First time reviewer - long time view...

Stayed here a few times now but most recently last week.
I have to say (and I'm sure it would be obvious to anyone reading a "review" of a 4(?) star hotel) that the previous tirade looks a little suspect.
The staff and level of care at Rydges in Port is outstanding and I, for one, feel quite concerned that this sort of comment can present itself so easily in a public forum.

Probably should have realised that the disgruntled staff at check-in would be a sign of the terrible stay which was to come.

The room was average, with chipped/damaged furniture and dated artworks/decor. "River view room" actually translated to "roof of Zebu" room. Called reception and complained, but they could only offer us a non-balcony room, with no mention of a reinbursement for paying for a balcony room.

We went out and enjoyed dinner at Scampi's (highlight of the night - left a glowing review) and returned at 10pm to retire for the night. We decided to watch a movie in bed, and picked our selection and settled in.

10 minutes later we got a knock on the door from reception saying we got a noise complaint. He was very nice about it; saying that he couldn't see an issue with the tv. We had our balcony door open to let in the fresh air so we decided to close it and turn on the Air Conditioning. As we did so we noticed there was a bit of a gathering happening down the hall (belated schoolies perhaps?) but we thought nothing of it.

At 11.30pm, when the movie was winding up and we were preparing to sleep, we got another knock at the door. It was the receptionist again, but this time he has a security guard with him. "You must vacate the premises IMMEDIATELY". We assumed there was an evacuation or something; no, we were actually getting booted out! 10 minutes later we were escorted out by the very rude security guard. We sat in the car with our phones trying to find a hotel that would take us. THEN the security guard tapped on the window and told us to leave the STREET immediately or he would contact local Police. We told him we'd be happy for him too, since they booted us out for WATCHING A MOVIE but allowed Schoolies revellers to drink in the halls!

No word or apologies from Rydges head office - my cousin was going to book her wedding reception at Rydges but I have told her to STEER clear! Rydges has a reputation of being luxurious but it was far from!

In case you were wondering, we sought emergency accommodation at a BACKPACKERS in Gordon St (which was friendlier than Rydges) and resumed our holiday at the Grand Mercure on William St the next day, which turned out to be FAR NICER, even without the water view!

Truly lovely hotel in very convenient location in Port Macquarie. Riverwalk frontage, close to shops and restaurants and 1 minute walk to shopping centre. This was a l;ast minute booking due to unforseen circumstances with our previous holiday booking - couldn't have asked for more friendly and helpful staff over the phone. It was the same at the hotel - from Front desk and hotel staff. Even the gentleman maintaining the pool gave us a heads up about the cleaning with jetspray and apologised - didn't stop anyone from using the pool !Rooms, including bathrooms were large and wonderfully clean.
If I had to complain - we were in a poolview room on the same level, and the pool motor does kick in at various times of the day, including very early in the morning. Also, Hotel roaming Internet costs is very pricey - watch out.
The Zebu restaurant - this was a WONDERFUL surpise - first rate dinners. Breakfast is also in the same reaturant. Quality buffet.
We were a family of four - 2 kids under 10. Wonderful stay.

After driving all day down the coast we droped into Rydges at Port Macquarie on the off chance that a room would be available. To our delight they had a King bed room available. Check in was quick and friendly. The view from our room was great, looking over the entrance to Hastings River. Everything was very clean and the bed was so comfortable. Rydges is right in town. In the morning we rang up the Pancake Parlour which is just up to road and ordered take away Pancakes "Yum". Port Macquarie is a great place to stay with lots of shops, pubs, eating places, clubs. You are really spoilt for choice when eating out.