What do Australia’s favourite motels have in common?
Think nostalgia, simplicity with modern technology, location, cool aesthetics, accessibility, pets & exciting add-ons
There’s no denying that the humble motel has had a renaissance. What was once largely thought of as a road trip stopover, a number of Australian motels have become must-visit locations for tourists looking for a return to simplicity.
A recent study by Wotif has shown that the number of Aussies considering a motel for their next trip is up by 75 percent in the post-pandemic environment. Additionally, demand for beach motels has jumped, with an increase of over 35 percent.
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Recently Advance Market Analytics also released a research publication on “Global Beach Hotels Market Insights, to 2027” identifying new evolving Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities generated by targeting market-associated stakeholders and showing the growth of the Beach Hotels market was mainly driven by the increasing R&D spending across the world.
The report finds beach motels are “remarkably popular among honeymoon couples as well as offering many activities such as water sports, hiking and surfing, and biking with amenities like physical fitness spa services”. A beach hotel offers mental rejuvenation and the report found they are the preference of travellers to peaceful areas with indications of an increasing global trend towards the beach hotels market over the coming years.
To hone in on the motel trends for 2023, AccomNews has examined some of the most popular motels in Australia to determine what matters to guests
Modern meets nostalgia
The spike in popularity seen by motels since the COVID-19 pandemic can be linked to a trend of “simplicity” with holidaymakers appearing to be revisiting holiday experiences from their own childhoods.
For motels, tapping into this sense of nostalgia is key to success, but some of Australia’s most popular motels also ensure they cater to the modern-day guest.
For inspiration, The Isla in Bateman’s Bay is a perfect example of a motel that has embraced the charm of a retro motel while embracing all the mod cons.
Keep guests entertained with smart televisions in motel rooms and Bluetooth stereos that allow guests to enjoy their own music. For motels in areas that experience extreme weather, also consider your climate control options to ensure guests are comfortable year-round.
Make it “Instagrammable”
From NSW’s Motel Molly with its Moroccan-themed decor to The Pink Hotel Coolangatta, it is clear that your motel’s aesthetic appeal is important to guests.
Having an eye-catching backdrop or considered decor is sure to pique the interest of social-media-savvy guests and ensure a steady flow of organic social media exposure for your business.
For The Pink Hotel, embracing its retro roots has ensured its longevity while The Brunswick and Loea Boutique Hotel have embraced a calm, neutral aesthetic that encourages guests to unwind.
Do something different
For motels in holiday hotspots, standing out from the competition is essential. For the Chalet Motel in popular Brunswick Heads, the decision to be pet-friendly means they are the top choice for guests travelling with a four-legged companion.
Consider how to appeal to a wider range of guests. Think accessibility, alternative food options and exciting add-ons such as electric scooters or bikes to rent.
Read more about the humble motel HERE
Read more about Motel Molly HERE
Read more about Advance Market Analytics HERE
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