Australia's coolest motels: From daggy to cool, the humble motel has made a comeback

David Stubbs, co-owner of the head-turning Berry View Hotel on the NSW South Coast, said his motel conversion is filled with childhood nostalgia reminiscent of a time when families would buckle up and head off on road trips up and down the coast.

"It's what drew us to the property in the first place, run down as it was, because we could see what it could be. The [classic] Palm Springs [California] aesthetic transports you somewhere else while also offering a distinct character and history, unlike a new build hotel."

So, with the help of Traveller on Sunday's guide, pack up the car and take yourself on a nostalgic road trip to these 10 cleverly revamped, at times downright affordable, motels that are again switching on the neon across Australia. And while some of them may call themselves hotels these days, we reckon they're still motels at heart.

THE ASTOR HOTEL MOTEL, ALBURY, NSW

NOW

This Palm Springs (there it goes again) inspired motel with Las Vegas-style neon sign to boot has been restored to its mid-century roots in the border town of Albury.

THEN

There were once 17 Astor branded motels across NSW, including this 60s-era motel beside the old Hume Highway. It was bought in 2019 by hotelier Peter Griffiths, owner of Goulburn's Astor Hotel Motel, in a dreary yet potential-rich state.

THE LOWDOWN

If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain (mean Albury rainfall is a manageable 691.1 millimetres) you'll feel right at home at this revived retro gem by Melbourne-based Techne Architecture+Interior Design, responsible for the makeover of Melbourne's The Espy and the Village Belle Hotel. Expect a candy coloured façade, contemporary bistro, bar, coffee cart and breezy all-weather beer garden with custom terrazzo flooring, breeze blocks and palm trees. The 40 three-star drive-up rooms are next in line for a full spruce up.

DON'T MISS

Explore the combined Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk (visitnsw.com) showcasing Indigenous outdoor art along the banks of the Murray River.

ESSENTIALS

From $99 a night, 641 Young St, Albury, NSW. See astorhotelalbury.com.au

THE MYSA MOTEL, PALM BEACH, QLD

NOW

The Mysa (pronounced mee-sa) brings a 60s southern Californian vibe and strong sustainability ethos to Palm Beach.

THEN

The old Palm Trees Motel was looking more than a little tired when husband and wife Eliza and Jason Raine bought it in 2019, embarking on a painstaking two-year renovation by hand. Think blonde brick, multi-patterned bedspreads and low ceilings.

THE LOWDOWN

Slim Aarons, the American photographer who documented Palm Springs in its heyday, would likely feel right at home at this restored 80s classic with seven pastel-hued rooms (and one two-storey suite). Guests can refill water bottles thanks to self-filtering taps and rest easy knowing the motel is solar powered and uses rainwater for toilets and gardens. Expect pink fibreglass sun loungers, breeze blocks and a magnesium infused pool favoured by the Instagram set.

DON'T MISS

The eye-catching pink neon sign made by Queensland Neon, creator of most of the Gold Coast's glitzy neon signage.

ESSENTIALS

From $220 a night, 1100 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, Qld. See themysamotel.com

THE KYAH BOUTIQUE HOTEL, BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW

NOW

This reimagined motel from the 1970s has been transformed into a stylish pastel-hued retreat with a swanky onsite restaurant and bar underpinned by sophisticated simplicity and a locally driven menu.

THEN

Originally opened as Redleaf Lodge in 1923, the property morphed into the popular Redleaf Resort in 1973 before becoming a Comfort Inn with a bagged yellow exterior and chequered teal green carpet.

THE LOWDOWN

Kyah (an amalgam of the first letters of the owners' four children's names) has 46 rooms in three separate accommodation buildings (each named after one of Katoomba's famed Three Sisters); a cactus fronted lobby and onsite restaurant and bar, Blaq, where you can dine looking out over a century-old cherry blossom tree. This family-owned hotel offers a cutting edge rather than kitsch design which is both Palm Springs and art deco inspired. Expect archways, curves and luxe touches like velvet chairs and indoor and outdoor fireplaces evoking a sense of warmth befitting its mountain locale. Minibars are stocked with locally produced snacks and drinks including Negronis by Karu Distillery and tinnies by Katoomba brewery Mountain Culture. Look out for stage two of the revamp which will see the introduction of a produce garden, resident farm animals, alfresco gym, indoor heated pool and resurfacing of the original tennis court.

DON'T MISS

Take in the nearby deep canyons of the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap Lookout then return to Blaq for a Smoked Maple Old Fashioned delivered with a theatrical twist.

