‘I hate checking in at hotels. This funky motel finally has a solution for travellers like me’
I’ve always loathed checking in at hotels, mostly because I’m usually checking in after a long drive or flight that has left me looking awful and feeling worse.
The last thing I want to do after sitting in an economy seat for 12 hours or spilling food on myself while trying to snack on a road trip is present myself to the impeccably dressed hotel staff, in a pristine lobby, and go through check-in.
The nostalgic sign out the front of Dolphins Motel in Mollymook is impossible to miss. Maddison Skipper
So you can’t imagine how delighted I was when I learned Dolphins Motel in Mollymook has done away with the whole ordeal.
Instead of making travellers present themselves at the check-in counter as soon as they arrive, Dolphins has guests check in online the day before.
The motel then issues guests their room number and a unique access code a few hours before they’re due to arrive in the idyllic town on the NSW South Coast.
When they get there, all they need to do is punch in the code on the high-tech touchpad lock on their motel room door, and they’re in.
No more waiting in lines when a bunch of people arrive at the same time, awkward chit chat, or desperately hoping to get it done so you can finally shower.
Pulling into the Dolphins carpark on a Friday night after a three-hour drive south from Sydney, I couldn’t have been more grateful for the system.
I had done the online check-in the day before and received my code via text that morning, along with a cheerful message from manager Brenden wishing my husband and I a safe trip.
We had hoped to arrive at the motel around 7pm, but traffic had us there closer to 8pm.
The clever touch-pad locks on the room doors at Dolphins Motel won me over immediately. Maddison Skipper
I was beyond relieved that we weren’t keeping some poor worker waiting for us at reception while we were delayed.
I was also ravenous by the time we arrived at the motel and was glad that we could just put in a code, dump our bags, then go find some food.
It was the perfect start to our weekend staycation in Mollymook, and the stay only got better from there.
The accommodation
Dolphins’ delightfully nostalgic styling won me over before we even stepped through the pink front door to our Retro King room.
Designed like a classic American ‘side of the highway’ motel, guests are greeted by a huge retro sign complete with exposed bulbs and a pink and blue palette.
Every room has a small, covered sitting area out the front with a table and chairs where guests can enjoy a coffee or evening tipple, but we went straight inside.
We arrived late but room five was all lit up and ready for us as soon as we pulled into the carpark. Maddison Skipper
The rooms are all freshly renovated in earthy tones, with elevated interiors and the kind of thoughtful styling I immediately wanted to recreate in my own home.
But what about the nitty-gritty details?
The bed was king-size and plush as anything, with four soft, oversized pillows to choose from and a fluffy doona to keep away the end-of-winter chill.
The bathroom was clean and modern, with waterfall and hand-held shower heads, towel hooks placed in easy reach of the shower, and a huge drawer to make up for limited vanity space.
This was the chic Retro King room we stayed in at Dolphins Motel. Dolphins Motel
The only downside was that the shower was open-concept and didn’t have a door, which I didn’t love.
The amenities made up for that; the room had a Dyson hairdryer, a Smeg kettle, a mini-fridge, a huge smart TV, a cute reading nook instead of a full couch, and live plants.
Families and groups in need of more space can book the motel’s single spacious three-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, dining and lounge area.
Dolphins also has an outdoor ping pong table, free paddleboards and bikes for hire, and a chic outdoor pool which was too cold for me to try this time, but I have big plans for when I visit Mollymook next.
My husband and I spent about half an hour at the communal ping pong table, but I have a feeling kids would happily waste hours over it. Maddison Skipper
It was too cold to take a dip in the motel pool this time, but I have big plans for my next visit. Dolphins Motel
The only major issue we ran into during our stay was with the touch-pad door locks I adored so much.
In the morning, the room doors are in direct sunlight and that can cause a fault where the locks overheat and stop working, effectively locking guests out.
We had that issue on our first morning, but Brenden was able to reset the lock right away from his phone, and we were back in the room in no time.
He also confirmed the team are working to get the fault fixed ASAP.
The food
If I wasn’t already enjoying my stay, breakfast at Dolly’s Café on-site the next morning really had me loving Dolphins.
The space itself is a bit small and pokey, but the food was utterly divine.
Dolly’s Cafe in Mollymook is well worth a visit for breakfast. Maddison Skipper
I had the avocado flat bread with goat’s fetta, lemon, pippari and pistachio pesto on the first morning, then opted for something sweet with the ricotta hotcakes drizzled in maple syrup and passionfruit curd on day two.
Not only were both dishes delicious, the serving sizes were very generous, which isn’t always guaranteed.
The coffee was good, but I’d recommend the delicious Tart smoothie to anyone who wants a morning kick minus the caffeine.
Guests who don’t want a full sit-down breakfast need not worry either; Dolly’s Café has a huge display fridge with fresh-baked muffins, sandwiches, drinks and more for anyone who likes to eat on the go.
Brownies, croissants, muffins, savory sandwiches and overnight oats are always ready to go for diners in a rush. Maddison Skipper
The café does lunch as well, but if you’re after something different or need a good spot for dinner, there’s plenty around.
Mollymook Golf Club around the corner offers classic pub fare in a clean, relaxed setting, and The Rooftop Bar & Grill at Bannister’s Hotel is a five-minute drive away and is a great spot for drinks and bar bites.
If you’re looking for something really chic, head 10 minutes down the road to Cupitt’s Estate for a meal, or Rick Stein at Bannisters for unreal seafood and ocean views.
Visit Cupitt’s Estate for a meal and a drink just 10 minutes from Mollymook. Maddison Skipper
Those willing to venture a little further afield to Milton can try the seasonal menu at Milk HAUS, which is set in a restored farmhouse, Pilgrims Café for plant-based dining, Nomah for a taste of the Middle East, or go old-school at The Milton Hotel.
Things to do in and around Mollymook
Like so many towns on the NSW South Coast, Mollymook is ideal for a weekend staycation, especially in the shoulder season before the summer boom.
Located just three hours from Sydney and Canberra, it boasts warm days, clear skies and very reasonable prices in autumn and spring.
I’ll definitely be visiting Dolphins Motel again. Maddison Skipper
For example, Dolphins Motel’s nightly room rates start from $330 mid-week to $519 on weekends for a Retro King in summer, but drop to just $239 mid-week to $359 on weekends in winter.
The ocean is one of Mollymook’s main attractions and tourists can make the most of it whale watching, paddleboarding, or even swimming for those brave enough to take a dip in the chilly South Coast swell.
Mollymook beach is covered in soft white sand, so those unwilling to get wet can spend a day strolling the shore or letting the kids built sandcastles.
You don’t have to wait for summer to visit Mollymook’s idyllic beaches. stanciuc
Families can also hop in the car for a 50-minute drive to visit Mogo Wildlife Park for a day, which is sure to keep even the rowdiest tots entertained.
Other attractions include Mollymook’s award-winning local golf club, wellness venues like Spa by the Sea at Bannisters, and the Lions Mollymook Beach Market, which you can catch on Sunday morning before starting the drive home.
The writer stayed as a guest of Dolphins Motel.
