These once daggy dives have ditched their dated decor for serious designer style. They may be cool and contemporary, but these revamped NSW motels have also managed to retain much of their vintage charm. To see them for yourself, make a booking and hit the road – yesteryear’s road-trippers could never have imagined they’d look so good.

Motel Molly, Mollymook, NSW

This chic retreat is the latest motel revamp to grace the NSW east coast. With sunken baths and a look and feel inspired by Mediterranean seaside getaways, the 16-room hotel has come a long way from its humble motel beginnings. Now painted in pastel hues reminiscent of the Cinque Terre coastline, Motel Molly’s rooms cluster around a freeform pool, barbecue facilities and cabana outdoor dining area – sounds like heaven to us.

Isla, Bateman’s Bay, NSW

The first thing you’ll notice when you pull into the luxurious 18-room Isla is its sunset orange doors. The 1970s motel needed more than a lick of paint to attract today’s design-conscious travellers, however. Architect-designed and curated with bespoke furnishings and art, this sleek getaway is now Palm Springs-cool. We especially love the mint-green sun loungers and vintage-look umbrellas by the pool.

Blue Water Motel, Kingscliff, NSW

When interior stylist Jason Grant turned his attention to this ‘80s hotel in need of an overhaul, he set out to create a timeless, surf-holiday feel without venturing into kitsch territory. The result is a dreamy 17-room hotel with a relaxed Australian aesthetic in a colour palette of soft greens, pale blues and white – and a tasteful retro touch or two. Blue Water Motel is located in the sleepy coastal town of Kingscliff a short walk from the beach.

The Beach Rooms, Nambucca Heads, NSW

Forget bedding down in dodgy rooms devoid of personality, The Beach Rooms has been transformed. Sitting atop a hill with amazing views over the ocean and Nambucca River, the hotel’s timber, black and white interiors give off an on-trend coastal vibe. A far cry from its days as The Blue Dolphin hotel built in the 1960s (and occupied by squatters before its purchase in 2019!).

Kyah, Blackheath, NSW

This restored 1970s gem may have retained its vintage bones, but the reinvigorated 46-room hotel is now a stylish sanctuary of serenity. Set on two acres of gardens, Art Deco detailing and old-Hollywood glamour bring the hotel into the now, but the original layout is a reminder of its more modest backstory. The best part? You can still drive in and park outside your pastel-pink room door. Kyah is also home to Blaq, a much-talked-about restaurant that showcases the wine and produce of the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas.

Berry View Hotel, Berry, NSW

This revamped 1950s motel also allows you to drive up and park outside your room, but the latest in hotel-lock-tech means you can now pre-book and access your room without stopping in at reception. Freshly painted in juicy orange and white, with stylish, bright and airy interiors, Berry View offers a fresh take on the classic motel.

The Sunseeker, Byron Bay, NSW

Drawing inspiration from world travel, beautiful design and Northern Rivers creatives, a dated brick ‘80s motel is now an eclectic, artsy, warm and welcoming place to lay your head on holidays. A mix of consciously constructed bungalows and hotel-style rooms are on offer at The Sunseeker, set in tropical gardens surrounding a classic, kidney-shaped pool – just the spot for laidback lounging and a cocktail or two.

Travel Insurance

Buying a policy for a short trip in Australia may not be something you’ve considered before, but you may want to make sure your well-being and your belongings are protected – especially if you’re flying or renting a car.

Travel Insurance Direct’s Domestic insurance has many of the same benefits that our other International policies cover (except for overseas medical bills) such as:

Cancellation

If you’ve booked a hotel or a tour and have to head back home because a family member suddenly becomes ill, for example, cover may be available for unused accommodation and transport.

Car rental

If you’re thinking of hiring a car and taking an Aussie road trip, our domestic insurance can cover some of the car hire excess if your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen.

Medical evacuation

While Medicare covers hospital stays, doctors’ services and outpatient care, the domestic plan also provides cover for medical evacuation by road or air if you need it.

Learn more about the benefits included in domestic travel insurance.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.