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/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a retro-cool weekend of Rick Stein seafood and poolside cocktails without the pretension of Byron Bay.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Rick Stein's signature seafood restaurant on-site
- Infinity pool with tree-framed ocean views
- Cheeky Dog pub offers a lively vibe right downstairs
Resumen rápido: It's a polished 1960s motel conversion, so expect thin walls and pub noise to bleed into your 'barefoot luxury' experience.
Reseñado por @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.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
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)
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
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™
5.5MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Live music from Cheeky Dog pub (Fri/Sat/Sun)
- Terrace Bar patrons
- Hallway noise due to exterior corridors
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- 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.
Qué llevar
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Swimwear for the heated infinity pool
- Smart casual outfits for dinner (no strict dress code, but people dress up)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Ocean Deck Upper Level for the best bay views and slightly more privacy
- Luxury Suites for actual internal space and better finishes
Habitaciones a evitar
- 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
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“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.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
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.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
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 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡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.
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