The Royal Station Hotel

Our first stop is Newcastle, North East England!

Main entrance - Hotel's own photo



When I was younger, many times in movies you will see a rich family going on holiday and descent in a very posh hotel. As soon as their taxi arrived in front of the hotel, the valet will rush to carry their bags… then, the TV screen will be filled with the reception area of the hotel… luxurious decors, rich carpets in the William Morris style, oil paintings and gold signage everywhere.

The corridor with carved wood

Well, checking-in in this hotel last Friday, I felt as if I was in one of those films. I felt a bit underdressed when I walked in. The receptionists were great. Wore bit too much make up and fake tan, but very welcoming. I got my room number, took the lift… slightly disappointing as it was modern and didn’t fit in with the rest of the reception area. Once on my floor, the corridor decors reflected the reception area, the stairs, the carvings in the wood… Just beautiful.

Not sure that my room fitted in, but, I liked it. It came with a flat screen TV, freeview and a desk. Despite having been given a room near an emergency exit, I was really happy with it; a small double room that I booked for £53 the night. What a bargain!

My bathroom

The wardrobe had a really good ironing board and iron, bath robe and slippers.The bathroom was clean, and also had a tub.

The restaurant didn’t let me down and the decors carried on from the main entrance with the same old feel. You will just have to visit it to see those beatiful booth-like seats as the photo below isn't really clear. For dinner, I  enjoyed some lamb on a bed of fried cabbage with baby carrots. Dessert was a chocolate and truffles with praline and dark chocolate sauce.

The restaurant booth

It feels like I should rate this place 4 stars out of five. But, the hotel is so centrally located that even the drunks seat on the steps and clients have to navigate to get pass them. It didn’t appear as if the staff from the hotel cared or could move them on. Then, there was way too much noise during the night (this is a Thursday night. It must be worst at week end). My colleague who had a room few doors from mine felt as if someone was trying to get in her room. As for me, I heard the emergency door slammed few times during the night.

Newcastle Daffodils

I am not sure how secure this hotel is for its clients, but I really liked it and feel I should give it another try.

This hotel gets 3 stars from me.  The Royal Station Hotel is part of the Cairn Group of hotels, exits since 1858 and has over 100 rooms.

For further info visit http://www.royalstationhotel.com/

For bargain bookings check special offers and book via the website directly.

Better photos of the hotel are on the hotel's website. Do feast your eyes on them!

Happy travelings!

The Reviewer.