Hotel review: Swell Hotel Byron Bay

This stylish, bohemian stay is the ideal crash pad for exploring Byron Bay. If you can tear yourself away.

Part of a swell of elevated accommodation options to open in Byron Bay in recent years, Swell Hotel is a boutique, adults-only bolthole just steps from the beach and the buzz of this perennially popular holiday town.

But while it is close to the action, this artfully renovated motel manages to feel a world away; the result is a laid-back oasis of 1970s style that marries a Californian sensibility with Byron coastal cool. All wrapped up in a swathe of tropical gardens and with a focus on wellness befitting of its location.

It clicks into gear on arrival: there’s no reception desk per se but guests are greeted warmly and – having been checked in by the bar – furnished with a welcome cocktail. A decadent bronze velvet sofa invites lounging before you’ve even stepped foot in one of the 16 rooms.

Location

a retro caravan at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — A retro caravan set in Swell Hotel’s lush tropical garden. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

At the corner of Butler and Lawson streets, Swell Hotel is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main drag of Jonson Street and a five-minute walk from Main Beach. It is ideally placed for those who want Byron’s best bits – from its surf, shops to restaurants – right on their doorstep.

Style and character

the lobby interior of Swell Hotel Byron Bay — The 70s-inspired adults-only retreat is awash in earthy shades. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

All crushed velvet meets sandy tones, Swell Hotel channels the golden glow of the 1970s and Californian coastal chic through a contemporary Byron lens.

It was reimagined by Byron-based interior designer Nyree Mackenzie and incorporates unique custom furnishings, such as fossilised coral lighting in collaboration with social enterprise Marovo Island Traders.

a look inside Swell Hotel Byron Bay — The Bohemian-style interior is custom-designed with hand-carved wooden side tables. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Artworks by local artists such as Francesca Owen and Georges Antoni, and curated coffee table books (think Slim Aarons’ poolside shots and Rizzoli’s Kate Moss tome) add further character. A rich layering of textures, patterns and materials is simmered down in a muted palette of natural tones. The result is a laid-back luxury that feels considered and comfortable.

It’s bohemian Byron cool, without trying too hard or coming on too strong. It’s a sweet spot that extends to the atmosphere of the hotel, which is welcoming and makes you feel part of the club.

Facilities

a woman walking by the pool at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Take a dip in the ozone magnesium pool. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The grounds of the hotel have been cultivated into a tropical garden dotted with nooks for reading, sitting and chilling under the dappled shade of a pink umbrella. It houses a retro caravan that doubles as a kitchen and a tipi where I join a yoga class with fellow guests on Sunday morning.

The garden also sets the stage for relaxed Sunday Sessions and long table lunches; check website for listings.

the infrared sauna and ice bath at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Indulge in a complimentary session in the infrared sauna and ice bath. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Swell Hotel’s wellness zone is tucked into a corner of the property and – when in Byron – it’s here that I try contrast therapy for the first time. Guests are offered one complimentary 45-minute session each, where they can hop between the infrared sauna and cold plunge. Chill out afterwards by the hotel’s magnesium mineral pool and order a cocktail from the pool menu – because what is wellness without a healthy dose of hedonism?

The hotel also offers full-body massage and LED Light Therapy in its Treatment Room and the complimentary use of retro 88 surfboards for those looking to catch some waves.

Rooms

a coffee-toned room at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — The clay-toned rooms exude laid-back sophistication. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

There are 16 rooms in total, each decorated in a rich earthy palette with plush furnishings and colour schemes that vary from green and stone to dusty pink and coffee tones. Choose between garden-view rooms; poolside rooms; the more private hideaway rooms; and a two-bedroom suite that comes complete with its own living room, private entrance and garden terrace.

a sleek bathroom at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Each room is fitted with luxe amenities. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

The bones of an old motel have been cleverly reworked to create surprisingly spacious interiors. Expect a king-size bed with a statement headboard, a small dining alcove and lounge area, LED television with Chromecast, a sleek bathroom with soft Terry cotton robes by OAS and Rohr Remedy amenities.

the Garden View Room at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Settle into the serene Garden View Room. (Image: Andy Macpherson)

Our serene sage green Garden View Room has a bi-fold window that I slide open to access the semi-private garden space outside. There’s a capsule coffee machine with Allpress Espresso pods and a minibar that includes locally sourced drinks and snacks like house cocktail mixers and Byron-made Loco Love chocolate.

Food and drink

a welcome cocktail at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Sip on a signature cocktail upon arrival. (Image: Jessie Prince)

A welcome cocktail sets the tone on arrival. There’s a compact breakfast and snack menu available, which you can order at the bar and enjoy in the leafy garden, communal lounge or back in your room. Ingredients are seasonal and sourced from the Byron Farmers Market and local organic suppliers.

Breakfast might include paleo granola, chia pudding, avocado toast, spelt banana bread or sourdough crumpets. An afternoon menu features items such as Bay Smokehouse fish rillettes, vegan dips and an antipasto plate of cured meats, cheeses and olives.

food and wine by the pool at Swell Hotel Byron Bay — Order wine and snacks from the poolside bar. (Image: Jessie Prince)

Allpress Espresso coffee is on order too, as well as a selection of health-conscious drinks including ceremonial matcha, adaptogenic hot chocolates and tonics to combat inflammation or boost hydration.

The food menu is deliberately pared back to leave space in your itinerary (and stomach) to explore the wealth of restaurants and bars on the doorstep.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Swell Hotel is not wheelchair accessible.

Family-friendly?

This is an adults-only stay, with a minimum age requirement of 21.

Details

Best for: Couples or friends looking for a chilled Byron crash pad that still places them close to the action.

Address: 11 Butler Street, Byron Bay

Room rate: Rates start from $400 per night in winter and $450 in summer

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

This luxe Byron Bay gem has sunset yoga, retro decor and beach access