Where to Stay

Like any major city, Newcastle-upon-Tyne has many places for both business and leisure travellers to stay. These vary from deluxe (and expensive) hotels to modest (and reasonably priced) guest houses, with a full spectrum in between. While accommodation can be found throughout the city, there are two main areas: the City Centre, and Osborne Road in Jesmond.

The City Centre - There are several hotels in the heart of the city, most of which cater for business travellers by offering services such as conference facilities, or the hire of rooms or suites for conducting meetings or interviews. The Copthorne, a recently built luxury hotel in the redeveloped Quayside area fronting the River Tyne, as well as having its own pool, fitness club, and the usual facilities you would expect of a four star hotel, can host conferences for up to 250 people. Other Quayside hotels include the Malmaison (see picture), which has a fashionable brasserie, open to non-residents, and the smaller Waterside Hotel.

There are half a dozen quality hotels within two or three minutes walk from Newcastle Central railway station, including the Royal Station Hotel, which adjoins it. Just across the road is the County Thistle, and a short distance away, near the Moot Hall and the castle keep, is the Vermont. The Chasley Hotel with its rooftop bar and restaurant, and the Surtees are all close by. All of these hotels welcome business guests as well as tourists. A little further from the station, but still well within the city centre is the Forte Posthouse, which boasts its own gymnasium and a swimming pool.

Jesmond - This pleasant residential suburb, only five minutes drive from the city centre, has over two dozen hotels in a localised area. At the top end of the market are the Swallow Imperial Hotel and Whites Hotel, both of which have conference facilities. However, there are numerous hotels in the moderate and inexpensive price brackets too, all of them offering perfectly good standards of accommodation and food, as well as catering for business and holiday travellers. A selection of these hotels includes—the Cairn, the Gresham, Comfort Inn Carlton, Grosvenor Hotel, the Osborne Hotel, the Rosebery, the Queens, the Dene, and the Kenilworth. For those on a tight budget, or who prefer something a little less luxurious, Newcastle's Youth Hostel can be found in Jesmond.

Other areas - One of Newcastle's finest hotels, the Marriott Gosforth Park, is situated in pleasant countryside next to Newcastle Racecourse and Northumberland Golf Club, just a few miles from the city centre. This hotel caters for conferences and training seminars, and is a popular venue for wedding receptions. A little further from the centre, and part of the Newcastle Airport complex, is the Britannia Hotel which hosts conferences, and has its own gymnasium. Other quality hotels away from the city centre include the Novotel, and the Toby Carvery, both in Kenton, and Menzies Hotel in Wallsend. The coastal resort areas of Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay boast hotels such as the Grand, and the Rex. You will also find countless inexpensive guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments. For those looking for accommodation away from the metropolitan area, but within reasonable commuting distance of the city, hotels such as the Linden Hall Hotel and Health Spa near Morpeth, the Gibside in Whickham, and the Slaley Hall hotel and Golf Complex in Hexham (which boasts two Championship Golf Courses, a health, leisure and beauty centre, and conference facilities) are just some of the establishments that offer excellent alternatives.

Future Developments - Confirming the growing reputation of Tyneside as a destination for leisure and business travellers alike, more prestigious hotels are planned. A 50 bed luxury hotel is being constructed in a renovated building in Grey Street.