The best motels in NSW worth the road trip

The Sunseeker opened its (newly designer doors) in the popular beach town of Byron Bay back in early 2021. Designed as a collaboration between a group of local creatives, this 20-room motel-turned-boutique-hotel on one of the main roads out of Byron quickly gained a following for its architecturally stunning library and ultra Instagrammable kidney-shaped mineral pool. Accommodation options range from relatively compact (no less beautiful) queen sized rooms to a self-contained wood-clad bungalow hidden between the palm trees.

Distance from Sydney: 8 hours

Located just a few sandy steps from the sparkling shores of Mollymook Beach, Motel Molly is the reimagined motel that girls' trip dreams are made of. Pretty fringed umbrellas shade the pool and rooms are kitted out with pastel pink Smeg fridges, Le Labo amenities and soft, fluffy robes. Bicycles and surfboards can be borrowed from reception, so you can check in for the weekend and spend a few breezy days between the beach and the pool deck.

Distance from Sydney: 3 hours

As the name would suggest, this sun-soaked stay is perched on the crest of a hill, with stunning views across the Sapphire Coast. A site-wide renovation in 2022 breathed new life into the 50-year-old motel, with a clean, contemporary aesthetic elevated with joyfully retro ’70s touches and the swimming pool and tennis court fully refreshed for your holiday playtime. We’d strongly suggest booking in for an oyster tour with Merimbula Oyster Tours while you’re here – the oysters in the region are famously among the best you’ll taste in NSW.

Distance from Sydney: 6 hours

Fringed by retro umbrellas, and accessible via an ’80s style lounge and communal dining space, The Isla’s sun-soaked swimming pool is its main calling card. But the 18 guest rooms – designed by award-winning Those Architects – are just as beautiful, each featuring bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo tiles, brushed brass accents and perfectly crafted A.H Beard beds. There’s an on-site ‘Cantina’ stocked with locally sourced drinks and snacks, and you’re a few minutes walk from the ocean and the cafés and pubs of Batemans Bay – everything you need from your beach holiday, right at your fingertips.

Distance from Sydney: 4 hours

This Blue Mountains motel was transformed into a luxury, mid-century modern-inspired stay back in 2021. Home to a sauna, tennis courts and a hot tub under the stars, as well as an exceptional on-site restaurant, it’s quickly become one of the most beloved hotels in the Blue Mountains. And just an hour and a half from Sydney, it’s an excellent option for a winter weekender. Borrow some electric bikes from reception and spend a weekend exploring the charming nearby towns, or head out on one of the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains.

Distance from Sydney: 1.5 hours

One of the newest additions to the line-up is Casita: an intimate reimagined motel in the NSW South Coast town of Batemans Bay. Brought to life by the people behind The Isla (located just around the corner), Casita (which means ‘house’ in Spanish) is home to seven retro-themed, two-bedroom suites. With private courtyards, on-site laundry, a communal barbeque area and super easy access to the beach and a big fenced playground, this is the ultimate home away from home for travelling families.

Distance from Sydney: 4 hours

In 2024, a humble motel in a quiet corner of Mudgee reopened as The Clairfield: a gorgeous boutique hotel complete with 57 designer bedrooms, a luxe wellness centre, an excellent farm-to-table restaurant and a beautiful outdoor pool. Many of Mudgee’s magical vineyards, beautiful hiking trails and foodie hotspots are within easy driving or walking distance, but we wouldn’t blame you for checking in and staying put – this one’s the kind of oasis-style stay that you won’t want to leave.

Distance from Sydney: 3.5 hours