Justin Hemmes leads Australian motel revival with luxury redesigns
Billionaire Justin Hemmes opened The Whale, a luxury motel in Narooma, as a new generation revamps Australia's aging motels.
Billionaire hospitality entrepreneur Justin Hemmes has opened The Whale, an 18-room motel in Narooma, NSW, which opened in June 2026. The renovated property overlooks Wagonga Inlet.
The motel keeps the original 1970s structure while adding modern design, updated rooms, pools and bars. Winter occupancy has been strong, with German and Chinese visitors drawn to the retro style.
Hemmes is not alone. Across Australia, particularly on the east coast, new owners are buying neglected motels and renovating them.
They create stylish spaces that mix nostalgia with modern hospitality. Pools are being revived, rooms redesigned, and bars replace old reception desks.
This transformation has turned motels from cheap stays into desirable places.
- 1970s
- Original structure
- Wagonga Inlet
- Overlooking
Why it mattersThe motel revival shows Australian hospitality is shifting toward boutique, design-led accommodation that competes with traditional hotels, creating new travel options and investment opportunities.
AustraliaAustralians seeking accommodation now have an expanding network of reimagined motels offering lifestyle and character at competitive prices, particularly in regional coastal areas.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 d ago
