Gold Coast hotel offers guests chance to hire Tesla Model 3

Tech company Outbound has partnered with Mantra Hotels in Queensland to provide its guests with the ability to use a Tesla Model 3 during their stay.

The service allows guests to use the car as they please, while saving the hassle of worrying about a hire car.

The concept of shared mobility is becoming common in Europe and the United States, with 'communal' vehicles offering transport access in situations where it would otherwise be limited.

While there are some companies trialling the concept of direct renting in Australia – such as Toyota's Kinto service – a new start-up has jumped on to the popularity of Tesla's Model 3 to kick-start its shared mobility service.

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Using the Outbound app, guests of the Mantra at Sharks can book the Model 3 for $30 per hour, including insurance and power.

“This is a really exciting development for the Australian tourism industry,” said Outbound CEO, Luke Rust.

“The app is really easy to use - guests just sign up, reserve the car and unlock it using their phone. It’s really handy for anyone wanting to go for a day trip, say to the theme parks or out to hinterland.

“People want to maximise their time and fun on the Gold Coast. Especially with fuel prices going up, a road trip to the Coast is becoming increasingly expensive – with Outbound, tourists can perhaps jet into Coolangatta, stay at the hotel, and still go anywhere they want using the EV.”

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Mantra believes the partnership with Outbound will be beneficial to its guests, with the hotel now featuring EV charging capabilities for those who bring their own vehicles.

“Mantra at Sharks is the first hotel property on the Gold Coast to launch the Outbound service and we’re excited to offer this mode of transport to our guests,” said front office and revenue manager, Courtney Tahu.

"This service provides a clean, sustainable transport alternative and also features a facility for guests to charge their own electric vehicle. The process is seamless and intuitive.”

Outbound is currently in talks with other accomodation providers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to expand the program, with hopes to one day have communal cars treated like a gym, bar or concierge at a hotel.