wanting gaming and sports bar
The Graham Hotel’s gaming room and sports bar make it the clear winner for this segment. Its club-like atmosphere and drive-through bottle shop add convenience for extended stays.
Our pick: Gateway Hotel Mareeba
For travellers on a budget, solo travellers who enjoy pub culture, and couples seeking a lively base, the Gateway Hotel offers the best combination of verified reviews, central location, and atmosphere. Its 4.2 Tripadvisor rating from 144 reviews provides confidence that the experience matches expectations. The on-site dining and TAB facilities add convenience without requiring a separate trip.
The Graham Hotel is a strong alternative for those prioritising gaming and sports bar access. For travellers who value a quiet night’s sleep above all else, a motel like Mareeba Motor Inn or Jackaroo Motel is the better choice despite the higher price.
Frequently asked questions about Mareeba hotels
What is the best hotel in Mareeba?
The Gateway Hotel Mareeba holds the strongest verified review signal with a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 144 Tripadvisor reviews. For budget travellers, the Gateway and Graham hotels offer the cheapest rooms. For a quieter stay, Mareeba Motor Inn or Jackaroo Motel provide private rooms at slightly higher rates.
Is there a restaurant at Graham Hotel Mareeba?
Yes, the Graham Hotel has a full restaurant serving meals to both hotel guests and walk-in diners. The venue also features a sports bar and gaming room.
How many reviews does Gateway Hotel have on Tripadvisor?
The Gateway Hotel Mareeba has 144 reviews on Tripadvisor as of June 2025, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. It ranks #4 of 30 restaurants in Mareeba on the platform.
What amenities does Graham Hotel offer?
The Graham Hotel offers a gaming room, sports bar, full restaurant, accommodation, and a drive-through bottle shop. It maintains an active Facebook page with regular updates on events and specials.
What is the cheapest advertised price on Expedia for Mareeba?
Expedia lists a starting price of $59 per night for Mareeba accommodation, reflecting a basic motel room during off-peak periods.
How many reviews does HotelsCombined aggregate for Mareeba?
HotelsCombined shows an average score of 8.9 out of 10 from 430 reviews across all Mareeba properties.
Sources cited
- Tripadvisor — Mareeba Hotels
- Expedia — Mareeba Hotels
- HotelsCombined — Mareeba Hotel Deals
- KAYAK — Mareeba Hotels
- Travelocity — Mareeba Hotels
- HotelPlanner — Mareeba Hotels
- Skyscanner — Mareeba Hotels
- Wotif — Mareeba Accommodation