Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond by IHG

The reception area looks stylish and the staff were very nice. The bed was good, but that’s about it. Check-in was slow, there was black mould in the bathroom and rust in the tub, and the room felt cold. The gym was tiny, about the size of a garage, with one bike, one treadmill, one mat, one cross trainer and one set of weights. There weren’t any clean gym towels left. Breakfast was average. At £154 a night, plus £12 for breakfast, I expected a bit more.

I ran training events here over two days and stayed overnight. The room was lovely and larger than most I stay in, and the location worked well for a match at St. James Park, about a 30-minute direct walk away. On-site parking was convenient. The only downside was a sewage smell near the bar entrance. Hopefully that was a one-off.

A lovely stay, with welcoming, polite staff and a fresh breakfast. I had the amenities I needed and felt at ease. The only thing I missed was a set of drawers in the room, since I stayed for a few nights. Other than that, I’d stay again.

Jesmond Metro station is close by, but the hotel itself is still quiet and relaxing. Staff were excellent, even with my check-in and check-out at unusual times. The room was comfortable and well equipped, and the air conditioning was finally easy to control. My only small gripe was the very dark carpet and surfaces, which made the room feel pokier than it really was. The food was very good, both at breakfast and in the restaurant and bar. Those meals are available late into the evening, which is handy.