Waves Byron Bay in Byron Bay

Want drama? This is the place. I stayed at Hibiscus but checked out at Waves. I attempted to hand my keys directly to reception but instead was told to put it in a bowl overflowing with dozens of other keys. She refused to touch them or to find out which room was checking out, just told to drop keys in the bowl. I did as instructed and left for the airport. Later that evening, after my flight had landed, I received a notification that the hotel had taken a sum of money from my credit card. I called immediately and was met with rudeness as a girl bluntly stated: “You didn’t return your keys.” I explained that I had, and that the staff member had offered no procedure beyond the bowl. Still, I was repeatedly told they couldn’t find them, as if that were somehow my fault?! I emailed management and insisted they review their security footage, warning that I would dispute the charge as fraudulent. The next day, the transaction disappeared. I've travelled for 15+ years, and this takes top spot for worst checkout experience. This hotel needs to fix their basic checkout protocols and find employees with better customer service!

Generally OK but disappointed that a curry smell obviously left by other guests was allowed to linger in the cupboards and the room was provided in that state I still have a curry smell in my bag that was in the room 2 months on. Otherwise amenities are fine