Traveling with a 1 year old it was essential we had an apartment, so this is the reason we chose this accommodation with self catering and separate bedroom. We only stayed here 1 night as we had some private accommodation booked in a 2 bed apartment for the other 4 nights (more about this later).

The service was great - young, friendly staff. We requested an early check in as we were travelling with a toddler and the room was ready when we arrived which was great. We found all staff friendly and knowledgeable.

When we arrived in the room the 1st thing we noticed was the amazing view - just like a holiday postcard. The next thing I noticed though was that the rooms were very dated - maybe early 80's. The room sizes are great - living area huge, with great views, 2 lounges, table/chairs etc. Large bedroom which easily fitted a porta cot and large suitcases with room for fold out beds if you needed. Bathroom was dated and no bath in the room. It is certainly not a modern apartment you would want to spend a lot of time in (apart from the large balcony with great views.) For the price (about $400 a night) it was a bit disappointing compared to other accommodation we have stayed in both in Oz and o/s.

The buffet breakfast was sensational at the Reef Hotel - highly recommend it, our little girl loved it too. It has everything you would ever want in a buffet breakfast.

Whilst there is so much to do on the island there is still a lovely relaxing feel - especially in the mornings and early evenings when we were sometimes the only ones in the pool of on the beach. The pools are the best - we visited them all. You have access to all the pools no matter where you book, including private villas and apartments.

Whilst I liked the Whitsunday Holiday Apartments they do not really compare to some of the private apartments. We stayed behind the Marina (there are lots of apartments - see stayz.com). For $340 per night we had a 2 bedroom apartment, only a couple of years old with the use of our own buggy. Gorgeously furnished, amazing views and huge balcony with outdoor dining for 8. Big bathroom with spa bath. We did have less sleep in these apartments as there seemed to be more wildlife and birds which woke us up at 5am each day - but what a great way to wake up!

Overall I would highly recommend Hamilton Island to anyone, particularly families.

Spotless, great view, comfortable. Excellent location and friendly staff. Highly recommend.

We travelled to Hamilton Island in the September School Holidays, with another family. We had debated where to stay, as previously we stayed in the Hamilton Island Holiday homes, which have lots of choice, and all have Golf Buggies. However we decided on the Whitsunday apartments, as it included Water Sport that last time we paid for. We had read on tripadvisor we should request a "High" level and renovated apartment, so we did just that. We are a family of 4, the other family a family of 5. Transfers from the airport were easy, and although lots of people on the the flight were checking in, they worked through us quickly. I was impressed that our request for a high renovated apartment came through for both families. Level 13(top floor) side by side. For one bedroom apartments they are huge! Towels were changed each day, all dishes in the sink washed, floors vaccumed and mopped and beds made and sheets changed. The kitchen was modern and the baathroom functioned well with a door from the hall, and another from the large bedroom. 2 flat screen TV's were handy but we hardly had time to watch them, but the most fantastic thing is the large balcony with the most spectacular views of Catseye Bay. Missed the golf Buggy, but highly recommend a stay!

Stayed for 4 nights on the 3rd floor and let me tell you the view was still good! Gardens are immaculate all over the island. Beautiful to look out onto.. Pool was nice to swim in, not as large as the other pools, but it's so easy just to cross the small road and jump into another one. The whole family loved the buggy that we hired, it was a highlight (although not entirely nessessary). There is a little coffee cart outside the reception area that was convienient. Also convienient was the ability to charge absolutely everything to your room account. Just beware that it can add up quickly.
Beach is really nice, warm water in September and plenty of chairs. Also saw lots of little crabs during low tide and kids loved looking for shells.
Sounds obvious but the sun will burn you even behind the clouds...we put on sunscreen alot and still caught some colour...couldn't imagine what it'd be like in summer.
Apartments have everything you need, just no bath as previous reviews have stated.. they are 3 star but still large and roomy...beautiful views and fluffy towels....Bed is king sized. Room was clean and smelt fresh when we entered..
We also stayed in the reef view next door for a night (due to cancelled flight).. and we all agreed that the WHA are much better for families...although the reef view rooms are slightly nicer, the sound of the lifts annoyed us all night.. We loved riding the lift though, try them just for the view:)
Kids eat free was good but the prices of the adult food makes up for it...plenty of choice on the island, our favourite breakfast for service and taste was koala gallery..which was included in price of stay.
I would avoid if possible rainy season ( can't see there'd be much to do when heavy rain) and also school hols. we tried the kids free afternoon on every Sat and it wasn't very enjoyable as there were too many kids, long line up for face painting ect, just thought I'd throw that info in aswell.
Would go back again without a second thought, we loved it, a very pretty place and laid back.