Novotel Newcastle Beach

The hotel sits in a quiet spot near the main beach, with cafes and restaurants a short walk away. We had a harbour-view room, and the reception team were fabulous. The receptionist offered a shower chair and walker for my husband, and they were in the room before we arrived. The restaurant staff also made sure we had an accessible table for our mobility scooter. There’s an accessible lift to the beach at the end of the road. The wide path winding along the coast and beach made getting around by scooter easy.

Leonard from the hotel team called the day before I arrived to say they’d like to leave wine and a cheese platter for me. He offered three wines and explained each one with real enthusiasm and knowledge. Such lovely service. I’m a platinum member and usually stay exclusively at Accor hotels, but not every Accor property takes this kind of care. They did the same last month too, with wine and cheese.

The hotel is just moments from the beach and was great value. Brandon was very helpful from check-in onwards and looked after us so well. We really enjoyed our stay.

The room was very clean and had everything in place to be amazing, but the welcome lacked the warmth and genuine greeting I’ve had at other Novotels. When I booked, I was quoted the highest rate for a cancellation option, which nearly sent me elsewhere. Only after I asked whether there was anything cheaper did they offer a lower rate. I thought that was very sneaky. We’ve stayed at plenty of Novotels and weren’t especially impressed here.