Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge

Reception, the gym, and room service were all 5/5. I was frazzled after the journey, so I really appreciated how well they looked after me at check-in. Room service called after I ordered to ask about allergies and whether the timing suited, and they were friendly and caring. I used the gym and pool twice, and staff were great at getting me set up. Breakfast was the one letdown: nobody offered me coffee or water, and male guests seemed to get better seating and preferential attention.

The location is right in the city centre with plenty to do for families and solo travellers. We had a fabulous time and will definitely return with more family. The buffet breakfast was fantastic, with fresh hot food and omelettes made to order. Everyone we met on staff was lovely. Our room was clean and spacious, and the front desk lady moved us to one with a view. They also left a small welcome gift. The hotel is gorgeous and well kept, with a pretty water feature in the lobby. I really recommend it.

We’ve stayed here before, though not often, and Kevin at breakfast recognised us from earlier visits, which was a nice touch. This time we had a Tyne view room for one night, then booked another room with a lovely view because the first was only available for one night. I think the desk staff member was called Libby; she checked whether she could change things but couldn’t. The hotel has just had a makeover, and the room was clean and comfortable. Staff were all pleasant. Breakfast was plentiful buffet style, with fried or poached eggs, omelettes and pancakes available to order. I’m also a Gold member of Hilton Honors, which gives various perks.

The renovated executive room is gorgeous and long overdue. I stay here often, but this was my first time in one of the updated rooms. It’s great that the lights and chargers stay on without leaving a keycard in, and there are sockets and USB ports on both sides of the bed. The location is excellent, staff are friendly, and breakfast is really good. But there’s no fridge, and the lights have to be switched off one by one because there’s no master switch. I don’t understand why so much effort and money went into the rooms but not the bathrooms. Mine had a shower curtain, and even a Premier Inn costing half as much has a walk-in shower or a glass screen over the bath. Maybe it was just my room, but the shower pressure was practically nonexistent. I had to use the facilities downstairs to shower. I’ll have to think hard about coming back if I can’t use the shower in my room, and may need to consider competitors.