The Rowers Hotel, Dunston Gateshead

The price was loads cheaper than the other well-known local hotels, which were coming in at twice as much, so I took a chance on this place for a Saturday night. Turns out it was the right call. Brilliant for the money, with friendly staff, clean and comfy rooms, and an ideal location. I’d definitely stay again or recommend it. Cheers neil

The rooms are a good size, and the guy at reception was nice. He gave us some information and offered to book a cab. But the rooms smelled like a filthy ashtray, with years of smoke in them, not just the last guest’s. The building is so old we could hear people next door, above us and below us. Everything was dirty, stained, covered in smoke or dust, or simply unusable. It needs a thorough deep clean before it can host guests. The area was inconvenient, and walking outside at night felt seriously risky. Even going for a walk or a smoke seemed scary. We paid £50 here, similar to what we’d paid at other hotels in Luton, Manchester and Wales for £50 and £55, but got less for our money here.

My room was fabulous for a simple stay: clean, warm, a decent size for a single, with clean linen, plenty of tea and coffee, and a clean little bathroom with everything I needed, including free toiletries. The heating was so good I had to turn it down on the second night. The gentleman who showed me in was welcoming and friendly, and even offered to carry my case. I’d recommend the hotel and had a nice stay, especially for a place to sleep and rest. It’s an easy 15-minute walk from the train station along a well-lit road. The first impression after arriving at 7pm in the dark wasn’t great. Downstairs was unlit, the windows and curtains looked dirty and tatty, and the locked front door took a few tries at the bell before someone answered. The inside looked drab at first, though the small reception area beyond another door was clean and presentable, if dark because of all the Wood Cladding. There was no one on reception for questions, just a number to call, which felt like a faff. I left my key on reception in the morning and that felt strange. On my second evening there was no hot water in the bath or shower, though the sink water was very hot. It was still the same the next morning. I didn’t contact anyone because it was late and I needed to catch a train. It didn’t ruin my stay, but it would be nice if breakfast were included. I couldn’t see anywhere to eat it, and the Conservatory shown in the hotel photos had dead leaves all over the floor. The room was great, but the rest of the building wasn’t in good shape. You get what you pay for.

The property felt a bit dated and could have been cleaner, though the staff were really nice.