ESSENTIALS

From $210 a night (there are some pet-friendly rooms), 13-17 Brightlands Avenue, Blackheath, NSW. See thekyah.com.au

BLUE WATER MOTEL, KINGSCLIFF, NSW

NOW

Renowned interior stylist and designer Jason Grant has recast this '80s motel in the Tweed Valley of northernmost NSW with a look that pays homage to Kingscliff's relaxed coastal vibe and its retro past. Think classic lettering, coastal hues in duck egg blue and lemon, fringed sun umbrellas and a kidney-shaped saltwater pool.

THEN

Built in 1985 the former owners operated this old school motel for 28 years. It had a blue exterior with a minimal, bordering on sparse, style.

THE LOWDOWN

Steps from Dreamtime Beach at Kingscliff's northern end, the 17 renovated rooms offer dedicated workstation, Wi-fi, air-conditioning, Malin + Goetz toiletries and smart TVs. Inviting alfresco spaces with playful swings and bike hire await. Dogs are welcome.

DON'T MISS

Cycle to Taverna Greek Restaurant (taverna.net.au) for lunch and head to Farm and Co for fields of Instagram-worthy sunflowers.

ESSENTIALS

From $290 a night for a queen deluxe room with courtyard. 129 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff, NSW. See thebluewatermotel.com.au

WARBURTON MOTEL, WARBURTON, VIC

NOW

In slow decline since opening in 1966, "The Warby" in the Yarra Valley, north-east of Melbourne, has been given a tasteful makeover complete with hammocks, firepit, crisp white linen, eco-friendly toiletries, vegan mini-bar items, breeze block wine bar, macrame wall hangings and pops of lime and tangerine.

THEN

Remarkably, the 12-room Warby had never had a refurbishment until new custodians and mid-century fans Simone and Richard Stanwix bought the two-storey motel in 2017, preserving its retro charm including the pastel shower cubicles.

THE LOWDOWN

Hemmed by towering beech trees with glorious mountain vistas, this vegan-run (yes, you read right) motel connects guests to its vintage roots and the environment. Rooms feature front and back doors while there are no shared corridors nor a bitumen carpark adding to its earthy feel; spinning vinyl and fireside chatting are the only things to break the silence.

DON'T MISS

A stroll down the tree-lined driveway and along a riverside pathway or river tube into town with Bike and Hike (www.bikeandhike.com.au)

ESSENTIALS

From $150 a night, 4 Donna Buang Road, Warburton, Vic. See warburtonmotel.com.au

KYNETON SPRINGS MOTEL, VICTORIA

NOW

Peel off the Calder Highway an hour north of Melbourne for this 3.5-star motel with authentic 1960s feel including - wait for it - breakfast hatch service.

THEN

Previously the Gingerbread Motel and Kyneton Motel, this '60s gem was taken over by Cathy Foote (a former restaurateur and artist) in 2014. At one time it sported a brown brick exterior with a gingerbread logo.

TELL ME MORE

The eight-room (soon to be 20-room) motel on historic Piper Street is an ode to the classic California road trip. Guests are greeted by towering cotton palms, white exterior, peach coloured doors, a curated edit of 1960s artwork, custom retro sign and cosy rooms with original speckled gold laminate bathroom cabinetry.

DON'T MISS

Kyneton is home to celebrated restaurants, cafes and bars but you can't miss the vintage-style breakfast (fried eggs on square white toast, anyone?) cooked to order and delivered through yourvown breakfast hatch. It doesn't get more retro than this. Cocktails, beer or wine can also be enjoyed in-room and brown bag lunches are available.

ESSENTIALS

From $130 a night, 101 Piper Street, Kyneton, Vic. See kynetonspringsmotel.com

SURFSIDE MOTEL, YEPPOON, QLD

NOW

Lashings of white paint and rattan have transformed this classic beachfront motel into a laidback boho pad with eye-catching palm-fringed exterior.

THEN

Opened in 1958, the original Surfside Motel was a lurid lime green, classic low-set motel with drive-up rooms and loud floral and striped bedspreads.

TELL ME MORE

Located on Yeppoon's beachfront, this 63-year-old motel has had a complete makeover by owners Kylie and Trevor Thomasson. The British colonial meets the tropics aesthetic includes rattan porch swings, striped sun umbrellas, retro bikes and a cute guest laundry. All 13 rooms have their own ensuite, kitchenette, air conditioning Wi-fi, smart TV and parking space. Pick of the bunch is the newly-built "Pandanus Room" with sparkling ocean vistas from its private verandah. There's also a private pool and barbecue area. A neighbouring beachfront house, created by the same owners, is set to open in June.

