Bannisters Port Stephens

Great place with fantastic staff. Room was good but not well cleaned (mould on the back of the door in 412) The disappointment was the Rick Stein Restaurant. I had the zuchinni flowers that were quite flavourless. Maybe put some anchovies in the stuffing as it is a fish restaurant. I then had the lobster tagliatelli which was meant to include a bisque. It was overly large chunks of lobster in a thick salty sauce . No bisque or fine herbs (as advertised) to be seen. The Mexican restaurant is fantastic as well as the pub food, so save your money. Overall we had a nice stay - just Rick Stein's Restaurant which is meant to be fine dining.

Very happy with our stay here. The ocean view room on Level 3 was immaculate, spacious and contemporary. It's in a fantastic location. Staff were friendly and attentive. The dining options on site range from good to great. The continental breakfast included on our rate was of a very high standard. I have stayed at 5 star big brand hotels that didn't reach the same standard so a real credit and even a value.

I wouldn't stay here again. The staff is very nice but it's generally after the fact. I was allocated a semi accessible room with an open shower that floods the whole bathroom when you choose to shower despite no mention of this on my booking. All the stuff had to say was that I was just allocated this room.
AlsoDon't pay for the continental breakfast it's not worth it and it's the same price as the À la carte menu when you get there. Overall, I would not rate my experience at this hotel and I will not stay here again

Bannister's staff are great; friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Food options at the three levels of dining can match any craving. The accommodation however, is cheap, tired and, in places, plain broken. In the suite upstairs with a separate bedroom the following was noted...Evidence of leaking refrigerator with swollen chipboard cabinetry, absolutely no place to hang a towel up in the main bathroom...no hooks no rail. Drawers all at drunken angles, cabinet doors creaky and not closing properly, the bed was uncomfortable with pronounced "hammocking", toilet seats in poor repair, WATER HAMMER IN PLUMBING will keep you awake as other guests use their bathrooms...finally the noise of poorly adjusted door back-checks producing a loud boom whenever adjoining rooms doors close....if you're a light sleeper take your earplugs... AND barking dogs downstairs at around 6 am providing an unpleasant early wake-up call. This "dog friendly" nonsense has to end...many dog owners are inured to their dogs bark and have no consideration for other guests....typically rude and selfish.
Fundamentally ordinary, perhaps even poor accommodation.
Objective warning.

Absolutely fabulous resort, just like being in Noosa...only closer and not overly priced.
Definitely will be returning, the service and professionalism of the staff is just perfect.
The food, as expected, from Rick Stein did not disappoint.
Breakfast was the ultimate dinning experience...bit of everything that hit the spot just nicely.
10 out of 10. My new favourite spot in town. Can't wait to return.