Owner Lisa Christian said it is the perfect option for late night travellers or “locals who have had one too many at the pub or club to drive.”

“It’s nice for people to have an option for somewhere to sleep after other places are closed,” she said.

Originally from Victoria, Ms Christian relocated to run South Seas Motel four years ago. Excited by up and coming renovations to the motel, she said the check-in machine was a costly big step for the business keeping Merimbula on the map for tourists to check-in after hours.

“The road is so windy between Melbourne and Sydney and Merimbula is basically halfway, so tourists can now have the option to get off the road and check-in somewhere because places around here normally close at 8pm or 9pm,” she said.

Ms Christian said, “the machine is easy to use. You can book a room or check-in for an existing booking. A payment is made by credit card and a room key pops out. There is also a map to show you where the room is.”