DON'T MISS

A dip in the Yeppoon Lagoon or a day trip to Great Keppel Island a 30-minute ferry ride away.

ESSENTIALS

From $170 a night, 30 Anzac Parade, Yeppoon, Qld. See yeppoonsurfsidemotel.com.au

THE BEACH ROOMS, NAMBUCCA HEADS, NSW

NOW

This striking timber, white and monochrome motel sits atop a hill with expansive ocean and Nambucca River vistas.

THEN

Once considered Nambucca Valley's finest place to stay with a tagline "the motel with million-dollar views", The Blue Dolphin was a local icon. Before its purchase in 2019 by Shannon and Paul Scott it was occupied by squatters and was in a sorry state.

TELL ME MORE

A complete renovation has transformed the Beach Rooms into a chic coastal abode with all-white exterior, timber-slatted reception, black balustrading, inviting pool and 24 contemporary rooms. A further three rooms and a lift will be added to the motel which opened in mid- 2021.

DON'T MISS

A sunset stroll out to the V-Wall (visitnsw.com) followed by sundowners at the V Wall Pavilion (vwallpavilion.com.au) and pizza at Matilda's (matildas.broads.com.au)

ESSENTIALS

From $140 a night, 6-10 Fraser Street, Nambucca Heads. See thebeachrooms.com.au

BERRY VIEW HOTEL, NSW

NOW

This 13-room property celebrates its mid-century roots while bringing - you guessed it – a Palm Springs aesthetic to the NSW South Coast.

THEN

This neglected 50s-era drive-in motor inn, formerly known as The Bangalee Motel, was tired, overgrown and in dire need of a renovation rescue. Patchwork bedspreads, blue carpet and heavy mahogany furniture featured prominently while the pool had become a swamp.

TELL ME MORE

Out with the faded orange exterior, in with a fresh white facade juxtaposed by burnt orange doors and mother-in-law's tongue greenery. Individually styled rooms feature queen beds with white linen, aged oak floors, ochre tones, sheer linen curtains, ensuite with fashionable O&M (Original & Mineral Australia) amenities, air-conditioning, Wi-fi and TV. A further 18 luxurious rooms, firepit and infinity pool with communal deck and sun loungers will open over the next 14 months.

DON'T MISS

Explore the Werri Beach rock pools followed by a cold ale at the historic Berry Hotel.

ESSENTIALS

From $245 a night, 180 Queen Street, Berry, NSW. See theberryview.com.au

HOTELMOTEL, ADELAIDE, SA

NOW

A fresh take on the classic motel, HotelMOTEL underwent an extensive nine-month renovation unveiling a contemporary retro offering in September last year.

THEN

Built in the 1960s, this motel had various guises with the most recent being the South Terrace Motel. Featuring a drab brick building with an uninviting pool, it was described by a past guest as "tired and in dire need of updating".

TELL ME MORE

HotelMotel is part of Event's new Independent Collection and second offering in Adelaide's South Terrace Precinct. Sixty-one stylish rooms behind orange doors sport plush beds, espresso machines, Wi-fi, smart TVs, matte black finishes with pops of navy and terracotta. The motel's original footprint, popcorn ceilings and drive-up parking were preserved in the redesign by Studio Nine Architects as was the feel and affordability synonymous with roadside motels.

DON'T MISS

Located on the city's southern edge opposite Adelaide Park, explore parks and gardens or stroll to Adelaide Central Market 15 minutes' away.

ESSENTIALS

From $125 a night, 215 South Terrace, Adelaide. See independentcollection.com.au

FIVE THINGS WE'LL ALWAYS LOVE ABOUT MOTELS

THE BREAKFAST HATCH

There was nothing more thrilling than hanging out your breakfast order and having eggs, toast in slightly greasy paper bags and cereal boxes delivered through the breakfast hatch at a time of your choosing (well, as long as it was before 9am).

KIDNEY-SHAPED SWIMMING POOLS

Dad had no choice but to pull in if a motel advertised a swimming pool – kidney-shaped with enough chlorine to turn your hair green was the flavour of the day.

HYGIENE SASHES

Hugely ahead of its time considering what befell us in early 2020, a paper hygiene "sash" across the toilet seat and little plastic wrapped soaps reassured travellers their room was spotlessly clean.

IN WALL (OR WINDOW) AIR-CONDITIONERS

Travellers embraced motel air-conditioning even if they were loud box and rattling units at a time when few homes or cars had it.

EASY ACCESS AND FREE PARKING

Motels typically offered convenient drive-up rooms opening directly onto a car spot. It made unpacking a breeze but ran the risk of vehicle headlights illuminating your bedroom from late arriving guests.