With hints of Rat Pack Palm Springs chic and that sleek mid-century modern look, the Oriana Motel in Orange is a retro dreamscape of interesting decor and convivial, European hospitality.
Sign up to our free newsletter here for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it’s on us!
We roll into Orange off the Mitchell Highway, an easy, sub-four-hour drive from Sydney — in spite of the sleet and snow dashing against the windscreen.
It’s always surprising how cold the winter gets in the Central Tablelands.
And at over 800m altitude and so far inland, it’s not just the winter here that comes as a surprise.
Considering its distance from the ocean, the Oriana Motel finds its name from the most unlikely source.
Named after one of the last great steamer cruise ships, the SS Oriana, the motel was built in 1969 with the glamour and luxury of cruising in the 1920s in mind.
In its heyday of the 1970s and ‘80s, the Oriana, and its bar and restaurant were the place to be seen, with soirees and elaborate dinners par for the course. `
However, as they do, things changed and the 1990s saw the motel’s reputation drop to its lowest ebb.
But since 2015, thanks to its new owners, the superlative Espen Harbitz and his late husband Ted Marr, the Oriana is afloat again and packed with charisma.
Using their deep knowledge of hospitality, plus the 30 years of living in Hong Kong and throwing the most incredible parties all over the world, Harbitz and Marr have returned the Oriana to her former glory — perhaps even surpassed it.
Welcome to the Oriana Motel, Orange
Our welcome at the reception is so warm, we forget all about the awful weather we left outside. Reception is also where breakfast happens, but should we need a snack or cup of coffee any time of day, we can help ourselves here.
It’s the first — but not the last — example of the clever generosity you’ll find at the Oriana.
Rooms at the Oriana Motel
There are two types of room at the Oriana. The regular rooms on the ground level have the traditional car space at their front doors and are well appointed with all the trimmings you’d expect from this mid-century-inspired retro motel.
The rooms above reception and the restaurant, however, are in a different league.
Ours — an Oriana King Terrace Suite — looks out onto the shared rooftop terrace, decorated with citrus trees and stylish outdoor furniture.
Inside the room, we find so many clever details and inclusions that show just how good Espen is at running this venue.
It’s the quality of the amenities in the bathroom, it’s the extra-soft gowns, the complimentary snacks in the minibar and fresh fruit in the lounge.
It’s the tea set next to the bed and the multitude of pillow and bedding options, not to mention turn-down chocolates that are actually tasty.
Everything’s well thought through and it pays off.
As for the decor, each of the suites has a different theme. Ours is Africa and the artworks, maps and posters on the walls, all of which come from Espen’s private collection, tell the story.
In fact, most — if not all — of the art around the hotel are items Espen and Ted collected over the years.
Breakfast at the motel
Orange has plenty of great cafes and grocers if you want to grab breakfast outside the motel, but you’d be missing a trick.
Served in the cafe area near reception, breakfast at the Oriana is not included as it often is in hotels. But for only $20, you’re not going to find many places that’ll feed you like this.
There are plenty of options, from Oriana’s special Breakfast Wellness Shots to cereals and yoghurts. There’s even a waffle machine and a selection of toppings.
After that, you can then order eggs bennie, bacon and eggs, or even a cheese soufflé. Why not? You’re here to enjoy yourself!
Dinner at the Oriana
This evening, we start with a cocktail or two in the glamorous Bela Vista Bar and a chat with the inimitable Espen, whose family come from the hotel industry.
When it’s time for our table, we move to the Peacock Room — the Oriana’s much-lauded restaurant and a jewel in the crown of this food-focused town.
We start things off with thinly sliced Nordic cured venison, sweet mustard, cranberries and sourdough melba toast, and a towering double-baked soufflé made with alpine French cheeses.
It’s clear why this restaurant has such a good name in Orange.
The mains come out while we work our way through the exemplary wine list.
I can’t go past the rump cap served on a roasting skewer and which comes with a choice of potato — I go for the gratin.
I love that the kitchen doesn’t ask you to choose béarnaise, red chimichurri and green peppercorn sauces to go with their steaks; instead they give you all three.
Christina’s fish pie and its creamy cheddar mash top is a standout.
We take the dessert recommendation of the creme brûlée, which neither of us needs, but both of us enjoy. And we finish off a couple of local fortifieds that make us want to move here.
The Sauna
If the Norwegian flag flying next to the Aussie one at the front gate hasn’t given it away already, the Scandinavian style sauna that Espen has installed by the pool should clear up any doubts as to where he’s from!
This guest-only feature of the motel is right on trend and is a lovely addition, especially in the winter. You can get quite a sweat on in here with temperatures boosting way over 60°C when you spoon water over the hot coals.
There’s even the option to use the pool as a cold plunge afterwards, then warm up by the fire pit. Though with the outside air edging close to zero, we’re in two minds whether a plunge in the pool is really necessary.
But it’s the sense of fun and freedom, the whimsy of things like the sauna at the Oriana that gives you full licence to enjoy yourself. And isn’t that what you want when you go away somewhere?
Every time we come to Orange, we find something that completely captivates us. Oriana, you have our hearts.
