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Ramada Shoal Bay boasts a lagoon-style swimming pool with a children's wading area. Also included is a 25 metre indoor lap pool and three mineral spas, providing plenty of opportunities to truly unwind.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Family
Languages Spoken
English
Location
35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales 2315 Australia
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
3.4 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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We stayed in a pleasant, two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and a modest but adequate kitchen with a wonderful view across Shoal Bay. The apartment was nicely furnished and well maintained. We enjoyed our stay, the indoor and outdoor pool areas and the beach just across the road, although we found it extremely difficult to manoeuvre the very heavy free kayaks to and from the beach. Staff were mixed - some very friendly and pleasant and others quite surly. We visited the Shoal Bay Country Club, which is part of the resort complex, for drinks and then a meal during our stay and found it very overpriced and again staff with very variable personalities and attitudes to service.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enjoyed the heritage room overlooking water. Comfortable with kitchen. Bizarre night lights on bed mean you’ll need duck tape from reception to stop the overnight glow. Great spa opens 6am. Breakfast cafe underneath which is fine outdoor - slightly strange layout inside with no clear walkway between tables. Outdoor pool cabanas nice. Comfy bed and nice spa. A bit more attention to detail required in room, ie soap dispenser almost empty and did not hear staff member knock on entering room so bit of a surprise to see someone in bathroom when I came out of lounge. That was a first for me. Otherwise ok, good location.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stay yearly, rooms very tired. 1st time in 1 bd along side corridor, heard every door slam. Bed was hard balcony view lovely, Country Club packed but now so over priced. Indoor heated pool was cold & kids jump into spa pools yet they add fake grass to non-slip! Kids should not be allowed, an accident waiting to happen. Kids have wade pool & fountain and large outdoor pool. Lots of lovely shaded umbrellas and new cabanas and plentiful seating. Parking spacious. Room amenities good, dishwasher, stove oven, no TV in bedroom, no coffee machine, instant is terrible. Beach is beautiful, water to refill drink bottles sadly used to wash kifs feet yet taps & showers all along beach. Best seafood is Aussie on corner fresh cooked. IGA and coffee shops good in square. This probably my last visit in 20 yrs as I look toward more better standards sadly.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Avoid 1bd rooms on waterfront, noisy all night until after 2am. Barrington 2bd apts best for...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Location fantastic - nature walks close by, numerous beaches to choose from as were the variety of eateries with great views on to the Bay. The Bay itself is beautiful with white sand & spectacularly clear water, absolutely loved it. Stayed for a week in one bed pool room which was tastefully decorated with a lounge area over looking the pool. Resort has many facilities - great couple & family resort. Thoroughly enjoyed our time & would stay again (early Dec).
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Review collected in partnership with RCI
Date of stay: December 2024
Value
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked a night as we had a wedding to attend in the area which started at 2.30pm. Check in was meant to be 2pm which gave us 30min to get dressed makeup and arrive at venue, (we had travelled from Sydney 3hours away so couldn't get ready sooner) how ever our room was not ready and there was a nice line up at reception with other guests arriving to check in at 2pm as well who also were told that there rooms are not ready. As you could imagine the panic setting in as I needed to get ready asap! Considering the room rate being charged you would think it would be ready and waiting. I then had asked if possible could we have a later checkout and was told that I could only get an extra hour but it'll will cost $50! Now I ask do I get $50 back for not being able to get into my room on time? I found staying here was stressful and expensive. I'm really disappointed and would not recommend staying here again. If you want to charge expensive resort prices provide the service to back it up
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
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Cleanliness
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the Ramada by Wyndham resort Shoal bay with my son for 2 nights last week and was shocked by the depressing decor of the ‘heritage beachfront room’. The furniture is worn out and drab, the interior resembles a uni student share house that not even the view compensates for. There was an unpleasant odour when we entered the room as well. The bed was THE most uncomfortable bed I have ever slept on in my life and the lumpy pillow smelt like it had been slept on for a week and not laundered. The staff were helpful and placed a mattress topper on the bed and changed the pillowcases which made a difference. The ‘resort’ gym is tiny, the weights are rusty, there is limited equipment, most out of order. You arrive at this property with high hopes due to the location and find that it’s a tired old disappointment. It cost me $380 per night and I honestly don’t know how they justify it for the run down product they’re offering. Little wonder people prefer Asian beach destinations where $380 per night gets you luxury. Lift your game Ramada/Wyndham.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nik Commons, General Manager at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Responded 20 May 2021
Hello Cocopiglet I am sorry you did not enjoy your stay with us. We always maintain to ensure our guests have a great experience. Please be assured I will look into your booking in more detail to review any short comings.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Location is great, could be noise for you at the front of hotel at night. My 4th stay and important things are getting missed now. 1) room felt dirty because of missed dirt and torn paint at carpet edges 2) Bathroom vanity handles not cleaned, a long hair in tub 3) The Barrington building requires your key to enter, sign says swipe, but had to wait for other guests to help, it's now a tap ...update the sign! 4) spa says shower first, fine. But no towels, soap dispenser broken as was shower door 5) asked for 1hr late check-out to 11am to have breakfast with friends, they said $50 extra, really?! Consider a vacation rental, this is not your typical hotel experience
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Front of hotel next to very popular pub that's open until 4am, if you choose to stay here, ask...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed for a couple of nights back in November and enjoyed myself quite well. My experience started with parking out on the road and going to the reception area to better understand how things operate around here. A pleasant young lady explained to me that I was in one of the neighbouring blocks (on the 7th floor) and that my free parking space was numbered a few floors down in the multi story car park in the same block (3rd floor). All good.
