Cyclone Debbie: Couple stranded on Hamilton Island claims hotel told them to 'pay up or get out'

A couple stranded on Hamilton Island after their flight was cancelled because of Cyclone Debbie have claimed their hotel told them to "pay up or get out".

Rachael Aracic and partner Tyson Griffiths, from Melbourne, were due to fly home yesterday but their flight was suspended when the Category 4 storm hit the Queensland coast that morning.

Damage at the Reef View Hotel in Hamilton Island. Photo / Facebook

Griffiths took to Facebook to claim their hotel manager told them to pay $400 to stay an extra night or seek "alternative accommodation" even though the couple feared for their safety because of the ferocity of the cyclone.

Cyclone Debbie makes landfall at Catseye beach, Hamilton Island. Photo / @RevellNorquay Twitter

When the couple told the manager they couldn't afford to pay the extra cost, Griffiths claimed they were laughed at, the Daily Mail reports.

The hotel manager then told them they had to "pay up or get out", Aracic told 7News.

"I asked her how could money be more important than our lives, all they care about is making a dime," she said.

Griffiths also claimed the hotel advised them to stay in a room that wasn't cyclone proof.

The couple said they chose to be evacuated by emergency services rather than continue to stay at the hotel and spent a night sleeping on a floor.

Rachael Aracic and Tyson Griffiths feared for their safety when Cyclone Debbie lashed Hamilton Island. Photo / Facebook

"Family and friends we are OK, made the call to the emergency services who evacuated us and escorted us to a safe place last night before s*** got real. Restless night last night sleeping on a floor and kinda worried about the sounds and weather outside, Aracic posted on Facebook.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Aracic for further comment.

The hotel has also been contacted for comment.