Byron is a feeling, a heartbeat with energy like no other destination in Australia. If the hippy backpacker way of experiencing Byron is no longer your style, then we recommend the luxuriously chilled-out Apartments Inn Byron way. This elegantly finished apartment style hotel, combines a central location with first class facilities, making it a great escape from a hectic urban life.
The Location
Finding an elegant, flexible place to stay in the heart of town often eludes many. With a central location that can’t be beat, after-hours checkin, no minimum night stays and just a block from Byron’s spectacular Main Beach, Apartments Inn is a winner.
The Room
Apartments Inn offers studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, each with comfortable, contemporary style furnishings. Our two-bedroom apartment is filled with natural light and multiple verandahs to relax and catch the sea breezes. There’s a plasma TV and DVD player, iPod dock and radio, which I tuned in to the local Byron radio station to listen to some reggae tunes and really feel the Byron vibe!
Unlike many apartment hotels, Apartments Inn offers a mini-bar service with a unique collection of local produce including Lush coffee, Byron Bay Chilli Co Corn Chips & Salsa and Nudgel nuts plus complimentary Byron Bay Cookie Company treats to go with your tea or coffee.
Self-catering is a breeze with full kitchen with all the mod-cons including oven, microwave, dishwasher etc ideal for long, lazy beach holidays with a bunch of friends or a family with kids and offset with a rustic dining table. There are laundry facilities in the spacious bathroom with shower over bath and local Sanctum amenities.
If you need a break from the beach, there is an onsite swimming pool alongside the restaurant.
The Experience
With Byron town literally on your doorstep, the full set of Byron activities is laid out before you: swimming at Main Beach, a trip to Wategos and the lighthouse, stylish boutique shopping and of course dining Byron style.
Our morning starts with breakfast at iconic Bayleaf Café. I’m overdressed for this laidback cafe (I’m wearing shoes!) but there’s a gentle buzz, locals greet each other by name, talk about the surf, interesting projects they’re working on and I strike up a conversation with the local seated next to me about books and travel. It’s so relaxed you get the feeling everyone’s welcome to relax Byron style at the Bayleaf.
The weather is superb and we opt for an afternoon walk and oh the sights we see! There's a free concert in the park protesting about the progress of developments ruining the Byron lifestyle and even Xavier Rudd makes an appearance. There are street performers, people juggling and inviting people to join in the fun, lovers sprawled out napping on the grass, surfers coming in from the ocean as the sun sets on a perfectly eclectic Byron day.
Conveniently, Apartments Inn is above one of our favourite restaurants – St Elmo. This tapas style restaurant has the most stunning fit out with Moorish tiled bar, warm & inviting lighting and often entertainment by local musicians. Even on a Sunday it was packed & we ate at the bar. Their menu is designed for sharing with tapas style dishes, a standout being the Higos Asados Con Jamon – Roast fig wrapped in Jamon with Goats Curd, honey, rocket, mint & shaved hazelnuts salad.
Don’t miss
Hole in the wall coffee spot Sparrow, the Byron outpost of Sparrow Bangalow serving Allpress Coffee and Harvest bakery goods is just around the corner.
The Verdict
If it’s quiet and tranquillity you’re seeking, there are plenty of options further out of town, but if its location, location, location you seek then Apartments Inn is for you. Affordable, apartment style hotel, with great service and facilities surrounded by restaurants and cafes, it’s hard to beat.
It’s also the whimsical feeling & calming energy that has us returning to Byron Bay time and time again to recharge the batteries.
Apartments Inn from $200 per night including free parking & WiFi.
Update: Apartments Inn is under new management and is now known as Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments.
Image credit: Apartments Inn, IG @alluxiaYou Might Also Like: Byron Bay Best Breakfasts
