Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort — Hotel in Airlie Beach

Disappointing Return – Hidden Fees, Misleading Views & Poor Internet

As someone who lived in Airlie Beach for 12 months and now returns once or twice a year, I consider myself a seasoned visitor. I’ve stayed at several properties in the region, including Azure Sea Whitsundays. Unfortunately, this recent stay fell short of expectations.

Undisclosed Charges & Lack of Transparency

On check-in, we were charged an unexpected VCC surcharge, which was not disclosed at any point during our Qantas booking or booking confirmation that Azure Sea send. When I contacted Qantas, Azure Sea management falsely claimed it was a “City Tax,” despite no such tax existing in the Whitsundays. This misrepresentation felt like an attempt to cover up the true nature of the fee, a cost passed on from third-party bookings. It left us feeling penalised for not booking directly, and raised concerns about transparency and honesty.

Misleading “Ocean View” Apartment Listings

We booked an “Ocean View” apartment expecting a similar experience to a previous stay where bedrooms and balcony had clear sea views. This time, most rooms faced the back of the property, with only a small balcony offering ocean views. Technically, all units offer a glimpse of the ocean, but the quality and layout vary greatly. Azure Sea should more clearly differentiate between balcony and full views to avoid misleading returning guests.

Inconsistent 4-Star Service

The Wi-Fi didn’t work at all during our stay. A review from two months earlier raised the same issue, with management acknowledging it wasn’t up to standard yet nothing has changed. Compared to other apartment complexes we’ve stayed in around Airlie, Azure Sea offers an inconsistent experience for a 4-star property. Booking here feels like a game of chance, rather than the reliable quality you’d expect at this level.

Recommendations: Be transparent about all fees, especially third-party booking surcharges. Clearly outline charges in booking confirmations. Accurately label apartment types and clarify the difference in view quality.

Final Thoughts:

While the location and amenities remain appealing, the lack of transparency and inconsistency in service has left a lasting negative impression. We won’t be booking with Azure Sea again. I hope this feedback is taken seriously, as the property does have potential with greater honesty and consistency to provide a much better...

I was overcharged for my room, and I was overcharged by $800+.|A week Prior to my stay I asked if the payment for room could be completed in 2 transactions, as it was over my daily card limit, that wasn't an issue, over 2 days the amount was charged to my card. |I got an email the day prior to arriving, saying they couldn't charge my cads for the accommodation. |I said I've already paid, and here's the statement from my bank. |I arrive, and there's still some issue with payment. Remember, I gave them my card details and was charged the amount 7 days ago. Not pending, money gone. POS w/d. They make some calls and delays check in by an hour.|I showed the staff at reception the bank transactions and statements before I checked in, and I think that's the end of it. All sorted, I've proved you've taken my money. End of story. No, wrong despite that, another charge was charged to my account. Unauthorised transaction for accommodation again.||Long story short, this is still being disputed. Despite being told by staff, "the money will bounce back to your account in a few days", being told it's been refunded. And then being made to chase it around through my bank. Asked if I'd contacted my bank etc. Continually told it's an issue with my bank.|To put it into context, if I go to Coles and buy something for $1.00 and am charged $100. I don't follow it up with my bank. My bank haven't done anything. I go straight to them and say you over charged me, please put my money onto this card, thankyou. |Not with these people. |Just to be clear, I provided them with the card details, they performed the transactions, if there is missing funds, it is their issue. I haven't transferred the money to an incorrect account. ||Be very careful when providing this business with your card details, they perform transactions without your permission. And are not helpful at all.||Outcome: I'm still out of pocket. Haven't heard anything for about a week. ||And I'm going to be giving a 1 star review everyday until I receive...

I am very disappointed and saddened writing this review as I have put a lot of planning and effort into what was meant be one of my most special memories of my life “my hens weekend” leading up to my wedding.

We had family travel all the way as far as Sydney, Coffs and other areas to celebrate my hens weekend.

We booked 2 penthouses which were not cheap and thus all the girls including myself had high expectations as could be expected.

Our first night was a nightmare. The alarm systems kept going off every hour on the hour. Everyone including my family that travelled from far away did not have much sleep at all. When we reported this we were told that this is a issue when air conditioners are used at this facility and that we should have read this on the back of the welcoming letter. Well that’s disappointing to hear as I am from Mackay and have never experienced this issue in my own home and nor anywhere else I’ve stayed in Airlie whilst on vacation. Furthermore we were also told from the maintenance guy, NOT to use the aircon as its winter time, which came across very condescending and rude.

There were also dirty dishes left in the dishwasher.

The bathroom lights were not working and poor Mum could not even put her makeup on properly, when mentioned to the maintenance guy, he quickly made an excuse for the type of lighting system malfunction.

The sheets provided for the rollaway bed were dirty and ripped, the response received from Azure was that something like this could happen and not get seen. Again, very disappointing as it was the top sheet.

Last but not least when raising these concerns there was no empathy, understanding, outcome or resolution proposed.

I am very disappointed and embarrassed that I suggested we stay here! I can only apologise and hope that my friends and family find better accomodation...