Port Stephens continued, Bannisters Hotel & a taste of Rick Stein

My digs for the two nights I was spending at Port Stephens were the rather impressive Bannisters Port Stephens Hotel. Situated at Soldiers Point, yet another bay jutting out of the peninsula that makes up the Port Stephens area, the hotel is positioned right by the beach at a lovely spot with its own outdoor infinity pool, large bar come restaurant come cafe area. It has a Mexican restaurant beside the pool and of course Rick Steins own restaurant which on a morning serves as the guest breakfast area (breakfast comes as part of your room package here and believe me it’s worth getting up for with an excellent buffet selection available).

Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who outlined the features of the hotel and showed me exactly where to park and how to find my room. Trust me it’s quite a maze here until you get used to the lay out. My room was on the fourth floor and involved either a wait for the lift or a climb up several flights of stairs. In my determination to work off the calories I expected to consume during my stay, I opted for the stair climb on most occasion - guilt over-riding, yeah right!! Once I found my room I was impressed. A large space set out in warm inviting, yet neutral colours welcomed me. It was comfortable and offered relaxation without being too pretentious.

The room at Bannisters was super comfortable

In the corner was a floor to ceiling window with sliding door opening out to a private balcony overlooking the reserve bush that made up the grounds of the hotel.

This area is famous on the peninsula for being a Koala Habitat and there were numerous birds swooping about to greet me as I perched on the comfy seat left outside for me. On the drive to the hotel I had passed numerous signs warning me to be on the lookout for Koalas who unfortunately had a bad habit of sometimes venturing out onto the road - believe me I have witnessed one chap wandering along the middle line of the highway leading down to the Great Ocean Road, it left me in a panic although he was thoroughly relaxed about the whole thing. It seems that road sense and Koalas do not go together.

After freshening up and enjoying the luxuries in my hotel room I decided to go explore the rest of the hotel. I had my reservation that night already made for the Rick Stein Restaurant. I headed back down the flight of stairs to the reception area and had a wander through the poolside bar and sunbathing lounger area.

Dan enjoying some Aussie wine by the hotel pool

Another flight of stairs led to the far side of the hotel and the large bar and restaurant that was popular with live music and numerous patrons enjoying the shade from the umbrellas positioned overlooking the view out on the terrace. The grassy slopes here led down to the beach and of course the sea. It was a chill place to spend a lazy afternoon relaxing, enjoying the warm weather and appreciating the good food and drink on offer.