Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay — Hotel in Byron Bay

Honestly I don't know how this place is 4 stars. I read the reviews and thought wow! Little did I know..

We stayed at Ingenia Byron for 2 weekdays this week at a unpowered site. This was the worst caravan park we have ever stayed at.

For $29 a night I expect nothing but a patch of grass to sleep on without being fined by the local rangers. NOT to be injected into a low budget Mad Max film set where there are NO RULES.

About 30% of the grass sites are on an unreasonable slope. Specifically site numbers 33-77. If you are in a van or a tent, it is very uncomfortable. We did mention this to the staff at reception and they were kind enough to move us to a level site of our picking.

It was like 5 hostels in one camp ground spread out over a field of grass. Obviously many 'long term' residents living on lounges, mattresses and broken down rusty vans, much like a dump yard. The unpowered site area looked like New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The park rules state that ALL loud noise must cease from 10pm. When I was still awake at 2am both mornings I can confirm that these park 'rules' were not enforced or respected. Disrespectful backpackers playing loud music, playing the guitar and even using powertools.

The park rules also states that only 1 vehicle is permitted per site. I counted 5 vehicles staying permanently on 1 site for 48 hours+

Don't forget the park rules of NO OPEN FIRES! every night for hours on end people were throwing fire sticks around on grass sites with MANY tents around them and no care in the world. Just another bit of anxiety to add to your stay!

Almost every shower in the bathrooms had a broken handle and by 10am every morning the sinks would be clogged with pubic/beard trimmings.

Unfortunately we tried to book elsewhere immediately once we saw the state of this park but everywhere else was booked out. We were willing to forfeit our 2 nights just to get out ASAP.

Once this horrible experience was over, I mentioned it to a few other travellers and they all said that Ingenia Byron has been in that state for months and they had already reported it to the staff members. Clearly nothing has been done and it's all about...

We recently stated here over the New Years period and had a couple of issues with the park.

On the website the park advertises that it is pet friendly... Wrong! I booked the camp site 2 months ago online. Prior to booking I called the office to enquire about the site size, minimum dates required to book and PETS! I was told I was able to bring my pet because she is a small dog (a Maltese who weighs 5.5kg). I specifically asked the question as I live over 2 hours away and wouldn't have brought her if I was unsure. I got to the office to check in where I was then told dogs aren't allowed at this time of the year (it doesn't state anywhere on their website of this). After repeatedly saying that I had already spoken to someone, I was spoken down to and was told I couldn't even bring her in and sit with her in the car for the morning until my mother drove down 2 hours to pick her up and was told if she entered the park at all, we would all be kicked out. I felt as if I was accused of lying as "none of their staff would have said that I could have the dog". I will state though throughout our week I saw 2 other camp sights with dogs, one of which would have weighed over the maximum allowed weight of 10kg.

Cleanliness of the restrooms. They may have renovated since taking over management of the park. However the cleanliness of the amenities were disgusting. There is a large amount of mould build up on the shower tiles, the toilets have a constant smell of urine and from what we could tell they only got cleaned once a day (mop and toilet paper refill) - even though we stayed in one of the years peak periods. It's impossible to tell the last time they were cleaned properly.

Over the course of the week we stayed, we had spoken with a number of other camping visitors and permanent residence who have all had the same issue with the 'new management' and their customer service or lack there of. They are rude and need to review how they are treating their paying guests before they start...

I cannot recommend Ingenia Caravan Park - Byron Bay, Highly enough!!! We were visiting my father whom has Terminal Cancer and Ingenia made the stay so much easier. It really is a Home away from Home but soooo much better and it's only minutes from Cavanbah/Byron Bay Central district. We didn't want to leave! It's great for absolutely everyone Aaaaaand no need to leave the dog at home. They have a wonderful, enclosed, Dog Park. The grounds are just spectacular and there's an absolutely breathtaking and picturesque walk to the beach along a cemented and board walk with an over supply of beautiful nature and wildlife to photograph including but not limited to the beautiful Fairy Wrens (Both strikingly Blue and Strikingly Red Wrens) This park backs onto the Respected and Breathtakingly stunning Arakwal National Park. The cabins themselves are everything you could wish for and more. They have both Heating & Cooling and are all wonderfully comfy. The one we stayed in had two bathrooms and the comfiest couch! All cabins are really private and there's all the facilities you could want on site including Camp Kitchens, Pool and numerous places for the kids to play and explore. The Staff are all wonderfully friendly and approachable and will literally cater to your needs and wants. In fact, they really do go above and beyond. We will definitely be back again, and again, and again after that too and we'll be bringing the whole family on numerous occasions too. :-) Visited again in January 2023 and again, all staff are welcoming and this time we stayed in a Beach shack. Whilst small, it still radiates luxury and comfort. In fact, every form of accommodation here is super comfortable and staff go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. Even the 4 legged family are welcome. Will definitely be back again and again. And again...