This newly revamped Sunshine Coast boutique has net-zero in its sights
The Caloundra City Centre Motel has reopened as Motel Caloundra, a stay on the Sunshine Coast that aims to be the first net-zero offering in the region.
Stripped to its bare bones, hotel developers and designers Andrew and Lucy Pink, in partnership with Maeva Hospitality’s Scott Armstrong, have reimagined the old property, located opposite The Events Centre and the site of the proposed Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery.
The new regional gallery is an integral component of the creation of a community and creative arts hub as part of the Caloundra Centre Master Plan.
The nine-room Motel Caloundra is able to boast ‘location, location, location’, but had seen better days when the Pinks and Scott Armstrong began their modernisation of the property.
Rooms and bathrooms were ripped back to concrete and redesigned, new double-glazed windows were installed for soundproofing and insulation, and deluxe interiors – including king beds with organic cotton sheets – and smart TVs with Netflix installed.
Superior king rooms also have a private outdoor balcony and dedicated car parking space, as part of the redevelopment a family suite and apartment were also added.
Guests will have access to Oggy E-scooters (for rent) on-site to discover Caloundra’s coastal paths, and the motel is just a short walk to the town’s beaches, restaurants, cafes, bars and renowned street art trail.
A key feature of the motel’s transformation is the installation of a rooftop bank of 47 solar panels, which will produce 19.50kw of power during the day, and batteries which will produce a further 23kw of power during the evening, allowing the hotel to operate for most of the time without need for external energy sources.
Andrew Pink said that they had been drawn to the property by its central location and the potential for it to play an important role in Caloundra’s future development.
“There’s no doubt that we are right in the heart of Caloundra’s future development plans, which are very exciting,” Pink, said.
“To be just a short walk from Caloundra’s beaches and across the road from The Events Centre and the future regional gallery makes it even more important for visitors to have access to high-quality accommodation.
“We will also work closely with The Events Centre to facilitate their requirements for VIP accommodation for performers and delegates.
“Scott and I have gone out of our way to make the hotel a model of sustainability, given the Sunshine Coast’s commitment to sustainability and its UNESCO biosphere status.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said welcomed the launch of the revamped motel and its investment in state-of-the-art energy sustainability technology.
“Caloundra is fortunate to have some of the Sunshine Coast’s most attractive beaches as well as having the Glass House Mountains nearby, and this commitment to sustainability highlights our tourism operators’ support for our natural environment,” Stoeckel, said.
“Caloundra plays a vital role in our tourism economy, not just as an enviable holiday playground, but also as a premium destination for major events, conferences, art and culture, and sport, and the re-launch of Motel Caloundra will contribute significantly to the area’s future tourism development.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Andrew Pink Caloundra Matt Stoeckel Motel Caloundra Sunshine Coast Regional GalleryLatest News
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
SKYE Suites has partnered with IMG, the owner and operator of Australian Fashion Week (AFW) as the official accommodation partner for the fourth year in a row. This year SKYE Suites will again host international fashion buyers, designers, and models and are delighted to have Shark Beauty, an innovator in the personal care industry with their […]
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Hanging out for that next dose of adrenaline? It's time for you to head north!
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.