I was pleased to see that I had quite a large suite with fully fitted kitchen area. This contained a useful fridge/freezer, microwave, oven, crockery and cutlery. There was even dishwasher. And I appreciated the kettle with tea bags, sachets of ground instant coffee and a small carton of milk in the fridge.
I even had a small balcony with two chairs and table with side view to the sea. I got the sun in the afternoon. In the "living room" area there was a two seater sofa and two arm chairs in front of a flat screen telly. The free WiFi worked without problems. There weren't many electrical sockets - something that the modern traveler notices quickly given the number of electrical appliances one seems to need nowadays. The air-conditioning worked well.
There was a separate bedroom with a large, comfortable double bed but no window - just a sort of Japanese style screen as the door. There was also a separate bathroom with WC and a shower in the bath. All in all, everything that a solo male traveler would need for a couple of days exploring this pat of the world.
As for the rest of the hotel, I didn't explore anywhere else nor check out any of the other amenities/facilities like the pool. I was here to explore the surroundings including Tomaree Head, the beach and other interesting sights here. And the location of this establishment was perfect for all of that!
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is our 4th year staying at the Ramada Resort Shoal Bay over the Australia Day weekend. It has become our January tradition.
The staff are always so welcoming at check in, especially this year with Chloe, who was absolutely amazing. Thank you for your amazing customer service.
We stay in the Heritage wing in the beach front rooms. The view is to die for, love sitting on our balcony watching the world go by.
The room has everything you need with a functional kitchen, full size fridge. The bathroom is very roomy with a spa bath and shower. The beds are comfortable and plenty of room for your clothes with wardrobe and draws so you don't have to live out of your bag.
Pool area is spot on with plenty of deck chairs. A children's pool. BBQ's are also available inside the space. A fun family day by the pool to be enjoyed.
The Country Club right next door has great food (I recommend the ribs) and terrific atmosphere especially on the weekends with a great beer garden.
There are other lovely places to eat along the board walk also recommend the Fishermans Club and their Calamari Stack (Fabulous).
Shoal Bay is beautiful, a great relaxing holiday will be experienced.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel was in reasonably good shape in a great beachside location. Unfortunately the proximity to the Shoal Bay Country Club was a big issue - this NSW beer barn ain't no country club! Our room (don't stay in H113 or H112) was so close to the club we shared a window and a wall, and a thoroughfare. The noise from every evenings singalong was so loud the room was barely usable. And we had booked this room three months prior at premium rates - no last minute deal.
There is no daily room clean and turn down service which was a surprise and one of the reasons I chose to stay in a hotel rather than Airbnb.
A number of services and facilities (E.g. games room, e-bikes) were only available for Club Wyndham members, which is some kind of timeshare Ponzi scheme that the staff try to foist in you with the offer of a free breakfast.
If you really want to stay here ring before booking and get the fine print. Or stay further up the beach in an apartment for a more tranquil stay.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would not know how to get there from Sydney. If you are to rely upon publuc transport then this is not the place to go. to get & out of there yoy need a car. particularly if you are catching a cruise ship then I would not choose this destination
We had no issue with noise. If its noisy you can always ask for a room change. The country club which is all the F&B outlets are not owned by Ramada. It is privately owned.
I dont think you would be able to claim a refund just because the spa didnt work. You should have requested a room change.
There are more places to choose from in the Shoal Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$184 - AU$328 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
shoal bay hotel shoal bay
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Shoal Bay Resort & Spa
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesGreater NewcastlePort StephensShoal Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
183
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