Port Douglas a bit short on views. Has many restaurants though (warning most are over priced tourist traps), Salsa Bar and Grill receives consistent good reviews, a rare thing up here.
Peppers does fit your criteria in the main, nice pool, close to town and restaurants (no view and maybe not a good price). Try wotif.
Palm Cove is very lovely, a number of places with filtered views and lovely upmarket ambience. Eating out there is normally expensive, though very nice :)Anywhere along the Esplanade would be nice though some pool areas smaller than others.
Trinity Beach is probably the best value with apartments that have extensive ocean views. Not as many restuarants but enough for 3 days plus nearby is Blue Moon Grill the most popular restuarant in the region with locals. More a locals favourite than tourist place. Apartments such as Bellevue, Sea Change, and others...do wotif search.
Also are you aware of marine stinger season. Ocean swimming is not recommended during the months November to May. The reef is fine, although they have increased jellyfish activity risks are in line with entering a body of water in the tropics rather than being a location specific risk. Stinger suits are provided for your protection.
