Hayat Express Hotel

The manager waited until around 10pm for me to check in, and I appreciated that. I slept well because the mattress and bedding were good. But the room was dirty and grubby, especially the floor and sink, and generally a bit worn out. Please give the rooms a proper clean.

On checkout, the lady in charge noticed I was struggling with my suitcases and immediately helped. She carried one suitcase and a bag downstairs, then all the way to the bus station. I arrived to check in at 10.55pm, and they were very helpful and understanding. After I waited a few minutes, they offered me a free upgrade to an ensuite. The room was lovely, spacious, comfortable, super clean and had great amenities. For the price, it’s one of the best value hotels I’ve stayed in. Thanks for the lovely stay!

The parking was impressive, but my wife and I left early with our bags. We didn’t think the double room was worth the price. It faced a busy street, and without net curtains we had to shut the main curtains to dress or do anything personal. The bedside light was just two wires sticking out of the wall. There was no hot water from the tap the first night, and none in the shower at all.

For £45 a night, this was very good value, especially with rugby on in Newcastle, about a 30-minute drive away. I stayed for two nights from 10 May 2019 in a spotlessly clean, new-looking upgraded single room with a modern ensuite. The bed was comfortable, though duck-feather pillows were the only option. They were sealed and didn’t cause me any problems. Tea-making facilities were in the room. I didn’t try the included breakfast, which finishes at 10am, and this wasn’t mentioned anywhere in the hotel, on the website or in my booking confirmation email. The double glazing was high quality and cut out virtually all road noise at night, even though my room faced a side road. There’s a free, well-lit private car park, as well as uncontrolled off-street parking. The modern bathroom had a powerful overhead shower with plenty of heat, though no handheld option, which would’ve been useful. The shared bathrooms I noticed do have one. My bedside light was faulty, and they provided one towel and a face cloth. I’d stay again. The walls felt solid, but I could hear occupants in both adjoining rooms talking until midnight on the last night. That could be a problem if you want an early, quiet night or want to sleep in. Like other budget hotels, including Travelodge, the curtains don’t have blackout lining, so if you’re light-sensitive, dawn may wake you at sunrise.