General manager Peter Bacon said about 120 employees would be needed when the Salamander Bay hotel welcomed its first guests on September 7.

“We’re looking for a friendly and enthusiastic team,” he said. “We’re talking about a chef team of 30, a housekeeping team of 30, bar staff, reception. It adds up.

“And by the time you hit the peak season, you're up around that 150, 180, 200 [staff]. Hopefully it [recruitment] will be a really good thing for the area.”

The hotel, formerly Salamander Shores, is undergoing a $7 million overhaul by Bannisters Hotels. 

When complete, the hotel will feature 80 rooms, a large lobby overlooking Salamander Bay, cocktail bar, wet-edge infinity pool and three eateries – the terrace, tavern and Rick Stein restaurant.

The hotel began taking bookings for rooms and the Rick Stein restaurant last week. 

Overseeing Mr Stein’s restaurant and all other eateries in the hotel will be Mitch Turner.  

Formerly the head chef of Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook, Mr Turner has moved to Port Stephens to work in the newest addition to the hotel chain.

“I’m really excited about being here,” he said. “When we came up here I chatted with Rick about what's available, the local stuff that's coming out of Port Stephens and Newcastle, which you just don't get down [Mollymook]. I was really impressed by the co-op.

“We're hoping to use as much local produce as we can.”

Also read: Luxury by the sea: Salamander Shores enters a new era | photos, video

Mr Stein said the Bannisters Port Stephens menu has been inspired by the unique aquaculture of the region and would be complemented by Hunter Valley wines.

“The abundance of top quality seafood is a massive attraction as is the proximity to the Hunter Valley’s wineries,” Mr Stein said.

“I will be working closely with head chef Mitchell Turner designing a menu featuring local king prawns, Yellow fin bream, flathead, calamari and school whiting, not to mention the fabulous oysters.”

Mr Turner will be assisted by sous chef Chris Turton. Between them, the pair have worked with Mr Stein and for Bannisters for 10 years.

Despite the relentless June rain, Mr Bacon said construction is on track and was “quietly confident” the hotel would open as scheduled. 

An official opening is expected to be held in November. 

“In terms of response, we're super happy,” Mr Bacon said. “People seem to be excited, wanting to have a chat about the options.

“I think is that everyone knew Sally Shores could have been something special. I think they're really happy it’s going to be something special.”

The Salamander Shores hotel first opened in 1968.

Operating under the name The Salamander, the hotel featured nine two-bedroom family rooms, seven double suites, a swimming pool, jetty for boats, a public and club bar and lounge.

During the years, the hotel has expanded to include 91 rooms and changed hands a number of times.

The hotel has previously been run as an All Seasons Hotel and a Comfort Inn. It was sold to a Sydney-based consortium in 2002 for reportedly $7 million.

The All Seasons Salamander Shores Hotel, as it was then known, was placed on the market in 2012 with no record of a sale. 

In 2014 the hotel was put on the market again, and was expected to fetch $8 million.

Accor Hotels Australia leased it to Ibis Hotels who operated the 91-room hotel and tavern until 2016 when it was once again listed for sale.

The 91-room hotel also had restaurant and bar facilities, four function rooms and car parking for 100 vehicles.

Ibis Styles Salamander Shores Hotel was sold by private owners including eastern suburbs-based realtor Chris Herbert.

Bannisters Hotels bought the hotel in 2017 for an undisclosed sum. However, the hotel was expected to be sold for between $7 million and $9 million.