'Motels are cool again': Retro roadside inns around Australia are getting a 'glam' makeover
A flashing neon sign. Outdated décor. Loud traffic noise filtering through thin walls.
Once upon a time, these were the things you'd think of when someone says 'motel'. But not anymore.
Many motels from the '60s and '70s are getting chic modern makeovers, bringing the retro accommodation into a new era.
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Mysa Motel on the Gold Coast pays homage to its roots. Supplied
Traditionally, motels weren't built to be luxurious or to offer guests an elevated experience. They were utilitarian - a place to rest your head in a convenient location.
Now, it's the unique, retro energy of these revamped motels that makes them stand out. As more Aussies choose to travel domestically rather than heading overseas, they're craving creature comforts but don't want to rely on chain hotels.
And motels are delivering in spades.
First of all, there's the convenience of being able to drive right up to your front door, without having to navigate endless mazes of hotel corridors.
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Motels across the country are getting facelifts for the modern traveller. Astor Hotel
Motels also feel more anonymous - there's no concierge, you don't pass through a lobby to reach your room every day, you're not sharing a breakfast buffet with hundreds of other tourists.
They capture the energy of freedom that we often get on road trips. But now motels are holiday destinations, not just a place to pass through.
Take the Mysa Motel, which has recently opened on the Gold Coast. Founders Jase and Eliza spent two years revamping a 1960s roadside motel to create a fresh new boutique stay - while still holding on to the vibe of its predecessor.
"Motels have soul," Eliza shared in a statement. "They have a structure, a purpose... we didn't want to just create another photogenic stay."
Motels are now holiday destinations. Supplied
She said they aimed to keep the nostalgia of old motels alive, while also showing people that "a motel can be intentional, well-designed, and deeply considered".
In construction, they repurposed many elements of the 1960s design, from breezeblocks and bricks to hardwood ceiling trusses and mosaic tiles, to keep the original motel's spirit alive.
Also on the Gold Coast, the 1970s Miami Shore Motel was given a major overhaul - updating the rooms and the pool area while still keeping the charm of the beachfront motel alive.
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The Miami Shore Motel got a facelift. Facebook / The Shores Miami
The nostalgic vibes are still there, but guests can take advantage of AI-powered self check-in, Nespresso machines, and rainfall showers.
There does seem to be a checklist that these revamped motels are all following.
Whether it's in Byron or Berry, the properties all share similar features: white stucco walls, pops of colour, pastel chairs and umbrellas by the pool, outdoor walkways, and mid-century interior design.
Surfside in Wollongong has completely refreshed its rooms. Supplied
The Astor Motel in Albury embraced the vibes of US motels for its refurbishment. Astor Motel
Though visually the motels look like they're straight out of 1950s Palm Springs, the relaxed atmosphere and laid-back energy are 100 per cent Australian. And that combo is really working for travellers.
Since the COVID pandemic, Aussies have been foregoing overseas trips to explore our own backyard. Motels are convenient, they're often locally-owned, and they're usually in a great location.
Travellers are looking for unique, fun places to stay that aren't just faceless resorts. But at the same time, we want ease and comfort.
The humble motel - updated to our modern standards - is the ideal compromise.
