The Executive Inn

I've stayed here three times, and the first and third stays were in the new, modern queen rooms. Both were lovely and clean, though each time the hot shower took a while to warm up. On my third visit, the TV had no signal, the Wi-Fi didn't work for me, and the parking lift was still out of order. A woman at reception also made me uncomfortable. When I asked for my receipt, she nearly threw it at me. I won't be back. My second stay was in an older queen room with an odd layout. I'd tried to book the same room as before but it wasn't available, which wasn't the hotel's fault. At least it was clean and the bathroom seemed new. The parking lift wasn't working then either, leaving just one lift to use, and some reception staff made me uncomfortable. The location is great, with free parking, a couple of restaurants and cafes within walking distance, and John Hunter Hospital only about a 5-6 minute drive away. Reception was very good on my first visit.

We felt at home here. The big and small pools and the spa are conveniently set in the middle of the complex, near the rooms. For meals, Wests club next door has plenty of restaurants, so there's no need to go further for lunch or dinner. We paid extra for the breakfast buffet. The food was fine, and I especially liked the pastries. Our queen room with a sofa bed worked well for our family of four and had lots of storage. There was an unpleasant smell in the toilet, but staff helped us with it. The undercover parking has plenty of space, although its lift wasn't working during our stay.

The check-in and check-out team were friendly and efficient, and Wests next door has good restaurants. I came up from the Central Coast the day before an early appointment at John Hunter Hospital. I hadn't stayed at the Executive for years and noticed a lot of improvements. The room had a little terrace with a table and chairs, plenty of cupboards, and a bar fridge with good prices. The bed was comfortable and the pillows were really nice.

The rooms are spacious and very clean, with balconies and big bathrooms. Staff were helpful and friendly. The hotel is attached to a Leagues Club with plenty of tasty food and different bars, and it's close to Newcastle Entertainment Centre and McDonald's Jones Stadium. I'd definitely recommend it.