Elise Hassey 
Elise Hassey 
Elise Hassey 
Elise Hassey 
Elise Hassey This compact 32-room boutique guesthouse in the centre of Byron Bay features a fabulous magnesium pool surrounded by daybeds and sun lounges for the ideal mini break. The Miami beach house design is a warm blur of travertine tiles, leather lounges, boho artworks and cool communal spaces.
The rooms
There are pool rooms, town rooms and lane rooms, depending on the view from your window. Rooms at Basq House are on the small side – between 20 and 30 square metres – but the design is sleekly minimalist and vaguely retro. Think burnt orange linen drapes, sliding glass doors, plush king-sized beds with thick white cotton sheets, and curvy bathrooms with Mr Smith products.
Food & drink
There’s no restaurant on site, but uniformed pool attendants do regular checks of the pool deck to take orders of cocktails and light snacks so you don’t have to move very far. The best Byron dining is moments away, including brunch hero Bayleaf over the road, or the upscale Jonson Lane precinct featuring hotspots Bar Heather and Light Years a few blocks away.
The service
Staff are scrubbed, smiling and international with a variety of accents on the breeze. You’ll find the entrance and reception via a discrete laneway at the back of the building. There’s homely touches such as a welcome drink on arrival, free filter coffee, and bikes and surfboards available to borrow if you’re feeling adventurous. Shared spaces at Basq House include a library with a flickering fake fireplace, a chilled lounge zone, and a roof deck.
Ideal for: A romantic Byron beach retreat
Why we love it:
- The pool deck. The perfect place to waste an afternoon with a rosé and a good read.
- The serenity. It’s relatively quiet despite being located in the heart of Byron village.
- The size. The boutique scale makes it a personal, in-the-know stay.
Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide
Celebrating the very best Australian hotels and resorts.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
