Accommodation 4/5
Food 5/5
Staff 4/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5
A cruisy 3.5 hour scenic drive south of the Northern Rivers, nestled along the picturesque Hastings River waterfront, is Rydges Port Macquarie. Offering the perfect blend of relaxation, comfort, and convenience, with stunning water views and thoughtful touches throughout, Rydges ensured my stay was nothing short of delightful.
Accommodation and amenities
Stepping into the Deluxe Water View King room, the first thing that caught my attention was the private balcony, offering sweeping views of the Hastings River. Though the weather was wet and overcast, the dramatic stormy views draped the river, and view beyond, in a gentle, silver haze – it was quiet, serene, and unexpectedly enchanting. The room itself was beautifully refurbished, combining modern coastal design with functionality. The refreshment station, with complimentary Nespresso coffee machine and all the usual features (mini-bar, fridge, kettle), was clad in oak wood-laminate paneling which beautifully complimented the soft sage-green of the living space. Undoubtedly, one of the highlights was the signature Rydges Dream Bed, which provided a restful sleep each night, but in truth, it was the extra large, super-plush pillows that provided maximum comfort. The generous lounge area with couch, coffee and dining table created a welcoming space to unwind in front of the view, or enjoy a coffee before the day’s adventures. Thoughtful additions like free WIFI, Thank You bath products, multiple power-points, and all the usual in-room amenities – including a large flat screen TV – made the experience seamless and stress-free.
Rydges Port Macquarie also ensured we were well catered for recreationally. The heated pool and spa on the first floor were the perfect places to unwind, and were open from 6am to 9pm. Complimentary overnight parking also added convenience, and the bar, open from 10am until late, was an ideal spot to enjoy a well-deserved drink after a long day of adventuring. Rydges also has an inclusion for breakfast ($32 for adults), which runs from 6.30am–10am, and is located in Zebu Bar & Restaurant (Zebu). The buffet breakfast was an elevated version of the standard hotel-breakfast, and included all the expected continental and full-English delights, with added extras like waffles, a fresh fruit and yoghurt bar with chia pudding, and an automatic pancake making machine.
Food
On our first night, we dined at The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant at Sails Port Macquarie – Rydges’ sister location. Located just a five-minute drive or a scenic 20-minute walk along the foreshore, The Boathouse space boasted immersive architecture and decor that my guest described as ‘a modern take on the renaissance painting The Birth of Venus’, creating an elevated sea-side look. The Boathouse is located on the Port Macquarie Marina, providing beautiful water-front views and eye-candy for yachting enthusiasts. The menu was seafood inclined with many land-based options including the herb chicken, which we overheard another patron praising. My guest and I had margaritas and we then shared the seafood tower ($165). Perhaps we are spoiled in the Northern Rivers with our seafood, as this was not up to our local standards and quite underwhelming. However, the lemon balm pana cotta dessert was simply exceptional and perfectly balanced.
The next night, we dined at Zebu which is the in-house restaurant at Rydges Port Macquarie. The restaurant’s modern Australian menu was a true delight, offering fresh, locally-sourced flavours and a welcoming ambiance. For drinks we ordered a passionfruit mojito and a margarita, which were exactly to our liking. For entree we had Kilpatrick oysters – baked in-shell with smoky BBQ bacon – and we also indulged in the hiramasa kingfish. This was a ceviche-style dish, and quite honestly, we almost ordered another plate for dessert. The delicate amalgamation of the Forster sourced kingfish with sliced fennel, orange, and a dash of chilli, all laid in a citrus and fennel seed olive oil blend was extraordinary. To elevate the culinary experience further, we then had the scotch fillet steak with dutch carrots and red-wine jus ($51) – cooked to my preference – and my guest ordered the slow-cooked pork belly, with crackling, apple, and wild rocket ($36). Anyone who is a fan of pork belly knows how difficult this dish can be, but this was sublime and incredibly well-balanced with bold flavours accompanied by more subtle ones to titillate the palate. To finish, we had the tiramisu which, much like the kingfish, was an absolute standout. Made in house from scratch, it was light, fluffy, and fresh – completely delectable. The menu was very well-priced given the quality of the dishes and the service.
Staff
The staff at Rydges Port Macquarie provided an exceptional experience during our stay. Attentive and well-presented, they went out of their way to accommodate us and ensure our comfort. Delphine from The Boathouse was warm, welcoming, and checked in regularly to meet our needs. At Zebu, Lara and Victor’s friendly personalities and extensive knowledge made our dining experience even more enjoyable. Their attentive service, paired with conversation and a dash of banter, truly enhanced our visit. Overall, the staff’s kindness and professionalism made for a memorable stay, and their dedication to guest satisfaction is evident.
Location
The hotel’s location is hard to beat, with easy access to Port Macquarie’s vibrant CBD, beach, and attractions like the Glasshouse Entertainment Centre. Everything we needed was just a short stroll away, making it easy to soak up the local culture, explore the shops, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Port Macquarie also boasts a number of wineries, adventure parks, family attractions, and unique experiences within walking distance or just a short drive away.
Cost
Rooms range from around $250–$400 per night depending on their room type and season. Rydges offer many flexible options including interconnecting rooms for families, twin share choices, and managed apartments, which range from $300–$700. Rydge’s also offer flexible booking options and deals such as family rates, bed and breakfast rates, getaway discounts, and member benefits.
Overall
Rydges Port Macquarie has truly elevated its offering with the recent refurbishment, creating a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or work, the thoughtful design, exceptional amenities, brilliant food, and prime location make it an excellent choice.
For bookings or more information visit: rydges.com
