[Ruby Gloom]

Hi there,

DH and I are possibly going to Hamilton Island in August 2013 for a family wedding. We're starting to think about budget and whether it's within our means to go so I'm interested at looking at accommodation options. I did start looking but there are so many options and I thought I'd come here to ask for some personal recommendations as a starting point.

FWIW it will just be DH and I going, if we do go.

Thanks!

[L&E]

It's beautiful if you can go you'll enjoy it. I got married there and a great time was had by all

Basically there are two options: a hotel room/bungalow through the resort or renting out a private apartment. It's important to factor in buggy hire with the resort accommodation, buggies are included in private rentals. Buggy hire is not cheap, and you really do need one to "do" hamo at its best. There are buses but buggying around is a lot of fun.

The cheapest option our guests found was to get a group of 4-6 and share an apartment. Some are able to hold up to 10. Have a browse around www.hamiltonislandaccomodation.info or www.hamorent.com.au for some options.

[Ruby Gloom]

Thanks L&E! If we go it'll be just us and we want to make a point of it being "just us" if that makes sense? So no group bookings ;-)

I'll have a look at those links.

[Koufuku]

We stayed at the Whitsunday Apartments and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. At the time we got an amazing breakfast included every day, but I don't know if they do that anymore... it's worth checking out though.

We were looking at the bungalows as they were a bit cheaper, but when we got there I was glad we had decided on the apartment.

We found the shuttle buses OK to get around. A buggy would have been more convenient but they were $80 a day, the free bus service was a much cheaper option.

Also, go to a travel agent and see what they can do. I was surprised how much cheaper they could do things for than what I could get online.

[Ruby Gloom]

Can anyone throw some names of travel agents at me? I'm looking online and know of Harvey World Travel but the names of other escape me!

[75etd]

We've been to Hamilton Island twice, once pre kids and then once as a family group-4 adults and a toddler. 1st time we stayed at Reef View Hotel in one of their nicer rooms. Used the bus service, didn't even consider hiring a buggy. There's not really any need. Second time we state in a lovely private rental. Accommodation was great, view excellent and because we weren't near the resort facilities it was great to have the buggy.

You will have a great time if you're able to go.

[babychacha]

I always check out trip advisor first for reviews...

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotels-g2550...and-Hotels.html

There are family reviews, couple reviews and so on, so you get a general feel. Some reviews, people complain about everything but after reading it for a while you get the hang of it.

Have done Hamilton Island once and can't remember the name of the Hotel, it was a big-ish one and was fine. We hired a buggy once to do a treasure hunt type of game/day but never bothered for the rest of our time.

Did a yacht cruise that involved a bbq on a beach and then onto another beach/island for a game of cricket.

I do remember the local grocery store being super expensive so take along all your own yummy snacks.

[Koufuku]

We used Flight Centre.

[babychacha]

I also use Flight Centre for most trips. I always look at the online prices first and then ring Flight Centre....they will always price match.

Also, check out Wotif.com

[RachH]

I am lucky enough to be getting married there in June 2013. As a guest you should be entitled to 10% off accommodation at Beach Club, Reef View, Palm Bungalows and qualia. If you are not taking your kids I would personally stay at Beach Club.

http://www.hamiltonislandweddings.com.au/d...icle&ID=397

Rach