The concept of the rustic motel was once a last resort for weary travelers to stop by for a night when they couldn't or didn't want to drive anymore. At best it's convenient, at worst it's a necessary risk. Now this beautifully renovated retro hotel has become a destination in its own right.
Anyone who has stayed in one of the original roadside motels, old or new, will know what I mean when I say they can have a “murderous” quality. You never feel safe.
Until recently, most were motels or roadside inns. But something happened. It was here that I realized the nostalgic potential of this temporary break from road trips.
When you turn up the volume on the kitsch and get AVO on the less cheerful side, great things start to happen.
Since then, motels across the country have enjoyed a renaissance.
Merimbula, about seven hours south of Sydney, is the home of oysters on the beautiful Sapphire Coast. The magnificent blue lake at sea level is home to some of the best Sydney rock you will ever taste.
And overlooking it all is the Hillcrest Motel, whose red sign on the roof atop Merimbula's highest point now turns pink in the sunlight and boasts “the best view in town”.
Check out a quick walkthrough video for Hillcrest here.
As we enter the motel's winding driveway, my eyes are obsessively drawn to the view beyond the reception's flat entrance.
From up here you can see the entire town, all the way down to the water. The entrance to Lake Merimbula lies before us, dark lines criss-crossing over dazzling blue water lined with coves, beaches and oysters.
Actually the best view in town.
Our room at Hillcrest Motel, Merimbula
Much like the view from here, at first glance not much appears to have changed in Hillcrest. This superbly located 70's Motor Inn retains many of its original features.
Park your car outside the door. When you enter the room, the minibar and bathroom are on both sides of the room entrance. You then pass through a faux art deco arch into the main room with a bed, back door and balcony.
It would have been the same about 40 years ago.
However, the difference is in the details. And the details here are profound.
The beds are now huge and comfortable, with thick sheets and beautiful Portuguese linen blankets. There's a fascinating tracery settee on a curved concrete base against one wall, and a low cane armchair against the other.
The curved bedside tables are minimalist, but more interesting than simple square boxes, and the floors are no longer carpeted, requiring less maintenance. Instead, a soft, luxurious rug hugs your feet and makes you feel at home.
This comparison of what was and what is here now makes a difference, but what is even more poignant is the contrast with the existing that is intentionally left in place.
It has a smooth polished concrete floor, but as soon as you walk in you're met with old brick paving. Shiny new white tiles cover the walls and Christmas cake brown vintage tiles on the bathroom floor.
The original teak chest of drawers and wardrobe contrast with the boho beach tongue-and-groove bead head and massive paper pendant lamp hanging in the corner.
The boxy balcony, exposing the grayish, dark brick of the building beyond the room, was untouched. That's if you don't include the fun bright red outdoor setting and, best of all, the double sliding doors. This slides back to open two-thirds of the wall to the fresh sea air.
All these improvements and innovations still allow this place to look back on its days, while still enjoying luxurious and modern comforts.
Kevin Murphy toiletries, a huge TV (already logged into Netflix), and even a set of binoculars on the side to make the most of the view, all working together toward the same message.
Other amenities at Hillcrest Motel
Of course, Hillcrest's retro luxury feel is not limited to the guest rooms. Past the cute little reception, you'll find the bar and lounge down the hallway.
Featuring mahogany wood floors and high ceilings, this spacious and airy room is the perfect place to relax.
The beach's 70s vibe is heightened by old wooden surfboards and surf culture posters on the walls. A vintage tennis racket in a wooden frame, a set of golf clubs in a bag, and Mid Century Modern furniture all add to the feel.
But the real impact of this room comes from the floor-to-ceiling windows, which expand the width of the room. Feeling more like a surf lifesaving club than ever before, the last few meters of the lounge are all glass and look out to sea. There is also an outdoor balcony and bar stools, making it the perfect place to enjoy the view while enjoying a glass of wine or beer from the inside self-service bar.
Below the lounge is a tennis court and an LA-style swimming pool for swimming. The landscaping here is more about relaxation than swimming.
For cool nights, there's a communal fire pit, and comfortable chairs and sofas dot the lawn, turning the entire outdoor space into an ideal sunset experience.
Relax at Safir House
There are no spa or wellness facilities in Hillcrest, but there is Safir House below Merimbula town. Step inside and you'll get all the vibes of a regular day spa. Subtlely scented air, soft lighting, fluffy towels and upbeat music welcome you.
But you won't find the usual massages and facial treatments here.
Safir House focuses more on the fusion of science and wellness. Services here include ice baths, infrared saunas and lymphatic drainage. This is a place to come and relax, but Safir House is also committed to encouraging health and vitality.
Riding the top of the wave hill
Hillcrest is part of a new wave of renovated motels that are cleverly decorated to evoke nostalgia while still keeping you entertained with the original feel of the motel.
Other key examples of this movement are places such as the Bannisters at Mollymook and the Araluen Motor Lodge at Bateman's Bay. With its original retro exterior, the rooms are a far cry from what they used to be.
I always feel like this motel has some charm. Like others, Hillcrest's romantic vibe is more than just what's here and now.
The romance here is historical.