Amaroo on Mandalay, Magnetic Island

A couple of essentials to begin with … in the hot summer months, the reception closes at 5pm, and the bar/restaurant is only open at the weekends. So don’t expect to enjoy a drink and dinner by the pool. And you’ll have to open a key safe, read the instruction me then take yourself off to the room with all your luggage. Also the island has only one taxi on duty in the evening, and the driver did meet our ferry. But again, don’t bank on transport. It’s a good 15-20 minute walk to the hotel, not so great if dragging your luggage after you. And don’t believe the hype about the bus service. It’s very infrequent, and you’ll waste a lot of time sitting and waiting. If you can afford it, book a hire car in advance. The car hire companies, like Best of Magnetic, are based just opposite the ferry terminal. We really liked this hotel though. Yes, it could do with a bit of modernisation, especially the dull reception area, but our room (140, recently refurbished, we were told) was fine, with a little terrace overlooking the fabulous tropical gardens. Nice bathroom with good shower. We did also have one meal at the restaurant and it was very good. On other night we ate at the Granite place at the Road junction and also enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Bikini Cafe (more of a big pub), in Arcadia. If you like nature, Amaroo on Mandalay really is the place for you … wallabies, cockatoos and those long legged curlew like birds … a plenty. The hotel has 10 acres of garden and backs onto the National Park. One thing we didn’t like … the room isn’t serviced during your stay. So I cleaned the bathroom floor myself. I was suffering under the impression that I’d paid for someone else to do that. Also when we reconfigured the room to give ourselves more space, it was clear that no one had moved the furniture for a long time … we found loads of dust and a (thankfully) very dead cockroach. Yuk.

Look, this place has seen better days. Much as seems to be the way in Queensland's North coast islands. The rooms were well appointed and air-conned and had been renovated since our last stay. That was really the only positive. The resort is spread out amongst tropical gardens, which are well kept, however the sprinkler system often prevents you from using the paths. The pool is large but has seen better days with grouting missing around the edges. Reception is a minimalist affair both in terms of first impressions and reception staff. Pleasant, but really didn't want to be there. Car park is pretty awful, seems to contain a range of discarded cars with mould, peeling paint and weeds growing under them (not a good impression). The restaurant was closed, temporarily info on which was not provided when booking - which meant a walk into town for food. Wifi only in reception (if you have kids that can't live without it). This place has lost its charm and we concluded would be our last visit having come here since 2011. Think carefully before booking and weight up price and amenities.

Friendly and helpful staff. Management was very accomodating and professional

Travelled with my young children, they absolutely loved the resort pool and all the birds and animal life! The staff were very friendly and had lots of helpful advice about what was open as we traveled just after new years. Highly recommend, lovely quiet place to stay.

Worst hotel I've ever stayed at! Wasn't even a hotel room was an Airbnb and filthy dirty. No wifi no Telstra reception and no one would help me with my bags, explained I had a sore back and the manager watched me struggle taking my bags back to my room..very dirty unit..waste of money and scared of going back to Maggie island now. What a joke!!!

The only unpleasant experience on Magnetic Island was the woman on FOH. Because of this person's lack of of professionalism, she lost the business money. She needs to learn about the hospitality industry and not be rude to potential guests.