Ettalong Motel changes hands

The Ettalong Beach Motel changed hands earlier this year as part of a plan to build units on the entire block, according to motel manager Ms Anna Solomou.

"The new owner is a developer who owns much of the block, which runs from Picnic Parade to Broken Bay Rd on The Esplanade," she said.

The development is not planned to take effect for another two years so, in the meantime, the motel has been refurbished.

"The rooms have been thoroughly cleaned, furniture has been replaced and new furniture has been added," she said.

The motel had 12 units, eight of which were upstairs and had extensive water views.

It also had a self-contained apartment that would accommodate up to 10 people and an independently managed Thai restaurant.

Both the manager and the owner live on the Peninsula.

"In the short time that I have been managing the motel, we have had a big increase in business," Anna said.

"It has been a big learning experience but by adding a personal touch and keeping it as clean as if it was my house, we have had many excellent comments and a lot of repeat business."

Cec Bucello, October 10