At the Heart of Newcastle (Royal Station Hotel (Newcastle upon Tyne))

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	Royal Station Hotel (Newcastle upon Tyne)
Date:	02/05/09 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Central location. Elegant decor.

Disadvantages: Basic comforts and amenities.

Address:

Royal Station Hotel,
Neville Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 5DH

Tel: (44) 0191 232 0781 Fax: (44) 0191 222 0786
email: info@royalstationhotel.com

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The three star Royal Station Hotel is situated right beside Newcastle Upon Tyne's Central Train Station and Metro station. It also overlooks the Central Station bus stands where local services and also national bus services like Megabus and National Express pick up and alight. There is also a taxi rank right outside. It's central location means it's a brilliant place for tourists coming into the city- a great base from which to explore. It is literally ten minutes away from the most visited tourist attractions in the city. However, because of it's location in the heart of the city it can get quite busy outside of the hotel. The area is especially busy at the weekends where party-goers and drinkers use the metro trains and taxi cabs to get home. Despite this, traffic and other noises are not noticable from inside the hotel.

Indoors there is a carpeted staircase leading up to the grand reception area. A huge crystal chandelier adorns the main entrance and really makes an impression on me. The decor actually reminds me of very old, chic hotels or even creepy movie hotels like in 'The Shining' or '1408'! It is quite grand and beautiful. The furnishings have an antique feel to them but do not look worn out or dirty. Check in is a quick process although I recently was turned away half an hour before check in time which I found to be a little problematic. If you are a tourist they have a desk with dozens of information leaflets on events and places to visit in the area. They also have a free local newspaper stand in the foyer.

I have always been given a room on the fourth floor in this hotel with my room overlooking busy Neville Street. There are lifts and staircases. The lifts are quite small but large enough for wheelchair access. The rooms are also quite small but comfortable. They have an ensuite bathroom with toiletries like soap, bath foam, shower cap etc provided. I have found the bathrooms are reasonably clean and new looking. The bathrooms are mirrored and well lit.

The beds are small both lengthways and width. I have found that my feet almost reach the end of the bed. There are drawers and a wardrobe for keeping clothes. The rooms have a small flat screen TV which has multiple freeview channels. There is also a mini fridge. Complimentary gifts left in my fridge are: a Breakaway or Club biscuit, cream sachets and a carton of Just Juice. It's not exactly the Ritz! Glasses, mugs and tea and coffee making facilities are also provided. The rooms are fine temperature wise and I am able to get a good nights sleep here. Traffic noises are minimal as the windows are secure and the seats and beds in the rooms set back slightly from the window.

Breakfast is served in the restuarant just off from the foyer. It is a large seating area with a traditional appearance. The restaurant also opens for dinner at 18:30. Staff are helpful and polite. The quality of the food is quite good.

There is also access to a leisure club and indoor pool although I have not used these facilities.

I have stayed here twice and paid around £50 per room per night which I think is a reasonable price for this hotel and the comfort it provides. I would certainly return here and imagine I will in the future. It is a conveniently situated hotel that whilst does not provide a luxury hotel experience is suitable for my needs.

Check out their website:

http://www.royalstationhotel.com/

Summary: A decent hotel in the heart of Newcastle.