



Drifter Byron Bay
Byron Bay · Accommodation
(349 reviews)
A laneway address just off the main drag puts Drifter closer to the action than most Byron stays, without the noise that comes with it. Lateen Lane sits within walking distance of the beach, the cafes, and the chaos, but feels a step removed from all three. The name signals the vibe: unhurried, coastal, pitched at travellers who want comfort without the resort machinery. Without guest reviews to draw on yet, the positioning speaks for itself. This is mid-to-upper-tier Byron accommodation in a town where that bracket fills fast, particularly across summer and long weekends. Book well ahead regardless of when you're coming. Byron's accommodation market is unforgiving to the unprepared, and the central laneway location means this one won't sit empty long.
Opening Hours
Contact the business for opening hours.
Contact
- +61 1800 180 288
- thedrifter.com/byron-bay
- 1 Lateen Ln, Byron Bay NSW 2481
- View on Google Maps →
What People Say
Honestly the hostel is just alright considering the price as it’s a bit higher price than other hostels nearby. Room was a bit filthy and sandy and the rooms don’t seem throughly cleaned, as the bunk stairs and under the locker are dusty. But I liked that each bed has a curtain securing privacy as well as a private bathroom. And to be fair it’s not the hostel’s problem how dirty the guests use the room. And shoutout to Michaela, she is a really amazing staff dealing with loooots of lost and found inquiries back to back on her own and still very friendly and kind. Overall not a bad experience at Drifter!
Great location and close to everything. Cleaning - shower tab and bath tabs have a marks on them, a few hairs on the bed. Room is nice and cozy. Decorated beautifully. I booked via Egencia and it was business travel. All I need clean bed and place to sleep. I have to note the hotel looks like more as a hostel with a lots of students so it was a bit noisy at night in the corridor and constant sound of closing doors.
Located a 3min walk from Byron Beach, this Hostel offers incredibly nice, clean and modern rooms, bathrooms and communal areas. I especially enjoy the ensuite bathrooms in some of the dorms and the privacy curtains of your bed. Would always go to drifters everywhere I go as the prices are absolutely fair for what they are offering. By the way, the pool area of this hostel is amazing 😍
The hostel is 10/10 location. They gave our free drinks on a Friday and free rice/pasta in kitchen. However, the toilets and showers are SO SO SO dirty. They aren’t cleaned enough and they are permanently gross. Our rooms were never cleaned either- there’s old towels on the floor and dust everywhere. When we arrived there were hairs all over the bed sheets, they changed them after we spoke about it. The pool was amazing tho and you can drink out there which makes going out cheaper. The girl that helps book activities etc is also so lovely. Just wish it was more clean.
Such an amazing experience at Drifter. I came here for “cheap” accomodation on a quick solo trip from Sydney and I found a fully equipped resort in the centre of Byron Bay, with great vibes. The location could hardly be better. Location right in the middle of town, a few minutes walk to the main beach and to the back of town. The accomodation (shared 6-ppl dorm) was clean and well equipped, with a privacy screen, easy access storage and personal light & power plugs. The bathroom was inside the room which is a great add-on for those like me who like a little bit more comfort. The only small downside is that the air con is always on and cannot be adjusted. The communal spaces are also clean and well designed. I didn’t use the kitchen but I could see it was regularly looked after, encouraging guests to clean after themselves. The pool is just perfect for a quick plunge after a busy day exploring Byron, with plenty of lounging space to rest. The staff is present, friendly and ready to help. I was lucky enough to stay when they have both the cook up ($5 dinner) and yoga class (free). Drifter redesigns hostels and makes it enjoyable not just for backpackers but domestic travellers alike - it’s like QT but hostel-style. I’ll definitely consider to come back and try the private rooms!
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