Sunnymead Hotel: A refurbishment full of fun, colour and personality
Taking inspiration from Australia's love affair with the classic ‘beach vibe’ motel to create a highly desirable destination
The recent refurbishment of a Great Ocean Road boutique accommodation not only breathed new life into a classic Victorian motel but also injected fun, warmth, and an “always sunny feel”.
Sunnymead Hotel co-owner Damien Cerantonio took over the property and began refurbishments in April 2022, welcoming guests in December 2022. More recently its transformed conference space, now Santara Restaurant was revealed along with the new Indie Spa, which was once its manager’s residence.
Hotel Marketing Coordinator Lucy Cameron told AccomNews: “We took inspiration from Australia’s love affair with the classic ‘beach vibe’ motel to create a highly desirable destination while reinventing the nostalgic road trip holiday.”
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To do this, the whole property underwent a significant re-brand, from new signage and fresh exteriors to the “Palm Springs-inspired” landscaping and a refreshed outdoor pool area that showcases a new fire pit, pizza oven, and the new Sunnies pool bar.
‘Nostalgic beach motel’ was the design inspiration, and the hotel’s interiors feature a distinct and joyful colour palette, retro-inspired furnishings, funky velvet swivel chairs, patterned bathrobes, and fun card games.
“We are especially proud of the refurbishment of all 20 of our guestrooms and ensuite bathrooms,” said Lucy.
“Our guests now enjoy smart TVs, comfortable beds, modern facilities, bespoke amenities, a curated local mini bar, and local bathroom products.”
The clean and classic guestroom décor is complemented with splashes of sunny shades of yellow and orange, adding richness and personality to cooler neutral tones. A central feature of the room is the luxurious bed, adorned with classy white quality bed linen supplied by Jason Commercial.
Lucy said: “Jason Commercial supplied the mattress protectors, fitted, flat and top sheets, pillowcases and pillows. Our housekeeping manager had worked with them for several years and always found them to be timely, efficient, and extremely helpful. They ensured we met our opening date, and the high quality of their products exceeded expectations.
She added: “We believe design is in the detail, it’s the small thoughtful touches throughout our hotel that create memorable experiences, and we are beyond excited to share our sun-filled hotel with guests so they can make wonderful memories.”
Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
