Image: Merivale
For lucky Sydneysiders, boutique 70s-style motels are never far away, and now Merivale is adding another ultra-cool escape to the list. The hospitality group head honcho Justin Hemmes has just announced the retro-revival of Narooma classic, The Whale Inn, promising a sultry, 70s-inspired coastal motel infused with retro glamour.
One of four new Narooma-based venues owned by the hospitality giant, The Whale Inn is a boutique hotel and restaurant situated on the picturesque NSW South Coast. With breathtaking views and incredible local beaches, the small town motel is currently undergoing a major Merivale-level transformation.
“We’re going to show you one of our amazing projects in Narooma – a really special place to me,” Justin Hemmes shared in a video posted to his Instagram. “Is that not spectacular?” he asked, referring to the near 180-degree coastal views from one of the soon-to-be guest suites. “I think this will be one of the most special rooms on the east coast of Australia.”
“[There’s] plenty of seals, incredible fishing, great surfing spots, and the most beautiful oysters from the Wagonga Inlet just here.”
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Destined for a retro fit-out led by Merivale design director Nasim Koerting, the interiors will pay homage to the nostalgia of quintessential Australian holidays. “An amazing story I love is one day we discovered a sunken lounge here, so we were like ‘We are keeping this!'”, said the design director. “I think it’s going to be the best spot in the house.”
“We’re trying to encourage a very social environment here,” Justin continued, “so we want all the guests to meet each other and connect.”
The venue will also see the return of former Manly favourite, the recently closed Queen Chow (which also has an outpost in Enmore).
“Welcome to Queen Chow! We want people to not just have beautiful Chinese food, but also to come and drink at the bar. And we’ve added a record player here, so while you’re having your Chinese, you can play some some tunes and look out over the pool and all your friends staying in the hotel.”
“It’s without a doubt the best seating in the house.”
The retro motel will also feature a wellness centre with an ice bath, sauna, as well as a sunroom (“which has spectacular views!”), glistening pool (“which is now full!”) and a fire pit.
In its previous life, the boutique inn was a four-star hotel and restaurant with 17 guest rooms. Its refurbishment will see 19 brand-new guest suites, each with 70s-inspired interiors and incredible coastal views.
“I didn’t think I was going to fall in love with it as much as I did,” said Venues Manager at Merivale, Victor Costa. “It’s insanity to see how much this place evolved.”
Merivale’s other venues in Narooma include the Quarterdeck, The Inlet and Lynch’s Hotel.
