Coast Yamba - Adults Only

"On this visit (our second in five years) we were allocated cabin number 4, closest to the communal outdoor spa bath and share laundry. The layout of the cabin is identical to the other three next to it, and contains everything one would need for a comfortable stay, including a fully furnished kitchenette with two hot plates and recirculating range hood fan, a thoughtfully-stocked crockery and glass selection, full-size fridge with freezer, separate dining, living and bedroom spaces, large bathroom with high ceiling and effective steam extraction fan in ceiling, comfortable couch and seats, coffee table, dining table for four, rear outdoor but private deck with table and chairs, and front deck should one wish to sit out there. A great little selection of toiletries in the bathroom and even a small handwritten welcome note and bag of Lindt chocolates on arrival. Each cabin has two bedrooms which have a door into the bathroom. The 2nd bedroom is for use by additional guests, but as we were only 2, we left the 2nd bedroom closed off and unused. There is a notice on the 2nd bedroom door with instructions and associated costs if it is used during one's stay. The flexible shower head is great and effective and the ceramic footrest built into the shower wall is handy for washing legs and feet. No issues with the hot water, which is instantaneous and uninterrupted. The kitchen tap comes fitted with a diversion hose into a water filter, and by toggling the black switch on the tap, one can either pour filtered drinking water from the filter, or tap water from the tap. Each cabin has a key lock box near its entrance door to cater for late arrival after the office has closed for the day. Rosemary was very helpful in providing us with details on how to access our key ahead of our arrival. Front and rear sliding glass balcony doors are fitted with privacy roller blinds. CY is located conveniently just up the hill a bit from town, in a one-way laneway, of a quiet neighbourhood with district views one can glimpse from the front balconies of the cabins or the car park."

Il Delfino Seaside Inn

"I don’t often write reviews, but after stays in both Byron Bay and Yamba, I felt compelled to share a clear comparison. In Byron, we stayed at Raes at Wategos — genuinely exceptional in every respect: immaculate rooms, perfect beachfront setting, included breakfast, nightly turndown service, and staff who made every detail feel personal. It’s a true five-star experience. By contrast, Il Delfino looks stylish and enjoys a great ocean view, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Despite being in roughly the same price range, it’s completely unstaffed and offers no service at all — no daily cleaning (just a light one every four days), no minibar, no room service, nothing beyond a coffee pod machine and milk in the fridge. It operates more like an Airbnb with hotel pricing. At about $1,000 a night, it feels stripped-back and impersonal — design without hospitality. If it were priced around $500, it might rate a 4/5 for its looks alone, but at this level, the value simply isn’t there. The design is elegant, yes, but the experience lacks warmth, care, and any sense of welcome. Coming straight from Raes, the contrast was stark: one is world-class; the other just looks the part. All things considered, 2 out of 5 feels generous."

Angourie Beach House - total ocean views