Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
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Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
1 Lateen Lane, Byron Bay, New South Wales 2481 Australia
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About
#5 of 12 hostels in Byron Bay
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Our hostel is the winner of the North Coast Tourism Awards 2010 for Best Backpackers Accommodation. Nomads Byron Bay is located just minutes from the stunning main beach behind the iconic Great Northern Hotel. This centrally located property offers a variety of dorms and en suite private rooms. Facilities include our Mad Travel Shop, a sun-drenched courtyard with two 12-seater spas, a fully equipped kitchen, Global Gossip internet, a BBQ, balcony views and a TV lounge.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking on-site
Wifi
Hot bath
Vending machine
Bicycle rental
Game room
Car hire
BBQ facilities
Parking
Free wifi in the business centre
Paid internet
Evening entertainment
Table tennis
Baggage storage
Convenience store
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
ATM on site
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Private balcony
Laptop safe
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Modern
Languages Spoken
English
Location
1 Lateen Lane, Byron Bay, New South Wales 2481 Australia
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
181 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Stayed here for a week, had to move rooms half way through due to flooding which somehow came through the floor and soaked all my stuff. There was an awful smell lingering in the corridors. The room we were moved to was much better and had a balcony.
Some staff were really rude and unfriendly, I went down to tell them about the wet floor and smell and was told to tell someone else because he wasn't supposed to be on the front desk..
Jacuzzis out of order, this is the main thing that sold nomads to me, and after looking at previous reviews they've been out of order for weeks!! Clearly nothing is being done to fix them.
The good thing about this hostel is the size of the rooms, and location. It's also quite social.
Overall I would probably stay here again due to the location.
Some staff were really rude and unfriendly, I went down to tell them about the wet floor and smell and was told to tell someone else because he wasn't supposed to be on the front desk..
Jacuzzis out of order, this is the main thing that sold nomads to me, and after looking at previous reviews they've been out of order for weeks!! Clearly nothing is being done to fix them.
The good thing about this hostel is the size of the rooms, and location. It's also quite social.
Overall I would probably stay here again due to the location.
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Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed in Nomads in Byron Bay for 4 nights...by the 2nd night I wanted to leave. The jacuzzis were out of order, looks like no one even attempted to fix them, as that's what probably draws most people in. Lockers were broken. Outlets in kitchen were broken couldnt use kettle or microwave. No oven in the kitchen to,actually cook. The carpet in my room was horrific! Stains everywhere. Odor in the hallway. Barely saw any staff except at front desk or cleaning bathrooms. They don't have any cups in the kitchen, you have to put a $5 deposit down for a mug, which is ridiculous! Great location for the beach and shopping, great atmosphere. To me it was a bit harder to meet people just because the hostel is so big, and I was traveling on my own! When I came from Sydney it was a big transition, as Byron is very laid back and chill. Just sucks you have to pay for every little thing in the hostel when the whole town is already expensive enough.
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Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Front desk staff were lovely and 6 bed dorm was spacious and modern. Gets quite noisy at night but to be expected. Our form found the cleaning staff to be really rude though, both days they came into our room in a group of 3 (even though only one person seemed to be doing something) while the other two sat on people's beds and had loud chats amongst themselves.
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex H, General Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 13 Mar 2019
Hey there! Thanks for leaving this review legend! Happy to hear you were pleased with the staff at the front desk and the room. Really sorry to hear about the Housekeeping team! That's completely out of the ordinary for that kind of behavior to happen. If you are coming back to Byron anytime soon please let me know and we will make sure you are looked after :) Safe travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We've booked 3 beds to spend the Australian day at the hostel using booking.com and arrived on 26th 1pm for the check-in. The manager explained us that they had a flood issue and had to relocate us and another 40ppl to another hostel.
It is very strange that there was an overnight flood issue and nobody sent us an email to communicate anything. Also, we were booked for a room with aircon for 33$ per person, but we were rellocated to another hostel paying 40$ per person for a room with a fan! We had paid for Nomads and now had to pay for another hostel, worse and more expensive without any forecast of our Nomads refund.
By the end, even though we have planed our trip in advance, we had an horrible experience and we felt that nobody cared about it. We've had a nightmare night that includes bedbugs, loud music, mosquitoes, a veeeery hot room, drugs and crazy party at the room beside ours... nobody could sleep.
It really seems like the hostel found a way to charge more for the bookings and got rid of the cheap bookings made by us and others finding an excuse and canceling us.
We know that Nomads have good structure and that they are well known in Australia, however we truly do not recommend anyone to rely your trip on Nomads at Byron Bay. It can be very disappointing.
