Ruskin House

For us, this place is terrible value and I wouldn't recommend staying here in Byron Bay. The bed was too firm, the walls are paper thin so you hear every passing motorcycle and loud people in nearby rooms, and the place seems to be falling apart (see pictures). The interior is pretty kitsch, which is a matter of taste, but the furniture badly needs refurbishing. The room has only the smallest fridge and a kettle, with no plates, cutlery, or anything else. There's almost nothing on site: a table in the entrance and another with four chairs in the small backyard. No restaurant or breakfast, no room service except once every three days, and no reception here, as it's actually in the hotel next door. This is basically an Airbnb. It's a 20-minute walk to the beach, just far enough to be annoying but still doable, and Woolies is three minutes away on foot. It's no better than a motor hotel, yet costs $250 a night like a fancy hotel. I'd consider it worth $150 a night, no more.

Gavin and Lucy were so welcoming. Ruskin House was clean, quiet, and close enough to town that I could walk to everything I wanted to see in a few minutes. The rooms were well maintained, and I liked how secluded the outdoor courtyard felt. I really enjoyed my stay.

The breakfast was good value, and we enjoyed eating in the relaxed family setting. Maruska and Dan made my wife and me feel very welcome and looked after us so well. Our room was clean, comfortable, and cared for. Ruskin House is also in a handy spot, with shops, restaurants, and beaches all an easy walk away. We stayed in September 2017 and would gladly return or recommend it.

From the first day, we felt safe and at ease, with the sights and beach activities close by. Dan and Maruska have put together a small collection of nicely equipped guest rooms, and we found ours comfortable. Thanks so much, Sarah and James from Melbourne. We'd happily recommend a stay.