The allure of Byron Bay continues to transfix, even with the once-quiet surfer town becoming a bustling coastal destination for the luxury jet set. It may not be the undiscovered gem it once was, but Byron Bay still exudes its barefooted charm — but now dressed in luxury linens, high-end details and designer wares. This is especially true in Byron Bay hotels, which have been refreshed, refined and reimagined to the high heavens to deliver serene dream scenes beyond your typical beachside accommodation.
From slick new stays in the heart of town and Cali-style ranches in the hinterland to Crystalbrook Byron’s rainforest retreat and the forever-photographed Raes at Wategos, the best Byron Bay hotels simultaneously deliver five-star flair and laidback spirit with aplomb.
Whether you’re escaping to Byron for some much-needed R&R, heading up for big-ticket events like Bluesfest and Harvest Festival, or hoping to unearth the hottest new restaurant in town, these best hotels in Byron Bay are the ones to book.
Our pick of the best Byron Bay Hotels
- Hotel Marvell (here’s why)
- 28 Degrees Byron Bay (here’s why)
- Basq House (here’s why)
Best hotels in Byron Bay to book in 2025
Location: Byron Bay
This five-star accommodation in Byron Bay pulls off a rare feat, merging big-city sensibility and slick design with thoughtful touches befitting a boutique hotel. Inside, the mood is low-key luxe across the 24 rooms and suites, all sprinkled with linen robes, Baina beach towels, local ceramics and decorative wall sculptures by Sydney-based artist Dion Horstmans. Up at the rooftop pool and bar, meanwhile, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Miami or LA, were it not for the views out over town to the ocean. Bonus points for the chocolates that come with turn-down service.
Reasons to stay:
- Rooftop pool overlooking Byron Bay and the ocean
- Excellent dining downstairs at Byron Bay Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
- Big-city polish meets beachside boutique sensibility
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Location: Byron Bay
Interior designer Deb Garske set a sky-high standard for luxury guesthouses with the opening of 28 Degrees, one which hasn’t wavered in the slightest ever since. The lure of the ground-level rooms with a private plunge pool is hard to resist; then again, that’s true of the upstairs rooms, too, which feature antique claw foot bathtubs and private balconies with Cape Byron Lighthouse views.
In late 2024, the Byron Bay hotel had a multimillion-dollar glow-up, with a 12-month expansion project that has doubled the footprint of the property and delivered an additional five guest rooms. Despite the nine years between builds, Garske has seamlessly translated her minimalist, barefoot luxury aesthetic to the new wing with more plunge pools and leafy gardens to boot.
Even though it’s located right in the heart of Byron, the sense of peace and quiet at 28 Degrees is second to none, reinforced by a strict adults-only policy. An intimate beach retreat in the fullest sense.
Reasons to stay:
- Location, location, location — walking distance to Byron Bay’s boutiques, restaurants and beaches
- Private plunge pools to cool down in on hot summer days
- Adults-only accommodation
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Location: Wategos Beach
Perched above Wategos Beach, the Spanish Mission-inspired mansion’s cool splendour comes via pared-back white interiors accented with vibrant greenery, linens and rattan and azulejo flooring. Yes, it may be a honeypot for influencers, but this seven-room boutique hotel in Byron Bay goes beyond its good looks, with star service and the best beachside address in town.
Reasons to stay:
- Arguably the most sought-after hotel in Byron Bay
- Idyllic beachside location
- Breakfast at Raes Dining Room for a quiet moment with your coffee, looking out to those famous views
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Location: Wategos Beach
The famed beachfront hotel has also welcomed a new chapter, expanding into the former Victoria’s at Wategos site. The neighbouring property, just 100 metres away from the original, offers 10 new suites, each receiving the full Raes treatment and the relaxed finesse Raes has become known for.
Indoor common areas feature open log fireplaces, a lounge area and two swimming pools: one with a waterfall and a 12-metre solar-heated pool with a cabana.
Reasons to stay:
- From the same expert team at Raes, with an almost equally enviable location
- Private balconies with sun lounges
- Access to Raes Spa in the original hotel across the road
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05
Location: Byron Bay
Surf luxury is the raison d’etre at Byron Bay’s new boutique hotel, Basq House. The 32-room boutique hotel was designed by StudioFab star Matt Dalby, who has engineered the hotel to wrap around a central temperature-controlled magnesium pool in the style of a Morrocan riad but with a ’70s seaside spirit.
