Andrew and Lucy Pink, Scott Armstrong open Motel Caloundra
Take the first look inside the Sunshine Coast’s new boutique accommodation offering which has undergone a transformation from a “shell” of a building into a stylish haven.
Sunshine Coast
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A hospitality baron and husband-and-wife team experienced in renovations are reopening an iconic 1970s Caloundra motel after transforming it into a “haven of style and tranquillity”.
The interior and exterior of Caloundra City Centre Motel have been completely redesigned over the past four months to prepare for its reopening as Motel Caloundra on Friday, September 29.
The couple behind the Insta-famous Loea Boutique Hotel – Andrew and Lucy Pink – partnered with Maeva Hospitality managing director Scott Armstrong to take on the major renovation project.
The motel was a “concrete shell of a building” before they started renovations in May, 2023, Mr Pink said.
Asbestos had to be removed and while it was challenging to work with a tight site, the motel now has a spacious and clean atmosphere.
Mr Armstrong said after the motel was given some love, it was now a contemporary space for both the corporate and leisure market.
After stripping the building back to concrete, the Pink couple and Mr Armstrong redesigned and installed a new deluxe interior and exterior, including kingsize beds, smart TVs and family rooms.
Mr Pink said he wanted to create an affordable, comfortable, sustainable and boutique accommodation with a clean and modern design.
It is the third motel renovation for the Pinks – who transformed the Riverpark Maroochy Motel to the now Insta-famous Loea Boutique and redesigned the heritage Maleny Lodge.
The Loea Boutique Hotel was flipped in 2019, shortly after the couple moved from the UK, and has since garnered more than 12,800 followers on Instagram.
Mr Armstrong is the owner of several Sunshine Coast hospitality establishments including the Brightwater Hotel, Parklands Tavern and Baringa Tavern, and is also working on the Bli Bli Hotel.
Mr Armstrong is the owner of several Sunshine Coast hospitality establishments including the Brightwater Hotel, Parklands Tavern and Baringa Tavern, and is also working on the Bli Bli Hotel.
The motel aims to be the Sunshine Coast’s first net-zero energy hotel, with 47 rooftop solar panels and battery packs leaving little need for external sources.
A short walk from the town centre and beaches, the motel will also offer e-scooters to enjoy Caloundra’s trails.
Located in Caloundra, which was named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town this year, the motel is opposite The Events Centre and the planned Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery.
The motel is already fully-booked for opening day.
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