We stayed at Blue Water Motel and, given the high rates, expected a decent motel experience rather than 5-star luxury. The price seemed to reflect demand rather than quality, possibly due to nearby Mantra or Peppers on Salt Beach being booked out.
The motel has a charming theme, with friendly staff and an easy check-in, even after hours. We liked the thoughtful decor touches and the big, fully opening window that created a nice bar-like vibe. The campervan serving breakfast was also a nice addition.
However, our stay was marred by several issues. The mattresses were old and saggy, making for an uncomfortable night's sleep. The air conditioning, placed directly above the bed, meant we either had to endure stale air or have cold air blowing on us. The worst issue was the lack of soundproofing; we could hear everything from our neighbors, from late-night TV and partying to morning chats, which meant no sleep for us.
Overall, we wouldn’t stay here again, even if it means taking an Uber to a more distant hotel if the nearby Kingscliff options are fully booked.