The heated pool was beautiful and it was great to have different food options on the premises and short drive to shops/other beaches in the area. The rooms were spacious, daily free water bottles were great and beds were very comfortable. Free parking was a bonus too. Food/drink was a little pricey but happy hour at Julio’s was good. Overall had a lovely stay!

Would be great if the rooms could be equipped with some plates/cutlery. We really wanted to bring takeaway back to the room and sit on our balcony but not having equipment made it a difficult. Also would have liked a sign for the door for house keeping - do not disturb / please make up my room so we could communicate our preferences.

The room that we booked with a sea view on the second floor was very spacious with sufficient storage space, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and a functional en-suite. The balcony overlooked the garden, while the ocean and coastline could be seen through the trees. We woke up to early morning sun flooding the room. The seafood pies that we chose for dinner at Rick Stein's restaurant were the finest we have ever eaten. The staff throughout the hotel were delightful to deal with. The outdoor infinity edged pool looked spectacular but the mid-winter weather deterred us from using it.

The bedding on the King-sized bed (two singles joined together, as per our preference) was uncomfortably heavy. We would have preferred dunas/duvets. Also, the lamps at either side of the bed, while looking stylish, had low-lumen bulbs that gave insufficient light for reading comfortably in bed. We didn't try the Continental breakfast, which we felt was over-priced, so went to a very good cafe less than a kilometre down the road.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Loved the restoration and expansion of the old motel, the architecture is beautiful and the gardens are stunning. The continental breakfast buffet choices were good and the hot breakfast we ordered was superb.

Room 204 was very comfortable with just a couple of small problems: the bathroom has a sliding barn-style door that doesn't close completely, making privacy a bit of an issue; and although Netflix has been installed on the TV, it was impossible login - you need your own account to access the streaming service, it is not included in the room price.

Bannisters Port Stephens always delivers for a relaxing stay within a short distance from Sydney. The day spa was great, as was breakfast, the pool and pool area, the bar service, the staff at breakfast. Large comfortable room, lovely views. I enjoyed pub meals at The Cheeky Dog.

I didn't enjoy Rick Stein's, nor Julio's, as much as I have in the past. The service at the former did not live up to my recollections and expectations; the range of menu choices at the latter left a fair bit to be desired. The carpet and sofa covers in my room either need a good steam clean or to be replaced.

The pool area was very impressive (including the great music which really added to the cool vibe). Loved the pops of pink and Mexican touches. Appreciated the different meal options across the three eating venues. They were all great! The room was fresh and clean (fabulous mattress!), and we loved the access to the lawn and sun lounge from our room. Rick Stein’s restaurant food and service was very impressive. Reception staff were also very welcoming and friendly!

Not a lot! The only thing we thought could have been improved was the service around the pool area - particularly cleaning away dirty plates and glasses from previous customers from the small tables. More than once I had to take up dishes and glasses to the bar area that belonged to other people and we were then left with a dirty table. This was in sharp comparison to the service / cleanliness we received everywhere else.

Overalll, everything was perfect. Great location, view spectacular, beautiful room, reasonably priced. The reception staff were absolutely amazing! Couldn't do more for us even if they tried. Thank you, Ladies.

One waitress had a go at my son, as he stood the menu up in the restaurant, so she came over to take their order. My son did not know this rule and was quite taken aback by her tone, attitude and that he is 22 years old in a up market restaurant; did she not take the time to think, he may never have experienced having to stand or not stand up a menu. Take a chill pilll love!

It was all very good. We enjoyed Julio's, especially Tommy's Margaritas! We had dinner at Rick Stein's twice. We had booked ahead for the first meal and enjoyed it so much we booked for our last night as well. The staff were friendly and helpful - with just the right balance of respect for privacy and engagement. We were lucky to have Bethany both nights. Her advice on the wine and the entre was great. All in all, a great anniversary celebration!

We did not like the fact that you either included the buffet breakfast in your booking or paid $35.00 plus whatever for the a la carte when you just wanted a continental breakfast or a croissant or pastry and coffee. Otherwise, all good.

The location is absolutely stunning, offering beautiful views of the water and a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms were spacious, clean, and well-appointed with modern amenities. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the on-site dining at Rick Stein’s restaurant was a culinary highlight.

While the property is lovely, some of the common areas could benefit from a refresh. Also, parking was slightly limited, and at times the pool area felt overcrowded.

Loved the value for money and the huge room with balcony. Also loved the different food options. We are at the pub, had Mexican by the pool and also has a lovely dinner at stick Steins. All were lovely. Pool was beautiful! Room nice where peaceful with a garden view. Staff were SOOO lovely - from reception to house keeping!

Hated the dogs barking during breakfast.I know it’s a great place for people to come and stay with their dogs but that just wasn’t nice to have to listen to while trying to eat. If you have a barking dog - don’t bring it to meals. Not enough parking as well but that’s a hard one to fix! 😝

Breakfast: excellent- lots of pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt and compote options. If you want a cooked breakfast, there is an option and menu there for an additional cost. Room: as expected- large size, clean and well maintained. No specific in room ordering for food- however on contacting reception food can be ordered through them and delivered to the room. Food options: Julios was great. Really delicious food and well made cocktails. The Cheeky Dog had a relaxed atmosphere and food was great. Bannisters Port Stephens met all of my expectations, it was our second time staying at a Bannisters Hotel- we will definitely return.