Carlton Hotel

The towels were filthy, and the replacements they brought weren’t much better. My room was above the bar, where the music was very loud, and there was no soundproofing. For a cheap hotel, I at least expect a clean, quiet room, and neither was the case. I can’t recommend it. If you book the Carlton, ask exactly where your room will be.

After I got home, I realised I’d left my glasses in the room. The hotel wouldn’t post them to me, even when I offered to pay shipping. I suspect that was because I’d complained about the room at checkout. Staff were very unhelpful, which felt totally unprofessional, and the stay wasn’t worth the money. I was there for the Great North Run earlier in the month and knew the event would push the price up, but still expected better for what I paid. The room smelled strange, with water stains running down the walls from what looked like several leaks where the walls met the ceiling. I only spotted how badly stained the mattress was on the second morning, when I was trying to work out the smell. I showed staff photos as I checked out, and they admitted it didn’t look good. Stay somewhere else nearby if you can.

Breakfast is served over at the Cairn, with plenty of choice and hot dishes topped up regularly. Reception and restaurant/bar staff were really friendly. It’s good value for the location, though guests coming back from a night out can make a lot of noise in the early hours. This was my second stay and I’d probably come back.

Newcastle was new to me, and this hotel turned out to be a lovely place to stay.