Byron Bay isn’t like some other coastal towns in NSW, where you can just find a room the day before you’re due to arrive. This is one of the most popular holiday spots in the country, and the best accommodation in Byron Bay books up early (especially during school breaks).
Thankfully, as long as you’re a bit organised, there are a lot of options here, with accommodation to match every mood and budget.
The town centre is packed with boutique hotels, renovated heritage properties, and modern developments, many with rooftop pools and restaurants attached.
Just back from the beach, you’ll find some elegant guesthouses and adults-only retreats for those after a bit of peace.
Or out in the hinterland, there are rainforest resorts and sprawling estates where you can properly unwind, some of them very family friendly.
Houses and apartments are a particularly popular type of accommodation in Byron Bay because they offer a bit of space and privacy, which is nice for groups or longer stays. They also tend to often be away from the action, if you’re looking for something quieter.
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Byron Bay, I would suggest trying to find something close to where you think you’ll spend most of your time.
Staying in the centre of Byron Bay is convenient because you’ll be able to walk to lots of places, strolling to the beach then grabbing a beer at the pub on the way back, for example.
While you may find things a bit cheaper out of the centre, parking can be difficult when you’re coming into town, and the traffic can actually get quite clogged up during busy periods.
Have a look at my tips for the best things to do in Byron Bay.
So, to help you plan your trip, let’s get to my top suggestions for the best accommodation in Byron Bay.
Best overall
Choosing the best place to stay in Byron Bay really depends on what you’re looking for, because there are fantastic hostels, motels, apartments, and houses.
I almost recommended Crystalbrook Byron Bay as my top tip because it’s such a gorgeous and relaxing place, but it’s just a little too far from the centre. So, instead, my top recommendation is Basq House, for the combination of its style, location, and price.
Basq House
Tucked away down a quiet laneway in the heart of central Byron Bay, Basq House is one of those rare finds that captures what makes this coastal town so special these days.
The 32-room boutique hotel opened in 2024 with a design that takes inspiration from Moroccan riads, with rooms oriented around a central heated magnesium pool that acts as the sanctuary’s beating heart.
When you’re not relaxing by the pool on one of the daybeds or tucked into a cabana with a drink from the self-serve bar, you can enjoy the stylish common areas like the library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
The rooms themselves are beautifully appointed with high ceilings and a soothing palette of natural materials. Some overlook the pool, others face the street, but they all feel private despite the compact footprint of the property.
One of the best things about Basq House is its location, just minutes’ walk away from some of Byron’s best cafes and restaurants. There’s no dining on-site, but you don’t need it with everything this close. It’s also very easy to stroll to the beach.
While you wouldn’t expect a luxury/boutique hotel like this to be cheap, it is a bit more affordable than some similar accommodation in Byron Bay, which is just another reason I recommend it.
As one of the best places to stay in Byron Bay, Basq House can fill up (especially during holiday periods) so it’s worth booking in advance..
Best backpacker
Because it’s always been (and is still) a popular destination for backpackers going along the coast, there are some great hostels in Byron Bay.
BEST: Wake Up! Byron Bay
Right on the beach, the bright Wake Up! Byron Bay feels relaxed, with lots of freebies and a beachside vibe.
Byron Bay YHA
Right in the middle of town, Byron Bay YHA has comfortable rooms, modern facilities, and a fun pool at affordable rates.
Arts Factory by Nomads
Evoking the old Byron Bay vibe, Arts Factory by Nomads has a bohemian feel surrounded by wilderness… and the occasional drum circle.
Best budget
Amongst the new developments, there are still some good affordable places to stay in Byron Bay, particularly in some of the renovated motels.
BEST: Byron Sunseeker Motel
Blending nostalgic 80s brick motel charm with modern boutique style, Byron Sunseeker Motel even has lush tropical gardens.
Wollongbar Motel
With a private pathway to Main Beach, Wollongbar Motel offers clean rooms, a saltwater pool, and barbecue facilities.
Bay Motel
Beachfront and convenient for exploring town, Bay Motel has lovely comfortable suites with modern amenities.
Best apartment
Many of the best apartments in Byron Bay are close to the beaches or in the centre of town, but you’ll also find some affordable ones a little further out.
BEST: Sophie’s Place
Right amongst the restaurants yet close to the beach, the two-bedroom Sophie’s Place is a stunning luxury penthouse.
Main Beach Apartments
Clean and simple with comfortable beds, Main Beach Apartments has fantastic beach access plus on-site parking.
WategosRent
With breathtaking sea views near the iconic Wategos Beach, WategosRent offers peaceful surroundings and private parking.
Best house
There are a lot of houses in Byron Bay that you can stay in for your trip, and this is a particularly popular option for families or groups of friends who are staying here for more than a couple of nights.
BEST: The Little Tropicana
In the middle of town, The Little Tropicana is a delightful and well-decorated modern home, with four decent-sized bedrooms.
Cruisin In Byron
Just a short walk from the beach, Cruisin In Byron is a quiet and spacious one-bedroom house that’s also pet-friendly.
The Tree House Byron Bay
Close to Tallow Beach, The Tree House Byron Bay has a cozy, stylish ambiance with three bedrooms and a peaceful garden setting.
Best villa
If you’re looking for the space of a house or apartment, but also want the facilities and assistance of a hotel, there are some lovely resort-style properties that have villas.
BEST: Elements Of Byron
At the luxury end of the options, Elements Of Byron is set amongst rainforest and wetlands, offering luxurious eco villas and a lagoon pool.
Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay
A more affordable option is Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay which is set in bushland and has a great range of villas, cabins, and glamping tents.
Discovery Parks
And then there’s the family-friendly
Discovery Parks, which is also set in bushland plus has two pools, a water park, and tennis court.
Best luxury
A bunch of new luxury and boutique hotels have been built in Byron Bay in recent years to cater for the increase in visitors. These are my top three, each with a slightly different style.
BEST: Hotel Marvell
Right in the centre of town, Hotel Marvell is very chic, with beautiful boutique rooms, personalised service, and a cool rooftop pool.
Basq House
With a bright fresh design, the rooms at Basq House are large and comfortable, there’s a lovely refreshing pool, and the price is reasonable.
Crystalbrook Byron
Just outside central Byron Bay, set on 18 hectares of rainforest, Crystalbrook Byron features stylish suites, an infinity pool, and farm-to-table dining.
