Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

We checked out at 11am and went to the car, only to find the car park exit road closed for the marathon. I know that wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but nobody warned us when we booked or checked in. We were stuck in the lobby for four hours waiting for the road to reopen at 3pm. Staff apologised and said they thought everyone had been told, but about 15 people were in the same position. The room was tired and not especially clean, with stains on the bed linen. The air con wasn’t enough, and there was only one window that opened. The tea and coffee supplies were scant too, with just enough milk for one person and one biscuit pack for two guests. Breakfast was chaotic. Staff couldn’t keep up with refilling, there were no pastries while we were there, and hot food came out so slowly that I had to take what was available, eat, then go back for more. I didn’t eat any of it: the black pudding was so overcooked or reheated I couldn’t cut it, and the cheap sausages and bacon were disgusting. I ended up with muesli, yoghurt and half a glass of fresh orange juice. The juice jugs were empty and only refilled one at a time, so with about 50 people, it was gone again by the time I went back. I wouldn’t stay again. Cheaper hotels offer better service, room upkeep and food, so this wasn’t a case of getting what you pay for.