It is very strange that there was an overnight flood issue and nobody sent us an email to communicate anything. Also, we were booked for a room with aircon for 33$ per person, but we were rellocated to another hostel paying 40$ per person for a room with a fan! We had paid for Nomads and now had to pay for another hostel, worse and more expensive without any forecast of our Nomads refund.
By the end, even though we have planed our trip in advance, we had an horrible experience and we felt that nobody cared about it. We've had a nightmare night that includes bedbugs, loud music, mosquitoes, a veeeery hot room, drugs and crazy party at the room beside ours... nobody could sleep.
It really seems like the hostel found a way to charge more for the bookings and got rid of the cheap bookings made by us and others finding an excuse and canceling us.
We know that Nomads have good structure and that they are well known in Australia, however we truly do not recommend anyone to rely your trip on Nomads at Byron Bay. It can be very disappointing.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex H, Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 12 Feb 2020
Hello, Thanks for reaching out regarding your stay. Once again, we apologise for the issues with your booking. There was indeed a flood due to plumbing that lost 74 people their rooms the night and into the morning, prior to arrival. We did all we could in this scenario, calling every single hostel in the area to help accommodate those affected rather than leaving them without a roof over their heads. We emailed or called every single guest who's information was on file. We managed to relocate everyone, refunded all payments and even offered to pay the differences, so we truly do believe we went above and beyond in this situation. We are sorry that you had issues with the other accommodation, and definitely suggest reaching out to them regarding the stay. We hope that either way, you enjoyed the bay. Regards Management
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
THE WORST hostel experience ever. We had pre booked a 4 bed dorm with 3 of my friends in the same room months prior to our stay. On the day of our arrival we where all checked into the same room like we were supposed to. However, two hours later the manager came up and got us and told us we had to pack our bags, bring them back downstairs and that all three of us had been separated into 3 different 8 bed mix room dorms!
This was really frustrating as we had booked this room months in advance and staff did nothing to help or assist in the situation. Generally they where rude and incredibly unhelpful.
We were told that they had tried to call us but when they didn't get through they sent one email (that we still haven't been able to locate) and told us that what they were doing was fine because of their terms and conditions. The thing that annoys me is that they sent us this 'email' on the 15th of December only two weeks prior to our stay. This short amount of time was not sufficient to find new accommodation, let alone try and find it on New Years eve.
Additionally, there where no sheets on one of our beds when we got home from falls festival at 2am and had to go downstairs to ask for some.
Also on the second last day they made us check out at 10am and move back in to all three different rooms again at 2pm... meaning we had to pack all our stuff up, leave it downstairs and come back 4 hours later to re check in and move rooms AGAIN. Worst service I have ever experienced and really unprofessional, wouldn’t recommended.
Finally the place smelt like VOMIT the entire time, the shared bathrooms are filthy and had blood and vomit in them. Maybe employing backpackers who don't really want to spend their holiday cleaning up isn't the best idea.
Kind regards,
Dion.
This was really frustrating as we had booked this room months in advance and staff did nothing to help or assist in the situation. Generally they where rude and incredibly unhelpful.
We were told that they had tried to call us but when they didn't get through they sent one email (that we still haven't been able to locate) and told us that what they were doing was fine because of their terms and conditions. The thing that annoys me is that they sent us this 'email' on the 15th of December only two weeks prior to our stay. This short amount of time was not sufficient to find new accommodation, let alone try and find it on New Years eve.
Additionally, there where no sheets on one of our beds when we got home from falls festival at 2am and had to go downstairs to ask for some.
Also on the second last day they made us check out at 10am and move back in to all three different rooms again at 2pm... meaning we had to pack all our stuff up, leave it downstairs and come back 4 hours later to re check in and move rooms AGAIN. Worst service I have ever experienced and really unprofessional, wouldn’t recommended.
Finally the place smelt like VOMIT the entire time, the shared bathrooms are filthy and had blood and vomit in them. Maybe employing backpackers who don't really want to spend their holiday cleaning up isn't the best idea.
Kind regards,
Dion.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Be careful booking a shared room, they will split you up and do nothing to help.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex H, Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 12 Feb 2020
Hi there Thank you for taking the time to review our hostel. We apologise for the issues mentioned above, we always endeavor to make our hostel a positive, fun experience for everyone. Unfortunately during falls festival, the biggest music festival in Australia, we tend to have a lot of party goers and the cleanliness of the hostel can be effected late at night as housekeeping only work business hours. Regards Nomads Management
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My friends and I recently stayed. On arrival the desks were not manned and there were a dozen or more photocopies of peoples passports for anyone to see. The place stank, the kitchen was atrociously dirty and the fridge doors didn’t even close.
