YHA Byron Bay

Clean facilities and a nice pool, with friendly staff. The rooms were fine, though short on space. I found the hostel pretty boring overall. It was quiet, there wasn’t really a common area, and most people seemed wrapped up in their own worlds.

The kitchen was a real highlight: spacious, well equipped with gas stoves, microwaves and kettles, and there was enough room for everyone to cook without getting in each other’s way. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained too, which makes such a difference. The hostel is quiet and well located, about 10 minutes from the Greyhound stop. Rooms were spotless, with individual lockers to keep stuff off the floor, and my bed was super comfy, with a power outlet and phone holder right beside it. Such a bonus compared with lots of hostels. There’s even a cold-water fountain, first time I’ve seen one in a hostel!

The room was hot and noisy, and we didn’t sleep at all. The air conditioning didn’t work, and activity and conversations right outside our private room continued late into the night. We booked the room to get some rest, but the common areas around it were extremely loud. (406) We paid AUD 200 for one night at YHA Byron Bay, which felt completely unjustified. For that price, we expected basic comfort, working amenities and proper sound insulation, but none of that was provided. We were very disappointed and felt the stay didn’t match YHA’s standards or pricing. I hope management takes this seriously and considers a gesture or compensation. This was far from acceptable.

I wasn’t sure what to expect and suspected it was a youth hostel. I’d booked at the last minute and didn’t have much choice, so I got a private room with an ensuite. I’m older and wondered if I’d feel like I was imposing on the younger guests, but that wasn’t the case. Outstanding hostel, with wonderful staff and facilities.