Aussie luxe meets Riviera vibes at this hotel - without the euro price tag

Rydges has reinforced its stamp on the NSW mid-north coast with its refurbished hotel in the heart of Port Macquarie. Originally built in 2002, the building was extensively renovated in 2024. It now has 99 redesigned hotel rooms and suites. Its lobby, with its sweeping staircase and greenery, gives a coastal-cool first impression. The bar and eatery on the ground floor is a popular space, where cocktails and live music flow.

The property occupies a front-row seat to an impressive stage: where the Hastings River meets the sea. A river view room balcony gives a wide view of the coastal beauty here. There's much to enjoy, from the passing boats and people enjoying the coastal walkway, to the clumps of figures casting a line off the pier. But it doesn't matter if your room isn't overlooking the water; just step outside and wander around the corner, and you'll find plenty of places to sit by the river. Settle in for the afternoon with a drink or gelato. The hotel is in the middle of town, with cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, boutiques, pubs and much more.

After binge-watching The White Lotus, I've been having an online stickybeak at luxury coastal resorts in Europe and Asia. I've got to say, the refurbished Rydges Port Mac has an Aussie-luxe vibe, without the nose-bleed prices. Think upmarket beach house meets the Italian Riviera. The helpful hotel staff were wearing Breton shirts, so I'd also suggest there's a dash of the French Riviera. The pool is a showpiece in its own right. It is on the first floor, with fabulous water views. The Riviera theme is strong here too, with striped beach towels and plenty of sun lounges.

The rooms are serene and charming, decorated in a seamless palette of soft neutrals and gum-tree greens. Accommodation options include rooms, suites and managed apartments. Each has a roomy en suite with walk-in showers. Nespresso pod machines are a handy inclusion. Rooms are also furnished with the curiously named "Rydges dream beds". They are fancy, fluffy and fabulous, as are the pillows. They definitely passed the snooze test.

In-house restaurant and bar Zebu is Italian at heart and takes full advantage of its waterside location with a wall of glass louvre windows. Order an aperitif (or cocktail) and watch the passing parade on the green: people strolling, dogs living their best lives, and kids tumbling and chasing each other. Zebu's Italian-inspired menu is a fresh mix of seafood, pasta, steak and other meaty mains. The classic dishes are prepared with simple elegance. If you can't fit in dessert, maybe call room service later when you've retreated to your room. I'd suggest the tiramisu, or maybe the dark chocolate panna cotta with coconut and cherry compote.

If you wish really hard, dolphins might put on a show, which can be enjoyed from the balcony of a water-view room. Taking in the scene, I imagined that the only thing that could make it more magical would be dolphins. Then, ta-da! Flipper and friends swung by for a frolic. The show deserved a standing ovation. Bravo!

The writer was a guest of the hotel