Having checked in at about 6pm, we returned to our room about 10.30pm to find the room was overbooked and we had to be moved to another room. The photocopies of people’s passports were still on the front desk! Do not allow them to copy your I’d. There were bugs in the room and the bunks were literally held together by electrical tape.
Do not under any circumstances pay to hire their bikes - no brakes, no gears and about to fail in some way. The activities board advertised is pretty misleading- next to no activities happen as advertised.
Bitterly disappointed by how expensive this place was and how appalling the set up is.
Having checked in at about 6pm, we returned to our room about 10.30pm to find the room was overbooked and we had to be moved to another room. The photocopies of people’s passports were still on the front desk! Do not allow them to copy your I’d. There were bugs in the room and the bunks were literally held together by electrical tape.
Do not under any circumstances pay to hire their bikes - no brakes, no gears and about to fail in some way. The activities board advertised is pretty misleading- next to no activities happen as advertised.
Bitterly disappointed by how expensive this place was and how appalling the set up is.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex H, Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 12 Feb 2020
Hi Sheila, Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback - we are sorry to hear you had a stay as above. Mistakes such as these are not a common occurrence and we have spoken with the staff on that night. We hope that your stay in Byron was wonderful either way. Management
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed at Nomads Byron Bay and it was great! Staff were great and super helpful and the rooms were lovely. There's a great courtyard, sauna and activities for all kinds of travellers. It's in such a central location too - walking distance to everything you could ever want. Thanks again Nomads Byron!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NomadsByronBay, Receptionist at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 22 Jan 2020
Hello Georgia, Thanks for your amazing review! We are very glad to hear that you had an awesome time in our hostel, and thanks for leaving your compliment about our facilities or activities. We hope to see you again soon, Safe Travel. Cheers Nomads.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you like it busy, a lot of partying and to meet people, this is the place for u. We loved our stay here because everyone were so friendly. The kitchen was quite small, but it wasn’t to bad. It was music playing in the kitchen from morning to evening, and also at the chilling area. The rooms were great, everyday cleaning. The greatest Nomads we’ve stayed at!!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex Harper, General Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 22 Feb 2020
Hey Ella! So glad you had a rad stay with us in Byron, we love our hostel just as much as you do. Great to have you here mate!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seriously the dirtiest place we have ever stayed in. Had dirty sheets in our beds when we arrived and the rooms have probably never been cleaned... The toilets and showers are filthy, every morning someone had thrown up somewhere, in the sink, on the floor... The so called kitchen is a mess and smells BAD. Used the washing machine but probably shouldn't have because the clothes were as dirty after the wash as they were before.
Probably a really good place to 20-year-old party animals but if you're not planning on getting wasted every single day, this is not the place for you. Location is good though.
Probably a really good place to 20-year-old party animals but if you're not planning on getting wasted every single day, this is not the place for you. Location is good though.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex H, Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 12 Feb 2020
Hi Susanna Thanks for taking the time to reach out, it saddens us to hear you had such an experience here as we always try and ensure everyone has a positive stay. During your stay was Falls festival, the biggest festival in Australia. Unfortunately, with 200 of our guests attending, coming back at all times throughout the day and night, the hostel can be crowded and cleanliness outside of housekeeping hours can be affected. We apologise for any of our party-going pals! Nomads
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing vibes in Byron bay. I’m happy every day in this wonderful hostel with wonderful julia and her good vibes. Gonna miss you Byron. Nomads is in the Centre of Byron on a perfect location and it is really clean
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex H, Manager at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Responded 12 Feb 2020
Hey Sandrah! Thanks for taking the time to review us here at Nomads, we are so glad you had a great time. Look forward to having you again soon, Nomads team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Towels can be hired for 15 dollar (5 dollar hire and 10 dollar bond). All bedding is supplied (sheets, pillowcase, doona + cover)
Sheets, doona & pillows
Hi Lauren W,
Yes we certainly do have mini-fridges in our King rooms. However we don't have them in our other room types. We have a kitchen that has fridges that can be used by all guests.
We supply towels in our King rooms, however not in our other room types. For the other room types, they can be rented for a $5 fee and $10 deposit.
I hope that helps you with your enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information?
Kind regards,
Sam
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ALSO KNOWN AS
nomads byron bay hotel byron bay
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Nomads Odyssey
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesByron ShireByron Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
250
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Lets Go Surfing Byron Bay (0.2 km), Byron Bay Farmers Market (0.2 km), and Otherworld (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a hot tub, laundry service, and internet access.
Which room amenities are available at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Yes, paid public parking on-site is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Manna Haven, Chihuahua Taqueria, and Dip.
Are any cleaning services offered at Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Is Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.