DoubleTree By Hilton International Newcastle Airpo

Breakfast was already paid for, but they still kept me waiting about 15 minutes because they said my name wasn’t on the list. Once I got inside, the server didn’t greet me or check if I needed anything, and nobody came over when I wanted coffee. The staff were very rude, and I left dissatisfied with Hilton. I also asked for bottled water and was told they don’t provide it and that I should drink tap water. I didn’t expect this.

The airport is just across the road, which makes the location very convenient, and the rooms stayed remarkably quiet despite being so close to it. The hotel was clean and modern, the staff were really friendly, and the room was comfortable. A very easy stay, with little to complain about.

The check-in staff were polite and efficient, and I found the bed comfortable, though my wife thought it creaked badly. It was also too warm for me. With no opening window, turning the air conditioning down to 16 only got the room to 18. I didn’t eat much of the buffet breakfast because I wasn’t feeling well, though it looked fine to me. The room itself was OK, but awkwardly laid out. The toilet roll was difficult to reach, and the bath setup felt unsafe for someone with limited mobility: the handrails were only reachable after getting past the hardest part, when the radiator was the only thing to hold onto and could be very hot. The windows couldn’t be opened, and ours looked out toward the reception entrance, where there was litter scattered around. I also tried the disabled toilet in the basement by reception. While sitting there I wondered if the lock would give way if someone rattled the door, and when I got up, two pushes were enough to unlock it. For a Hilton, I expected better.

We came from Belfast for a weekend concert, and the location couldn’t have worked better. From stepping off the plane to checking in took about eight minutes. The lobby and bar look modern, while the rooms are clean, well serviced, and do what you need, even if they aren’t the most up to date. Lydia, the waitress and bartender, was lovely to talk to and helped make the stay pleasant. Jack was friendly and attentive too, and made great cocktails. Dinner was nice, with plenty of choice on the menu. Breakfast was the letdown: the food was cold, there was yogurt but no simple add-on like granola, and there wasn’t a latte or coffee machine to use. I’m not a big breakfast person, so it didn’t bother me too much. I’d stay again, and it’s a good choice if you’re passing through or spending a weekend in Newcastle.