Indigo Newcastle

The food I had was excellent and prepared to a high standard, though the menu needs more variety. Chicken was the only main protein option, which could put people off dining in for more than one night. A broader, more general menu would suit the hotel better. I heard from another guest that there was talk of possibly closing the restaurant and letting some staff go. That would be a real shame. The team are superb, and losing the restaurant would affect business travellers, especially those who don’t want to go out for dinner after a long day or when travelling alone. I’ve just checked out of Hotel Indigo in Newcastle after a lovely stay. The recently renovated lobby, bar and restaurant make a brilliant place to unwind after work, with colleagues or on your own. The bar and restaurant staff are energetic, friendly and make you feel welcome. The rooms are stylish, clean and comfortable, and the rear car park and central location make getting around easy. I’d gladly stay again and hope the restaurant remains part of what makes this hotel stand out.

The gym is unusually well equipped for a hotel. There are two treadmills, a cycle, a cable machine, weight bags, medicine balls and dumbbells up to 30kg. It’s enough to keep up a proper training routine on the road, far beyond the usual token gym. I’ve been staying regularly at Hotel Indigo Newcastle for work since September, and I genuinely look forward to coming back. The rooms have been reliable across the range I’ve tried, from the smallest to the larger king-sized options, though not the suites. They’re clean, well maintained and have the amenities you’d expect. Nothing flashy, just comfortable and dependable for a longer stay. The people are what make the place. At breakfast and in the restaurant, Serena, Rahul, Ashley and Gina, along with the behind-the-scenes team, are consistently warm and welcoming. It feels personal over time. Phil and Faye at front of house are especially good at balancing professionalism and warmth. Phil makes a lovely oat flat white, and they both know my order by heart, which makes mornings easy. Breakfast is excellent. One of the chefs makes scrambled eggs slowly, so they’re soft and never overdone, though other chefs aren’t always as consistent. I like that breakfast is cooked fresh instead of sitting under heat lamps. My usual is the shakshuka with three poached eggs, rich and satisfying. The wider front-of-house and concierge team are just as helpful. Colette, Ian, Andrea, Laura and Georgie are friendly, approachable and calm, whether it’s a small request or general help. Others without the same badges deserve credit too for being professional and willing to help. For longer work trips, the consistency, comfort and service make this a place I’m glad to return to.

The room was spacious enough and comfortable, and we were upgraded to one with a balcony. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the Scottish kind we’d hoped for to enjoy it. Breakfast had a lovely selection, but the whites on my eggs weren’t fully cooked, which put me off. The waitress offered to get fresh ones, but I just couldn’t have them. It was my first visit, though my partner often stays here for work. The location was okay, close enough to places to eat and easy to get an Uber. The car park is ridiculously small, but we were lucky to find a space. We also enjoyed some lovely cocktails at the bar.

We were left outside in the freezing cold, with no staff able to give us information or organise what was happening after the fire. It had already been an hour and a half, and there was still no sign of a manager. A helpful member of staff from another hotel offered us somewhere warm while the fire was dealt with, which was great. If we’d been left to the Indego staff, we’d still have been outside. When I asked, nobody gave us any information. They don’t seem to care once they have your money. After we finally got back in, an hour and a half later, our dinner plans were completely disrupted and we had to put up with freezing cold water at the hotel. When we tried to leave in the lift, covers had been left over the lift doors on the ground floor, and we were stuck. We got no apology and nothing was put through our door overnight to explain what had happened. This was the second fire at the hotel, so you’d think it would have been handled better. We’re so unhappy with the response that we’ve cancelled all future bookings with IHG. I also hadn’t mentioned the dirty room, with far too much mould in the bathroom. For a hotel with such amazing staff, you’d think basic cleaning wouldn’t be a problem. Room 438. Thanks for your detailed reply.