Affordable Hamilton Island?

MissLouise on 11/04/2014 - 13:59

Ok, I know "Affordable Hamilton Island" is a bit of an oxymoron, but it's worth asking anyway!

We have been invited to a wedding there in September, keen to go but not keen on spending a fortune. Our budget started at max $250 per night, but after doing some research, that is looking impossible! We would like to stay somewhere with self-catering. It seems like the only two places with self-catering are Palm Bungalows and Whitsunday Apartments.

Do these places ever have special offers? Has anyone noticed any good deals/packages? Have checked out Hotelscombined and their websites direct… anyone know how to score a good deal?!

Many thanks!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

ianyelts on 11/04/2014 - 14:05

Camp on the beach and BBQ snags.

There is nothing cheap on the Island.
Smulder on 11/04/2014 - 15:02

+2

The dreaded 'away wedding' at an expensive destination. I would politely decline.
MITM on 11/04/2014 - 15:10

Slum it on the mainland 1-2 nights beforehand, OW boat to HI - stay HI on wedding night if budget permits (not next door to the wedding couple) but I'd just stay up all night till your OW plane leaves in the morning. Someones bound to have an all nighter (apart from the couple) in their room.
Then move on to the beach - if security asks, tell them you're waiting to watch the beautiful sunrise they promote as you come from WA.
Besides, who'd pay all that money and then sleep.
hurtsville on 11/04/2014 - 16:15

+1

Entertainment book usually has some pretty good offers via email. Theres currently one going on with 40% off Reefview Hotel rooms and they had a Pay 2 nights stay 3 nights last year I believe. Anyways I highly recommend staying at Reefview Hotel if you can afford it as you can hire catamarans and paddle boards for free. Its obviously not the most value for money place, but its not bad for an Australian destination.
donga100 on 11/04/2014 - 21:46

+1

The same company owns all the properties on the island so there isn't a lot of competition.
[Deactivated] on 12/04/2014 - 08:18

First you should ask yourselves do you really want to go if yes then it does not seem like there are many options, personally traveling to an from the island just to go to the wedding seems like a lot of inconvenience to save money, I would just bite the bullet and stay for the two days then take a holiday somewhere else for the rest of the time you might have off so you can relax and enjoy the wedding
MITM on 12/04/2014 - 14:01

+1

How about sharing this pad with 2-6 others
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2588694?checkin=30-04-2014&c…
mskeggs on 12/04/2014 - 14:11

I have seen a deal on the self-catering. From memory it was on TravelZoo. It was 40% or 50% off standard rates. Made it only eye-wateringly expensive.
So they do sometimes have sales.
If it is just the two of you, I reckon stay at the cheapest, small resort rooms for a night or two and eat in the restaurant. Presumably you will get a good feed at the wedding so food costs won't be obscene. Although a quick look shows it will still be $350 a night on Friday/Saturday nights. Ouch!
MissLouise on 15/04/2014 - 11:39

+1

Thanks everyone for your replies and ideas, it has given me a few things to think about…

As it turns out, I noticed an ad on Ozbargain today with a special for the Whitsunday Apartments for $199 per night. Have sent an enquiry and will see if it works out. This is the link if anyone else is looking for accommodation in Hamilton Island, apparently for accommodation between September - November: http://wahi.com.au/limited_offer_special/?gclid=CNaj95Ws4b0C…
- bluedufflecoat on 15/04/2014 - 23:01
  
  Separately, don't forget to:
  
  Get an 2014/15 Entertainment Book and be entitled to purchase Virgin Australia gift vouchers @ 5% off.
  
  Look out for Happy Hour offers from Virgin Australia on Thursdays, 4pm-8pm and hope you get something going to Hamilton Island on your travel date.
  
  Just book a flight when sales come on. :D

Affordable Hamilton Island?

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