Boutique hotels were always a bit chic, but now, it’s the motel’s turn to shine again.
While planning many of our recent trips, we’ve been seeing some pretty funky-looking stays popping up as we scroll through the accommodation options on sites like Agoda and Booking.com. Minimalist rooms and millennial grey is making way for pastel walls, striped pool chairs and retro fonts. And we’re here for it.
While we haven’t had the pleasure of staying at any retro boutique motels in New South Wales, these are the ones we’ve added to our bucketlist.
Kyah
Where is it? Blackheath, Blue Mountains, New South Wales.
Number of rooms: 46.
Amenities: Restaurant (Blaq), hot tubs, basketball court, games room, e-bikes and EV charging.
A touch of retro in the mountains, this Blackheath motel adds a bit of funk to your stay. From barrel-shaped hot tubs to colourful basketball courts, it’s more than just the rooms here that are cool. But don’t worry, those are too. With plenty of on-trend pale pink and sage furnishings, the rooms are chic-yet-cosy.
While we’ve only been to the restaurant here (and it was fabulous!) we have some friends who stayed over recently and highly recommend it.
🔜 We haven’t stayed here, but we’ve dined at Blaq.
Hot tip: Last time we checked, they’re offering 15% off direct booking with the coupon code SAVE15.
Book a stay: Direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
Motel Molly
Where is it? Mollymook, South Coast, New South Wales.
Number of rooms: 16.
Amenities: Pool, shared BBQ area, sauna, EV charging.
A winning combo of south coast charm and classic motel feels, Motel Molly feels like one of the original cool motels that have popped up in recent years. And we’re here for it! The motel’s cute rooms (there’s seven types to choose from!) all boast king-size beds and an adorable pastel palette. Depending on the room type you choose, you may also get a sunken Moroccan-style tub!
Hot tip: Last time we checked, they’re offering a stay-three, pay-two deal on direct bookings for stays before 2 April with the coupon code MOLLY3.
🔜 We haven’t stayed here, but it’s on our list!
Book a stay: Direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
The Cubana Resort
Where is it? Nambucca Heads, Mid-North Coast, New South Wales.
Number of rooms: 37.
Amenities: Pool, restaurant, bar, steam room, vintage bikes and gardens.
Years ago, on a trip up to Coffs Harbour, a cute, colourful motel off the side of the road caught our eye. And ever since then, we haven’t stopped thinking of visiting The Cubana Resort in Nambucca Heads. Unfortunately, it remains on our list, but we’re determined to get there soon.
This rainbow-coloured resort features stylish rooms (including family options), a pool, steam room and lush gardens. On-site, there’s also the Cubana Cantina which, contrary to the name, actually serves up Mexican cuisine (meh, it’s close enough to Cuba, right?) and has a daily happy hour.
Thought the Cubana was in Ballina? There’s actually two of them! But the one in Nambucca Heads caught our eye first.
🔜 We haven’t stayed here, but it’s on our list!
Book a stay: Direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
Halcyon House
Where is it? Cabarita Beach, Tweed Coast, New South Wales.
Number of rooms: 21.
Amenities: Pool, cold plunge, sauna, yoga, spa treatments, restaurant and bar.
One of the few retro motels to be located right at the beach, Halcyon House’s iconic blue-and-white aesthetic (with touches of vintage pink, of course, is the work of interior designer Anna Spiro. All rooms boast king-sized beds, upholstered walls and outdoor spaces. Restaurant Paper Daisy serves up eats for lunch and dinner and delicious-sounding cocktails. The Paper Daisy Bar also serves up more casual eats for those looking for something a bit simpler.
🔜 We haven’t stayed here, but it’s on our list!
Book a stay: Direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
The Berry View
Where is it? Berry, South Coast, New South Wales.
Number of rooms: 13.
Amenities: Pool,
Not far from Berry’s adorable town centre, but far enough away to have views of the surrounding meadows, the Berry View features a bakers’ dozen rooms which are each individually styled and feature balconies overlooking the countryside. But it’s the pool area that caught our eye. It’s so retro it looks like a movie set in California in the 1960s. And we’re here for it.
🔜 We haven’t stayed here, but it’s on our list!
Book a stay: Direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
The Oriana
Where is it? Orange, New South Wales.
Number of rooms: 49.
Amenities: Pool, sauna, plunge pool, restaurants, bars.
If you’re after a chic wine stay, The Oriana in Orange hits the spot. Complete with retro interiors with pops of colour, it describes itself as an insta-worthy spot There’s no shortage of places to eat or drink on site, either. The Peacock Room, The Summer Kitchen, Bella Visa Bar, Martini bar and a pool club are all waiting to satiate your holiday needs.
🔜 We haven’t stayed here, but it’s on our list!
Book a stay: Direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
