We too are pleased that you finally made the trip to Victoria's At Wategos. Thank you for your positive comments on Trip Advisor, your review is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back again some time soon.

Thank you to Trip Advisor for allowing us the opportunity to respond to this review. As we take our business very seriously, it is important to us, that people hear our side of the story.
I will refer to the reviewer as ‘MR M’ so that his identity remains anonymous, even though my identity has been exposed and published.
Please note, that we did not have any conversations or discussions with ‘Mr M’ at any time. All correspondence relating to this reservation, including enquiries, confirmation and the cancellation were dealt with in a polite and professional manner, all via email.
In regards to our cancellation policy (below), we are up front and make no secret or attempt to hide it in any way. Our cancellation policy is clearly stated on all correspondence including our rate sheet, enquiring letters and it is highlighted on all reservation confirmation letters. ‘Mr M’ received all of these via email, and it was brought to his attention again during correspondence regarding the weather, so I don’t know why he would believe our cancellation policy to be otherwise.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Victoria’s is a small and exclusive guest house, and cancellations affect us greatly
To secure your reservation we require a 50% deposit. The full balance is due one month prior to arrival date. Please note that a cancellation fee of $50.00 applies to ALL cancellations. A refund will be given if bookings are cancelled a month or more prior to arrival date. The 50%deposit is non- refundable, if cancelled within a month of arrival date. NO refund can be issued, regardless of the reason, if cancellation occurs within 14 days of the arrival date, in which case the full amount will be deducted. We recommend travel insurance to cover cancellation fees.
I addressed ‘Mr M’s’ concerns regarding the weather situation before he cancelled, explaining that the weather had been beautiful here for the last few days and even if it isn't good when he stays, there is always something to see and do in the area and region. I explained if he was to cancel that the full amount of the stay would not be refunded, as per the cancellation policy, so if he did wish to reconsider, and travel, to confirm this with us.
The 2 hour drive (not 4 hours as stated) between Brisbane and Byron Bay is all dual carriage way and as of today, 10th January, has not been affected at anytime by floods or any road closures.
Victoria’s At Wategos is a small establishment with only a few room types. ‘Mr M’ booked a particular room type, and bookings for this room were turned away over the 4 week period, that we were holding his reservation.
‘Mr M’ claims that no other hotel that he has stayed in has this type of policy, but states in his email to us on the 6th January, that the cancellation policy seems to be normal by Australian standards.
All our correspondence advises guests to have travel insurance to cover cancellation fees. If there is a genuine or legitimate reason for cancelling and not someone simply changing their minds because it is raining, they are usually covered by their insurance.
I’m saddened that ‘Mr M’ chose not to stay at Victoria’s, as I’m sure he would have enjoyed the positive experience that so many other guests enjoy whilst visiting beautiful Byron Bay.

It is always rewarding for our establishment and our staff, to receive positive feedback. Most people only make the effort to write a review if they have had a negative experience. Good reviews are affirmation that "Victoria's-Byron Bay" is doing it's best to provide a happy and memorable experience, to each and every person, that we have the pleasure of welcoming to our properties.