Road trips are in for 2023, and nostalgia is never out, so we’ve made it our mission to round up the best retro motels to stay in. Live out those sentimental daydreams of neverending road trips across Victoria, the likes of which you went on when you were little, but this time it’ll be a whole lot more elevated.
Retro Palm Springs-esque motels won’t have you feeling wistful any more, as you can simply drive there within a day. Without further ado, here are the best retro motels in Victoria to stay in:
Kyneton Springs Motel
KYNETON
Perhaps the most recently renovated of the bunch, Kyneton Springs Motel has been making waves in Victoria for being the coolest little strip of Americana outside of Las Vegas itself. Harkonnening back to the nostalgic glory days of roadside accommodation, Kyneton Springs is a paragon when it comes to retro styling. Only an hour away from Melbourne in the northwest, the aesthetic alone makes the trip worth it. Think neon signage, faux-velour style carpets, colourful shape-dominated wallpaper and an old-dial telephone on the bedside table for good measure—there’s no doubt in our mind that the Kyneton Springs Motel nails the brief.
Sunnymead
AIREY'S INLET
Gracing the same postcode as the famous lighthouse from 'Round The Twist', Sunnymead is the beach-chic stay on the Bellarine Peninsula's, Airey's Inlet. Like a shining beacon off the Great Ocean Road with white-washed walls, Palm trees and orange-painted doors, this retro-style boutique has its very own solar-heated pool, in-house spa, bar and diner. The suites are all fitted with soft furnishings inspired by the 70s be it suede swivel chairs and amber glassware with wood panelling and even an in-room bar fridge.
Oval Motel
BENDIGO
Close to town, with vintage neon signage, the Oval Motel has a truly solid reputation behind it. Run by the legendary Carolyn and Gary, this motel has a longstanding history and is in one of the most convenient locations in Bendigo (you’re only a short walk from Bendigo Art Gallery). Also close to the standout Boundary Hotel and the coffeehouse known as Harvest, this little slice of heaven is kind of a big bucket list stay in Victoria.
River Drive Motel
TARWIN LOWER
Nostalgia is on the menu at River Drive Motel, it’s serving 70s chic. With 5 self-contained rooms, the motel has been recently restored and echoes the lush green habitation of its setting—a gorgeous one-acre garden. Each room has a natural and relaxing palette of earth tones, eucalyptus greens and wattle burnt golds, and there’s a plethora of works by Australian artists decorating the walls. Vintage furniture adorns the rooms, so each is truly one of a kind. It’s also only 10 minutes away from the Venus Bay beaches, and 20 minutes away from Inverloch and Fish Creek, so there’ll be plenty to do around the area.
Astor Hotel Motel
ALBURY
This one’s a bit of an honourable mention, as it’s technically just over the border. We decided to cheekily throw this one in though, just in case you’re doing a mammoth road trip from here to the edge of Victoria and need a cool and comfy place to crash. Astor Hotel Motel is a cheeky nod to the Hollywood aesthetic of yesteryear. Think palm trees, Pina Coladas and a new indoor/outdoor breezy beer garden to set the mood upon arrival. Everything from the vibrant paint job to the rooms’ furnishings has been meticulously considered to fit in with the Palm Springs-esque theme.
Check out more of the best in Victoria here:
- Best Beach Houses
- Best Romantic Stays
- Best Stays With Outdoor Baths and Hot Tubs
- Best Tiny Home Stays
Image credit: River Drive Motel | Albert Comper
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