A beach motel in Mollymuck on NSW’s south coast, which opened in December after a multi-million dollar renovation, the Mediterranean-inspired Motel Motel is Australia’s latest lodge to take on the iconic retro theme.
Less than three hours from Canberra and three hours from Sydney, the design of the 16-room hotel is inspired by the pastel-hued seaside towns of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Portofino and Cinque Terre, with a Moroccan influence. It is also located a few meters from the beach.
It joins Kyah in the Blue Mountains, Mysa Motel on the Gold Coast and Blue Water Motel in Kingscliffe, Tweed, as the latest new hotel to embrace their retro roots.
The renovation is a collaboration between Knox Developments and award-winning interior design and architecture practice Richards Stanisic, responsible for renovating Sydney’s historic Rose Bay and Woollahra Hotel intersections. The project reimagines the former motel as a boutique hotel for guests who appreciate good design.
“Restoring the motel was a fine balancing act,” Richards Stanisic principal Kirsten Stanisic said in a statement. “The next chapter of the motel will celebrate the beauty of coastal Australia and create a new and exciting destination for local residents and visitors alike.
“This includes designing a unique palette that expresses the local context in a contemporary way; Soft, natural textures, muted, rich colors with subtle details and stunning patterns. The reopened motel features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and several king suites, featuring custom-designed furniture, hand-crafted tiles, artwork by local artists, and amenities from premium international brands. Guests can sample 1950s-style Smeg appliances, Lrnce handmade ceramics and textiles from Marrakech, and Le Labo Santal 26 room fragrances and toiletries. Some suites have luxurious Moroccan-style sunken bathtubs.
Outside, the motel grounds are decorated with bougainvillaea and olive trees. There is also a pool with deck chairs and loop umbrellas and a BBQ area. Minibars are stocked with local wines from Cupitt’s Estate, as well as Stone & Wood beer from award-winning Byron Bay Brewery.
Prices range from $299 a night for a standard suite to $699 a night for a three-bedroom.
motelmolly.com.au @motelmolly_
