NSW Retro Motel Roadtrip
Astor Motel reimagined by Techne / Photography Tom Blachford
Retro motels are making a comeback of late. Let’s bring back the glory days of a road trip, as we take a virtual tour of four amazing renovated motels in NSW that embrace the nostalgia of the 60s.
BLUE WATER MOTEL
We start our virtual road trip in northern NSW in the sleepy, coastal town of Kingscliff. Interior designer Jason Grant has re-imagined the Blue Water Motel giving it a cool and relaxed coastal vibe with a hint of retro. Located just steps to Kingscliff beach, the property features newly renovated rooms, saltwater swimming pool, communal kitchen, alfresco common areas, and bike hire.
The Blue Water Motel offers 17 coastal-inspired rooms, each equipped with Malin + Goetz toiletries, dedicated work station, unlimited WiFi, air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, Apple TV / Foxtel, and more.
BERRY VIEW HOTEL
The Berry View is a boutique hotel, located in the town of Berry on the NSW South Coast. This Mid-Century Modern gem has recently been refurbished, and now boasts 13 individually styled rooms which pay homage to the original 1950s architecture and bring a touch of the Palm Springs aesthetic to Berry.
Each of the rooms feature Queen size beds with crisp linens, en-suites with full-size O&M bathing products (no plastic wastage here!), air-conditioning, wi-fi and TVs along with the usual amenities such as kettle and coffee machine, tea, coffee and milk as well as irons and hairdryers. Each room is individually styled, exuding a sense of warmth with ochre tones and luxe finishes.
Over the next year the hotel plans to add a brand new building with 16 luxurious rooms, an infinity pool overlooking the hillside, communal decking area with sun lounges and firepit. Sounds exciting – we’ll be planning a stay here next year for sure!
THE ASTOR HOTEL/MOTEL
Located in Albury, the Astor Hotel is an original motel and pub from the 1960s. Technē Architecture + Interior Design have brought it back to life by refreshing the venue with bright open spaces hinting at the heydays of Palm Springs. The venue includes a public bar, beer garden, restaurant, function rooms and motel. Definitely worth the drive for a bite to eat and a drool over the eye candy of the venue and of course an obligatory selfie outside of the motel’s exterior.
Photography Tom Blachford
THE ISLA
The Isla is a boutique motel located in Batehaven on the NSW South Coast. There is a variety of rooms available, ranging from standard King size rooms to suites with seaside views or even a private plunge pool! Each room features luxury king-size beds, oak furnishings, terrazzo features and brushed brass accents.
By the pool you’ll find Cantina – a luxe communal space for guests to unwind. Think of it like a carefully curated vending machine room, complete with sparkling water on tap, an ice machine and custom vending machines with a curated collection of bespoke products including locally sourced beers, wines, cocktails, snacks and some fun extras.
While you are enjoying everything The Isla has to offer, take a dip in the pool and enjoy the BBQ facilities.
