Run a small regional motel
Lease and run a small motel as a couple or small team, welcoming travellers and workers by the night.
- A$40k-200k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Running a small roadside motel, often 8 to 20 rooms, in a country town or on a travel route. You take bookings, check guests in, keep rooms clean and look after the building. Many small motels are available to lease or take over as a going concern, which costs far less than buying the property.
Your first three steps
- Browse motel leases and going-concern listings in regional areas, and note occupancy, room rates and the lease terms
- Spend a few days at similar motels or talk to current owners to learn the daily routine and the seasonal quiet times
- Get an accountant and a business lawyer to review the lease, the trading figures and your funding before you commit
Who pays
Holidaymakers and road trippers, tradies and contract workers, visiting families, and corporate or government travellers.
How it makes money
Nightly room rates, with longer-stay discounts for workers. Extra income can come from breakfast packs, laundry or a small shop, and from booking sites. You pay commission on those bookings.
Skills that help
- Friendly, reliable customer service
- Organised, with a good eye for cleanliness
- Basic bookkeeping and handy with minor repairs
Watch out for
- Check the lease terms, rent reviews and what is included in the sale or lease, such as furniture and bookings
- Check council and state requirements for accommodation, including fire safety, building compliance and any liquor or food licences if you plan to offer them
- Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire cleaners or relief staff
- Long hours and being on call, especially without relief staff
- Trading figures can be overstated, so verify them independently
- Heavy reliance on one industry or one season in small towns
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: run a small regional motel
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to run a small regional motel?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the lease terms and what is included, such as furniture and bookings. Leasing or taking over as a going concern costs far less than buying the property.
What rules should I check before taking on a motel?
Check council and state requirements for accommodation, including fire safety, building compliance and any liquor or food licences you plan to offer. Also check lease terms and rent reviews, and arrange public liability, property and workers compensation insurance.
How much can a small motel earn and how many hours does it take?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on room numbers, location and season. Verify trading figures independently, as they can be overstated. Expect at least about 40 hours a week, often with long hours and being on call.
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