Guests can expect a room with a view, with the option of a balcony overlooking the town or courtyard pool. Inside, rooms are spiced with a colour palette of burnt orange and honey for a retro dream scene, while soft lighting and linen robes set the mood.
Reasons to stay:
- Coconut Margaritas by the magnesium pool
- Convenient location in the heart of Byron Bay’s town centre
- Idiosyncratic design aesthetic that blends retro ’70s seaside spirit with a Moroccan riad
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06
Location: Byron Bay
Each of the 16 rooms at Swell Hotel – a mere two-minute stroll from town – offers a crash course on how to revitalise a retro motor lodge. Gone are the Brady Bunch-era details, replaced by a swirl of soothing earth tones, tactical textures and striking patterns that take their cues from California’s storied surf culture. The up-to-date wellness area includes a marble-tiled magnesium pool, ice bath and infrared sauna, but a vintage caravan keeps the nostalgic spirit alive in the manicured garden, serving light breakfasts and snacks. The ’70s have never looked so swanky.
Reasons to stay:
- Wellness area with a magnesium pool, ice bath and infrared sauna
- Tropical gardens envelop the hotel to create a serene hideaway
- Guest rooms sport rich, earthy tones and plush king beds
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07
Location: Coopers Shoot
For those wishing for the California dream, you’ll find it in Coopers Shoot – just a 15-minute drive from Byron Bay’s centre. Comprising a five-room guest house and six two-bedroom barns, the project calls upon eclectic influences, with references to Californian and Utah ranches and a research trip to Mexico, all seen through a uniquely Byron lens.
The Lair – Sun Ranch’s tonal take on the classic hotel lobby – makes first impressions count. After this guests can slink down to the basalt 25-metre pool or head back to sink into one of the velvet lounges. Guests can also add on horse trail rides with Byron’s Zepyhr Horses, arrange a cacao ceremony, in-room massages, astrology readings or sound healing.
Reasons to stay:
- Dips in the 25-metre basalt pool
- Set on 55 acres of picturesque farmland
- Away from the bustle of town, but just a 15-minute drive to Byron Bay
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Location: Byron Bay
Hidden in 18 hectares of lush sub-tropical rainforest by Tallow Beach, Crystalbrook Byron boasts a tranquil day spa, swimming pool and poolside bar, infrared sauna, daily yoga sessions, on-site restaurant, fitness centre and beach access. All the luxury trimmings you’d expect from a five-star hotel.
As for the rooms at Crystalbrook Byron, 92 airy and spacious Treetop and Rainforest suites are artfully dotted around the property to create a more intimate feel.
Reasons to stay:
- Sub-tropical rainforest retreat meets five-star flair
- Direct beach access to Tallow Beach
- Excellent facilities, including a spa, pool, yoga sessions and gym
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Location: Byron Bay Arts & Industry Estate
Amenities are the strong suit at this splashy eco-resort set on acres of wetlands and native rainforest. Start your day at one of Elements of Byron’s two swimming pools before setting off on a walking trail or hitting the tennis court. Then, work up a sweat in the gym or unwind in the spa before a horseback ride, a game of giant chess or bocce. Sure, you’ve got Belongil Beach on your doorstep and you’re a short walk away from the solar-powered train to the centre of the action, but there’s every chance you won’t leave the confines of Elements.
Reasons to stay:
- On-site tennis court
- Beach access to Belongil Beach
- Kid-friendly resort for family holidays
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What is the best time of year to go to Byron Bay?
With all the buzz that is Byron Bay these days, summer can be very busy at this slice of northern NSW coastline. If you’d rather leave the heat to the school holiday crowds and backpackers, spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are the best times of year to go to Byron Bay. With average daytime temperatures ranging between 20–25°C, Byron Bay becomes a balmy paradise with slightly less hustle and bustle. And while winter may see cooler temperature dips, it is the best season for spotting humpback whales as they migrate north.
Is two days in Byron Bay enough?
Byron Bay is a great long weekend destination for couples and group getaways. While two days may be enough time to hit the beach, do the famed Cape Byron Lighthouse walk, dine at some of the town’s top restaurants and duck into a boutique or two, there is so much to explore in Byron Bay and its surrounding towns that you won’t regret extending your trip. We recommend three to five nights for those looking to truly unwind and explore the Northern Rivers region at a relaxing pace.
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