The Sebel Byron Bay Hotel

The rooms were noisy throughout the night, with drunken people outside and commercial bins being emptied with bottles around 3am. There’s no double glazing or other noise protection. We also had nowhere suitable for our dog to go outside, just a small tree on the pavement. Staff were friendly, but the lounge curtains and carpet were badly stained by someone else’s dog. I’m not sure what the extra $80 pet surcharge was for. We had no wifi for our entire two-night stay, despite asking staff numerous times. I emailed the GM directly and communication was poor. I also sent this email to AGM Sharon and got no response: Hi Sharon, I’m extremely disappointed that there was no internet service for our entire stay, despite raising this several times with staff. Free internet was advertised as part of the accommodation, but it wasn’t available at any point. I’m travelling with my elderly mother, who has limited mobility. Internet access was essential for her comfort, so she could watch TV programs and take part in online activities, neither of which she could do. Given that this advertised service was unavailable throughout our stay, I expect appropriate compensation for the significant inconvenience. Please let me know how this will be addressed.

The first-floor room meant every toilet break with my dog involved stairs or an elevator, and the only place for her to go was a tree on the footpath out front. That wasn’t comfortable or ideal. Staff were friendly, but I wouldn’t call this genuinely dog-friendly. I stayed at Sebel Byron Bay with my small, 3 kg non-shedding Cavoodle. I called ahead to confirm I could bring her and was told the dog fee was $80 per night, on top of an already high rate of close to $400 for one person. Some places do charge extra for pets, but this felt excessive for the experience. The room was clearly a “dog room”, tired, dated and in need of renovation, unlike the website photos. Other rooms I glimpsed were in much better condition, which was disappointing given the premium price. In the lift, another guest’s children dropped ice cream and their parent didn’t clean it up. My well-behaved dog didn’t touch it, which made me think about that steep fee, especially as she was cleaner and less disruptive than some guests. The place was advertised as dog-friendly, and the photos and reviews made it seem like a good choice, but I wouldn’t recommend it to someone looking for a truly pet-friendly, comfortable stay.

The location is very central if you don’t have transport. My room was basic, with no real outlook. The advertised “courtyard” was tiny, boxed in by four high walls, and unusable because the air conditioner compressor blasted hot air into it. Parking is on B2 level of the Aldi car park, with a lift up to reception and the rooms. Hotong Harry’s restaurant opens onto the pool area, so there’s little privacy for guests. I think there are better places at a similar price.

The one positive was the CBD location and free parking, though it’s shared with Aldi and drifters hotel. This was one of my worst experiences, especially for the money. I paid $858 + $80 and got a stained, carpeted, outdated room with no view and a claustrophobic feel. “Pet Friendly” meant they took my $80 quickly, but there was nothing for my dog: no water, bed, balcony or space. There was no wifi in the room, and the phone didn’t work. Reception closes at 8pm, there’s no restaurant, and it felt more like a motel than a hotel. Next time I’m staying at a caravan park, at least those are on the beach.