Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

We had a fabulous New Year break at the Copthorne Newcastle. The traditional hotel was beautifully decorated for the festive season, and the friendly, helpful staff were a real asset. Breakfast was superb. From our cosy fifth-floor club room, we had stunning river and bridge views and could watch the Family Firework display on New Year's Eve before heading to the Quayside for the midnight celebrations and fireworks. The location works especially well for the Quayside, just five minutes from its restaurants, bars, and the architecture of the bridges, The Baltic, and Sage Glasshouse. The city centre and shops are about a 10-15 minute walk uphill, and it is steep. We also liked the easy car parking, linked to the hotel by lift. We could leave the car there without any issue and get back to it easily if needed. We couldn't fault our stay, and the hotel offers excellent value for money if you don't mind an older building with furnishings to match. Thanks to the staff for a lovely visit.

We drove from Manchester for a January gig and needed parking, so I chose the Copthorne for its waterfront position and walking distance to the city centre. The room was lovely, clean, and had all the amenities you'd expect. The shower pressure was amazing, and we slept well. The part that really stood out happened after we'd gone home. I realised I'd left some expensive headphones in the room and called the hotel. Courtney confirmed they'd been found and arranged to have them shipped back. Then Evri misplaced the package. Carole, the housekeeping manager, took the issue on herself and went above and beyond to escalate it with the courier. I got my headphones back three weeks after they were sent. The stay was brilliant, but Carole's help after checkout made it even more special. I can't thank her enough.

The location is excellent, less than a ten-minute walk from Utilita Arena, the city centre, and the main train station. On site parking is available, and a lift takes you straight from the multi-storey levels to reception. The rooms are large and comfortable, with a fairly simple style and great views over the River Tyne. The beds are firm, the bathroom is clean, and the shower has good pressure. It's not among the most luxurious hotels in Newcastle, but it delivers a comfortable stay and very good value consistently.

The staff were friendly, and it's a short walk from the train station in a good location. But the hotel feels neglected and badly in need of a proper clean. The corridors and rooms are dark and dingy, and the filthy exterior windows and sills spoil the lovely view of the Tyne. I was surprised there wasn't even a bottle of water in the room, and drinks at reception cost five times supermarket prices. The shower is over the bath and fixed too low for a tall person. It's disappointing to see how run down the hotel has become over the years. Despite its excellent location, it hasn't kept up with the times.