Have you heard the news? Motels are back, baby! Call it our collective obsession with nostalgia and the summer holidays of our youth, or the cost-of-living pinch requiring us to consider more budget friendly accommodation options. Whatever the reason may be, there’s no denying the humble motel is having a(nother) moment in the sun. And we couldn’t be more thrilled.
Having stayed at motels in the past (if you ever did a family road trip from Melbourne to Sydney in the late-nineties or early-noughties, you’ll know exactly the type of spots I’m thinking about), I thought I had a fair idea of what to expect when I pulled into the Keith Motel in Tootgarook on a Friday arvo. But boy, was I about to be surprised – and in the best way possible.
Formerly the Rye Beach Motel, the 16-room property underwent a huge transformation to reopen in July as the Keith Motel – a super-cool coastal lodging with a cheeky retro vibe. The cabana area – complete with festoon lighting and green-and-white striped umbrellas – grabs my attention first. This is the type of space where sun-soaked vacation memories are made. There’s a barbecue and food prep area, white Adirondack chairs and four picnic tables with room for up to eight people.
And when the weather cools, there’s even a cosy communal lounge to retreat to, with board games, a small but well-stocked library and comfy boucle couches. BYO red wine and – voilà! – the ultimate winter getaway awaits.
I’m lucky enough to be staying in a King Room, which boasts an incredibly plush king-sized bed, ensuite bathroom and giant Smart TV with Chromecast. Light, bright and spacious, there’s pops of tonal colour in the form of sage green pillows and a terracotta wood-panelled headboard, further emphasising the coastal chic vibe.
But it’s the small, welcoming touches that elevate the Keith Motel’s cool status. Each room is adorned with custom art by local artist Catherine De Boise (think beachscapes with old-school surfboards and rugged, remote-looking shorelines) and stocked with luxe body products by the Botanicals. Perhaps most importantly, there’s also a Nespresso coffee machine with Little Rebel pods in each room, so you can get your morning caffeine hit.
The history of the original site has not been lost either. Paying homage to its former incarnation, a sustainable approach was taken during the refurb, with original fixtures and fittings refreshed and repurposed where possible. Even the old brick interior walls – now painted a coat of glossy white – remain, adding to the charm.
For those travelling in a group or with little ones in tow, the Family Room is a fantastic option. It can sleep up to five people (a porta-cot can also be requested if required) and has a separate living and dining area. There are three of these specific suites available, each with a slightly different configuration – so we wouldn’t delay if you’re planning to book for this coming summer, as they’re sure to be snapped up quickly.
While the made-for-Instagram vintage vibes are reason enough to visit, we’d be remiss not to mention the excellent location and surrounding gems. Situated smack-bang in the middle of the Mornington Peninsula, there’s a plethora of attractions and activities at your fingertips. Capel Sound Beach (where you can swim, snorkel and kayak) is located directly across the road from the Keith, while popular seaside townships like Sorrento and Portsea are a short drive away.
There are golf courses galore and hot springs aplenty (hello, Alba Thermal Springs and Peninsula Hot Springs), plus enough wineries, distilleries and breweries to warrant a private chauffeur. You can even make your own candle at Red Hill Candle Co. And don’t get us started on the dining options – Audrey's and Tedesca Osteria are just some of our fancy faves.
So if the sun, sand and sea are calling your name this summer, let the Keith be your beach base to experience it all.
Time Out tip: it’s contactless check-in at the Keith, so keep your phone handy as you’ll receive your room number and access code via SMS prior to your arrival.
Leah Glynn stayed as a guest of the Keith Motel in October 2024.
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