Motels have been making a major comeback in the past few years. Defying their stereotypes, many motels have unveiled new looks that feature stylish designs and well-appointed amenities. In this article, we have hand-selected the 8 boutique motels around Australia with some of the coolest personalities.
The Whale Narooma
The Whale is one of the coolest boutique motels in Narooma, Australia. Nestled above the Wagonga Inlet, it transformed an old motel into a new luxury coastal retreat. Helmed by Merivale’s design studio, the property draws heavy inspiration from the nostalgic 1970s. The 18 rooms come in a moody orange theme, each with teak furniture, a handmade bedhead, Japanese ceramic tiles, and vintage tapestries.
If you are looking for the ultimate stay, the Oceanview Penthouse boasts two bedrooms, a spacious living space, a private garden, and a rooftop garden. The centerpiece of The Whale is its heated magnesium outdoor pool, where you can take a dip and soak in the mesmerizing ocean view. During your stay, you will also have access to a sauna, an ice bath, a pickleball court, and the Queen Chow restaurant.
Motel Molly
Motel Molly is a cool boutique motel in the southern town of Mollymook, NSW. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, it turned a former motel into a pastel hideaway. Much like its facade, you will find a white and pastel palette across the interior, inspired by the likes of Palm Springs and the Mediterranean.
The hotel offers 16 guest rooms, ranging from generous suites to 3-bedroom apartments. They feel dreamy and somewhat nostalgic, each crafted beautifully with leather headboards, Moroccan-style sunken baths, and handmade ceramics. You will also find elevated amenities like Le Labo toiletries and Netflix.
Another highlight of Motel Molly is its kidney-shaped outdoor pool with lounge beds and outdoor showers. You will also have access to BBQ facilities, an outdoor dining area, and free cruiser and surfboard hire. There are no restaurants on-site, but you will find ample dining and drinking options nearby.
Surf Hotel
Surf Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Torquay, Australia. Opened in mid-2026, it transformed an 80s beachfront motel into a cool Great Ocean Road hideaway. Designed by Melbourne studio Pasquale Cook, the interior exudes a nostalgic coastal aesthetic. The 16 guest rooms each feature walnut tones, contemporary furnishings, and textured materials. The suite also has a freestanding bathtub.
The 142 sqm penthouse is a notable highlight of the hotel. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living and dining space, it offers the ultimate luxury stay for groups and families. You will also discover an exceptional restaurant inside Surf Hotel. Helmed by acclaimed chef Jo Barrett, the breezy dining room highlights regional-focused dishes. You can also enjoy a post-surf beer at the bar or lounge.
The Timothee Resort
The Timothee Resort is one of the coolest boutique motels in Western Australia. Situated in the coastal town of Busselton, it transformed the former Busselton motel into a cool getaway. Working with Bel Bon Design, the interior is reimagined with a retro Mediterranean charm. It offers 33 guest rooms in a cozy neutral palette, accented by contemporary furnishing, playful touches, and essential amenities.
The centerpiece of The Timothee Resort is its breezy outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds and beautiful checkered tiles. In addition, you will have access to multiple amenities, including a cottage kitchen, an outdoor BBQ, a tennis court, a communal laundry, bike rentals, and more. As for meals and drinks, The Curry Port is an in-house restaurant and bar that specializes in traditional Indian cuisine.
The Isla
The Isla is one of our favorite boutique motels in New South Wales. Situated in the South Coast town of Batehaven Bay, it reimagined a 1980s motel near the beachfront. The facade has been painted in a delightful white & sunset orange palette, while the interior is designed with a chic retro charm.
The 18 guest rooms and suites are cozy and playful. They are all outfitted meticulously with bespoke oak wood furnishings, contemporary decor, terrazzo touches, and brushed brass accents. You will also find well-appointed amenities such as comfy AH Beard bedding and LEIF organic bath products.
The centerpiece of the motel is none other than its serene outdoor pool, decked out in daybeds and umbrellas. The motel is also a great base camp for exploring the charming South Coast. Feel free to check out the nearby beaches such as South Broulee Beach, McKenzies Beach, and Guerilla Bay.
The Sunseeker
The Sunseeker is a moody boutique motel located on the southern side of Byron Bay, New South Wales. The chic hotel is housed inside an old brick building, formerly a motel back in the day. Inspired by its historic facade, the owners brought back the 80s nostalgia with a reimagined twist.
With the help of different local artists, craftspeople, makers, and designers, the interior showcases a moody nostalgic charm with contemporary touches. You will find elements like unique circular windows, chic furniture, pops of yellow & red, and everything in between.
The Sunseeker presents 12 beautiful guest rooms and a couple of bungalows. They are each outfitted meticulously with bespoke furnishing and handcrafted prices. They also come with plush Sherman bedding, a private patio or balcony, Leif bath amenities, a TV, fast wifi, and more.
Another notable highlight of The Sunseeker is its gorgeous kidney-shaped mineral pool, surrounded by daybeds and greeneries. You can also grab some cocktails or light bites at the tropical poolside bar. Besides, there is an in-house library and a playground that is perfect for kids.
Halcyon House
Halcyon House is a boutique motel in Cabarita, NSW. Just steps away from the beachfront, it is housed inside inside a former surf motel from the 60s. Behind the white facade, the interior evokes a Mediterranean coastal charm, featuring white & blue tones, a central pool deck, and striped loungers.
The 21 rooms & suites are all one-of-a-kind, each designed with a slightly different personality. Much like the rest of the hotel, they feature a breezy white & blue theme, complemented by bespoke furniture and fabric and hand-curated art. They each also boast a private balcony or terrace with ocean views.
River Drive Motel
River Drive Motel is a charming boutique motel in Victoria. Nestled in the town of Tarwin Lower, it revived an old-school motel alongside the Tarwin River. The facade has been painted in a beautiful sage green color, while the interior is redesigned with a stylish retro charm.
Echoing the facade, the 5 self-contained rooms also come in pale shades of green. In collaboration with Moth Design, they are outfitted meticulously with cork flooring, bespoke hardwood furniture, and curated vintage pieces and artwork. Besides, you will find well-appointed amenities including a kitchenette, Ashley & Co. bath products, a local minibar, a TV, and more.
Sitting on one acre of lush garden, River Drive Motel offers plenty of outdoor space for you to hang around and unwind. You will also have access to an outdoor shower, a BBQ, and picnic tables. Feel free to explore around the region as well, which boasts ample scenic natural attractions.
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