The hype
Guests love the pool deck and the food, but many feel the rooms are overpriced for what is essentially a renovated motel.
Bannisters Port Stephens
$200-450/ natt
Boka detta om You want a retro-cool weekend of Rick Stein seafood and poolside cocktails without the pretension of Byron Bay.
Varför människor älskar det
- Rick Stein's signature seafood restaurant on-site
- Infinity pool with tree-framed ocean views
- Cheeky Dog pub offers a lively vibe right downstairs
Snabb Överblick: It's a polished 1960s motel conversion, so expect thin walls and pub noise to bleed into your 'barefoot luxury' experience.
Recenserat av @NayaW467052: I stayed here for a weekend recharge and the ocean views from my balcony were unreal. Sipping champagne by that infinity pool was the absolute highlight. It's the perfect spot if you need to escape the city and just breathe.
Gäster som bodde här sa
Reality check
The 'luxury' label is carried heavily by the restaurant and pool; the rooms themselves are basic and soundproofing is poor.
- You are a foodie coming specifically for Rick Stein's
- You love a retro aesthetic and poolside lounging
- You are traveling with a dog (specific rooms only)
Renlighet & Underhåll
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some reviews mention missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Renovated bathrooms are nice, but complaints exist about ants, broken shower heads, and weak ventilation.
- Maintenance: Some wear and tear visible (peeling paint, damp smells) typical of a converted older building.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, occasionally reported as 'smelly' or damp in humid rooms.
- Odors & scents: Paperbark rooms often have a persistent damp/musty earth smell due to lack of sunlight.
Sleepability™
5.5MÅTTLIG
0-4BULLRIG
4-7.5MÅTTLIG
7.5-10TYST
- Live music from Cheeky Dog pub (Fri/Sat/Sun)
- Terrace Bar patrons
- Hallway noise due to exterior corridors
Innan du bokar
Bra att veta
- Rick Stein's restaurant books out weeks in advance—reserve when you book your room.
- There is NO gym on the property.
- Parking is free but limited; you might end up parking on the street or at the pub next door.
Vad du ska packa
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Swimwear for the heated infinity pool
- Smart casual outfits for dinner (no strict dress code, but people dress up)
Rum Genie
Bästa val
- Ocean Deck Upper Level for the best bay views and slightly more privacy
- Luxury Suites for actual internal space and better finishes
Rum att undvika
- Paperbark rooms if you have asthma or hate damp smells (forest shade issues)
- Ground floor Ocean Deck rooms near the pub if you want to sleep before midnight
Rumsförfrågan Genie – kopiera och klistra in
“I would appreciate a room on the top floor, as far away from the Cheeky Dog pub and Terrace Bar as possible to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Dolda tips
Allt du verkligen vill veta innan du bokar.
Is breakfast included?
No, it is typically an extra cost (~$25-40 AUD) unless you book a specific package.
Is there a gym?
No, there is no fitness center on-site. You'll need to run outside or find a local gym.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but ONLY in specific 'Ocean Deck' and 'Paperbark' ground-floor rooms. Pets are not allowed in the pool area or Rick Stein's.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the infinity pool is heated and open year-round.
Does the hotel have elevators?
No, most rooms are accessible only via stairs. Request a ground floor room if mobility is an issue.
How far is it from Nelson Bay town center?
It's about a 15-20 minute drive to the main Nelson Bay marina and shops.
Insider-tips
- ✨
The 'Cheeky Dog' pub has a great pizza menu if you don't want to splurge on Rick Stein's.
- ✨
Walk to the nearby Soldiers Point Marina for sunset—it's often quieter than the hotel deck.
- ✨
Koalas are frequently spotted in the trees outside the Paperbark rooms—look up!
5 saker du bör veta innan du åker
💡The 'Paperbark' rooms can feel very dark and cave-like due to the dense tree cover.
💡You have to walk through the pub/car park area to get to some rooms.
💡Room service is limited and not 24/7.
💡The bathroom ventilation in older rooms is weak, leading to steam buildup.
💡It's a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, but traffic on the Hexham bridge can add an hour on Fridays.
Lokalt playbook
Karta
Se var Bannisters Port Stephens ligger och vad som finns i närheten.