Motel Molly, Mollymook NSW: Review: Modern conveniences mixed with old-school beach holiday charm

Motel Molly is part Australiana, part 1950s Californian and part Porto-inspired.

CHECK-IN

A thoughtful facelift on the bones of an existing motel footprint saw Motel Molly rise like a pastel-toned phoenix on the southern swing of Mollymook Beach. The renovation has delivered a quirky yet considered modern interpretation of the coastal Australian getaway. Cacti and native shrubs punctuate the white driveway and garden, while lime vines separate pink-toned balconies. Mollymook does a lot of the heavy lifting, with its soft white sand and emerald waters, and Motel Molly offers a relaxed landing pad after a day at the beach and an enjoyable spot for a lazy morning. Mollymook, known for its great beaches and whale watching, is a bustling holiday hotspot in summer and a quiet coastal getaway the rest of the year. Three-and-a-half hours from Sydney and Canberra, Motel Molly – right down the road from the turn-off to Mollymook – is a shell's throw from the beach, with back access to a beach frontage road. It's directly opposite a playground and a hop from the local SLSC.

THE LOOK

Motel Molly's pint-sized pool.

The hotel's light pinks, yellows and greens imbue a sense of nostalgia and timelessness reminiscent of ice-cream sundaes and soft summer afternoons, which is in keeping with this gem of the Shoalhaven. Motel Molly is part Australiana, part 1950s Californian and part Porto-inspired, with Palm Springs-esque plantings, render galore and smooth curves as far as the eye can see. There's a modern sensibility here too, between the unobtrusive outdoor shower, a collection of borrowable white Schwing bikes and softboards, and the digital keyless entry to rooms. The three separate motel spaces comprising 16 rooms are separated by clever foliage and the reception block, which smells like Le Labo's Santal 33. Some units overlook the ocean, some have access to a garden, some overlook the pint-sized pool, and some can accommodate bigger groups and/or furry companions.

THE ROOM

We're staying in one of three ocean-view suits in the pink block, with sweeping views of the ocean from the balcony. It seems an oversight that the room doesn't have the bed facing towards that same view but instead facing a glowing orange street lamp. The balcony is a beautiful spot to see the sun rise or watch the sky change at night as little corellas come in to roost on powerlines and Colorbond roofs. It's peaceful and wonderful. The rooms are the same size as they were in the 1980s, when the original motel was built on this site. These days, those rooms are anchored by a king-size bed, a pink bar unit that houses a matching pink Smeg kettle and fridge, and a huge pastel purple closet. The bathroom is generous but minimalist, with a pink-tiled vanity and Moroccan-inspired tiles. The shower's curved glass wall brings the shapely vibe throughout the space. You'll smell like the Le Labo scent of choice (33) after shampooing with the sumptuous matching bath products. A few Moroccan touches by LRNCE Studio bring colour and zest.

FOOD + DRINK

The motel has no food offerings besides your in-room minibar and some vending machines, but that just provides more reason to explore the Shoalhaven culinary scene, which is bursting with options. In Mollymook, Gwylo is a must-do. The popular Asian fusion eatery is tucked away in a shopping village, with outdoor seating beneath a mural by Kentaro Yoshida. Book ahead. The local Mittagong mushrooms and crispy tofu in the mind-bending, zingy larb are transcendent, and there's always room for another cloud-like chicken bao. Wash it all down with a wasabi sour and you're good to go. Closer to Motel Molly, Mollymook Golf Club – just down the street – offers pristine views and a reliable feed over a schooner. Downtown Milton, a five-minute drive away, is home to a truly magnificent pain au chocolat from Flour Salt Water Bakery or a plate of something tangy and delicious from Small Town Food + Wine.

OUT + ABOUT

A large part of Mollymook's charm is its reputation as a sleepy beachside town; borrow Molly's surfboards and bicycles to explore. For some daytime action, head to historic Milton or the bustling Ulladulla. The Ruse in Ulladulla has the trifecta for a good night out: incredible views over Ulladulla Harbour (and of the game anglers as they pull in of an afternoon), spicy margaritas, and a tightly executed dining offering of juicy prawn tacos and moreish, generous octopus tostadas. The Milton Showground Market runs on the first Saturday of the month. And downtown Milton is packed with tiny boutiques, a great second-hand bookstore, and proud local brands such as Woodstock Chocolate Co.

THE VERDICT

An easy and quiet seaside stay, with modern conveniences and old-school charm.

HIGHLIGHT

The digital entry means there's no risk of leaving your key on the beach.

LOWLIGHT

A missed opportunity here to offer Australian tea (and thoughtful tea vessels) in the rooms.

RATING

4 stars out of 5

THE ESSENTIALS

Rooms from $299 a night for a standard suite. See motelmolly.com.au

Riley Wilson stayed as a guest of Motel Molly.