A visit to Australia always includes spending time with my parents on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. I typically stay at their home, but on a recent visit, I decided to surprise my parents, and didn't let them know I was coming. As my flight from Sydney landed mid-evening, I needed a hotel to stay for the night, and I'd heard great things about the Loea Boutique Hotel, a stylish 10 bedroom boutique hotel in Maroochydore, across the street from the Maroochy River. It's less than a 10 minute drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport, 1 hour 20 minutes from Brisbane and only 20 minutes from the popular beach resort of Noosa.
The hotel was previously a 1980s-era non-descript motel, which was transformed by an ambitious expat British couple in 2020 into an Instagram-famous local attraction. You can see a "before" picture of the hotel here.
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Booking the Loea Boutique Hotel
The hotel was previously affiliated with IHG's Mr & Mrs Smith collection, and could be booked through the IHG website with points. Following a sale to a Sydney-based investment company, they are no longer affiliated with any hotel loyalty program. The best way to book is directly through their website.
Loea Boutique Hotel location
The Loea is located in a residential neighborhood at 361 Bradman Ave in Maroochydore. It's conveniently located off the Sunshine Motorway, and offers easy access to the Sunshine Coast airport and the Sunshine Plaza shopping mall.
Loea Boutique Hotel Lobby & check-in
I love the check-in "desk", which is restored vintage Citroen truck. The check-in process was very smooth, and after signing the paperwork, I was handed a room key on a leather keyfob.
King Guest Room
Like most mid-century motels, the Loea has parking spaces immediately outside of the door to the room. However, the parking lot has been spruced up, and there are assigned parking spots for each room, affording a little more privacy. Each of the rooms has a small concrete "deck" area furnished with two outdoor chairs.
The room was bright and airy with a king size bed with rattan furnishings, and shiplap walls. Outside the small bathroom was a closet, with tea & coffee making facilities and a small fridge.
The bathroom was small but stylish, with rattan furnishings and brass fixtures. There was a stand-alone shower (which I neglected to get a picture of!)
Loea Boutique Hotel food & beverage
Loea does not have any restaurant onsite, but the vintage truck which serves as the check-in counter also serves as a bar and coffee shop. You can also order gourmet platters from a local vendor, for delivery to your room.
Magnesium Pool
Two of the highlights of the hotel are the Magnesium Pool, and beautifully landscaped garden area, tucked behind a white-bricked wall. This is a popular spot for photography sessions; the hotel even offers a package to use the outdoor spaces for a photo shoot. The pool isn't large, but it's a delightful place to relax and just enjoy the sunshine.
Final thoughts
Loea Boutique hotel is a lovely place to stay for a short visit to the Sunshine Coast. It's quiet location away from the main tourist areas of Maroochydore and Mooloolaba is perfect for guests who want a quiet, tranquil getaway. With its location right across from a walking path along the Maroochy River, and access to cruiser bikes, it's convenient for someone who wants to take advantage of the area.
On the downside, the hotel's location in a residential neighborhood, and no on-site restaurant means that a car is a must-have.
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