InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

The location itself is great. But there are better resorts on Hamilton Island. If you’re expecting a luxury service, think again. If you want that, go to somewhere like Qualia. Most of the staff appeared to be undertrained and overwhelmed backpackers. The left hand didn’t know what the right hand had said or done. Simple requests were treated with default resistance. Some activities will not be available during your stay - especially if you are staying for a few days. Book ahead to avoid disappointment - including the restaurants. If you arrive early afternoon, best eat lunch before you go or expect not to eat until 5pm when the dinner service starts - unless you are happy to buy yoghurt, fruit or a tired looking packaged sandwich from the resort’s (over priced) shop. You should also note that you’ll be slugged for the ferry service (about $400) to and from the island (it’s not subsumed in the price). The resort itself is stuck in the 80’s. It also looks tired and needs a significant upgrade. The infinity pool and beach area is very nice though. However, you should know that there is no ‘adults only’ area if that matters to you. That has the capacity to impact your enjoyment of the nicest areas of the resort. The spa is also pretty good, and the team there were professional. Check your bill carefully if you do go here - we experienced nearly $1000 worth of incorrect charges. Whilst these were deducted on site, there was nothing like an apology. As I said above, customer service was sadly lacking. We also observed at least one other customer that seemed to have similar issues on check out. All in all, it’s not worth the stay. You could either save money and enjoy an equally nice pool and beach area elsewhere, or get more bang for buck on Hamilton Island.

It was a beautiful place to holiday but there was lots disappointing about our stay. Lack of of choice for lunch , charged for items and products we did not have. This was stressful trying to sort out. We also had a cold meal in the pacific restaurant as we were caught in rain outside and then moved but wasn't given a replacement meal and our meal was very cold and expensive. We were also stranded on an Island (sand bar, ) in terrible weather, pouring with rain and extremely windy , we phoned on emergency phone that was given to us , for help but the phones didn't work . We had a pregnant women and 3 year old with us. Just horrid, and there was no compensation offered or replacement excursion offered. Having said all this we had a lovely time together as a family.

Surprised with some of the low scores here, guess the more affluent the resort the more whingeing you will attract. We enjoyed this resort and rated it the best family resort we have been to in Australia . Yes it is one of the more expensive and costs on the island are exorbitant but that can be understood when you look at how isolated it is and the considerable costs that must be incurred running the place . First experience was the transfer across which was roomy and comfortable and the welcome champagne (beer or soft drink) set the tone for the rest of the trip as did the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff which was exemplary throughout the trip. Check in was smooth and efficient . Rooms were large , clean and comfortable . Block out curtains worked a charm for late sleep ins. Toiletries on offer were top class and the complimentary Hayman branded water bottles and bags were a classy touch. On the food front, the breakfast buffets was one of the best experienced with barista coffee and expansive hot and cold offerings which were all great quality. Seating at breakfast was never an issue although 7;45-8:30 am timings are best avoided for a quieter experience. Found the quality of food in Bam Bam and Amici particularly good - with the fish in banana leaf at Bam Bam and seafood lasagne in Amici being favorites. The pools and beach were clean and were never terribly crowded even when the hotel was fully booked. The activity area was well enjoyed by the kids with tennis, squash, free video games, pool table and table tennis. The walk across to Blue Pearl Bay was a little more strenuous than expected , taking 1 hr to trek the 3km but was a nice way to spend a morning. The snorkeling was not great with limited coral but some great fish life. Ok so I do have to have a whinge about a few things: -The kids club was woeful. Very small with little to keep the kids busy. In 3 sessions at the club the kids were never taken outside to engage in any outside activities which seemed a shame particularly when there was little on offer inside . Most of the time was spent watching TV . When you are paying $90 a session would suggest they could improve activities on offer for the kids. -the dinner in Pacific was disappointing. The crab toast which looked great on the menu was terrible with any morsels of crab smothered in a thick mayonnaise sauce. There were limited seafood offerings on the menu and we just found the whole experience underwhelming . The experience at the other restaurants was far better. - the sail boats on the beach were rarely available during our stay as the water was deemed too shallow during the days of our stay. Shallow water is not a fault of the resort but it did limit activities to kayaking and paddle board. The few complaints aside we enjoyed the whole Hayman experience and found the resort as a whole excelled .

What a shame, such beautiful assets in this resort but poorly run. Fabulous natural setting, really nice large rooms well laid out, plenty of good swimming pool space. However it is dirty and poorly maintained in the public areas, mould on room lounger cushions, bird and animal droppings and dropped food stains on the walkways, pool hygiene not adequate. No towels snd water when we go to gym, guests queuing outside the bars and restaurants, no available slots to book restaurant dinner at reasonable times, breakfast a disaster of sticky tables, uncleared crockery and impossible to grab a waiter to order a coffee. Food generally very good so I guess kitchen management good, but otherwise staff are all inexperienced young travellers working to fund their trip and no sign of hotel leadership overseeing them. General manager needs to get a grip.

I wanted to express how delightful our experience in Hayman island was—it truly felt like paradise. The only disappointment was the absence of sushi and sandwich boxes during the boat transfer. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!