Where to stay in Airlie Beach?
 

We are looking for an accommodation in Airlie Beach for our trip in October. We don't really want to pay a lot for a room that we won't be in much, but we would like an ocean view (LOL, don't I sound just too too demanding). I have looked at the web and corresponded with Whitsunday Terraces (not really good reviews on Trip Advisor) and Airlie Beach Hotel (sort of expensive at $179/night). Any other less expensive but still nice places? Thanks.
Sally in Seattle

We have stayed in Airlie several times (including the Airlie Beach Hotel) and like Portside Apartments the best. Situated on the main road about a 5 minute walk from the main shopping area of Airlie and so it is convenient and not up a steep hill like some of the places to stay.
Views are of the bay which becomes a bit of a mud flat in low tide but the apartments are well equipped and furnished. It has a lovely pool area and helpful hosts. Some people have noted there was some noise from the road, but this did no bother us.

Thank you, Lizzy, I sent off an email to them immediately. Although $160 is not exactly budget, it is certainly less than the $179, and when you are going on vacation for over 4 weeks, that is quite helpful! It's always nice to get a recommendation and not just book "blind"!
Sally in Seattle

Also, Sally, you will have cooking facilities and there are BBQ's by the pool, so a chance to economise with preparing your own meals, too. The presentation of these apartments are top notch and the airconditioning works well, too - although in October that won't be too much of a problem. We found the managers expert when it comes to local knowledge. If you can stretch the budget a bit further you can have an apartment with a spa and its own bbq on a large private balcony area.Lovely on a tropical night, star gazing :-) Enjoy your time in the wonderful Whitsundays !

Well, Lizzy101, thanks a million for the reccy to the Portside apartments! We are booked in there now and Sheryn was sooooo helpful when we talked to her. Interestingly, they don't have to charge GST because they don't have a restaurant, so the charges are less accordingly. Sheryn is going to book us a boat trip and look into the different rental car options for our first day. And it's not on The Hill! Thanks again.
Sally in Seattle