The Cheshire Cat Motel

The Cheshire Cat Motel is a restored beachside stay in Palm Beach, on the ocean side of the southern Gold Coast Highway. Originally built in the late 1960s, the motel has been reworked as a contactless boutique accommodation experience, pairing nostalgic design, vintage textiles and bespoke finishes with practical modern comforts. Six Queen Rooms accommodate one or two guests, while The Bungalow is a two-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to four and includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining table and lounge area.

The location is a major part of the appeal. The nearest beach entrance is about 200 metres away, with no major road crossing needed, and the cafes, eateries and bars around Palm Beach are within a short walk. The motel’s own local guide lists nearby places including Barefoot Barista, Balboa Italian, Dune Cafe Currumbin and Palm Beach Surf Club, while Currumbin Creek is around 650 metres away. Gold Coast Airport is listed as a 12-minute drive, and Burleigh Heads is about 12 minutes north by car.

Guests have access to Le Plunge, the motel’s deep pool and terracotta-edged pool deck, with sunbeds and palms creating a relaxed place to settle in after time at the beach. The Terrace is a communal courtyard with umbrella trees, wall lamps and an outdoor rain shower, designed for conversation, co-working or unwinding. There is also Sannd Studio, a by-appointment hair salon downstairs, offering blow-dries, colour and styling during a stay.

The experience is deliberately low-contact: there is no on-site reception, and guests use their phone for booking, check-in, access and check-out, alongside official identification at arrival. Each room includes air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a Smart TV, towels and linen, bathroom products, and complimentary hot and cold refreshments in the mini bar. Parking is free on-site, with six off-street spaces available on a first-come basis. With Queen Rooms suited to solo travellers or couples and The Bungalow offering more room for families or a small group, The Cheshire Cat works well for a Palm Beach beach break, a short Gold Coast stay or exclusive-use bookings such as wedding parties, filming, photoshoots and staff off-sites.