Newcastle upon Tyne Hotels

Best places to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle has a big reputation, but in terms of size, it’s actually fairly compact and walkable. A hotel in the city centre near the train station is a great choice for first-timers, putting you within touching distance of all the key attractions. The Quayside area is your best bet for picturesque riverside views and a more relaxed vibe. If you’d like to be slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, Jesmond is a stylish neighbourhood with quirky shops and a thriving student population. East of the city centre, Ouseburn is a cultural and creative hub that draws an eclectic crowd.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Grainger Town is Newcastle’s beating heart, home to pubs, eateries, theatres, cinemas and much more. Be sure to visit the gorgeous Georgian architecture of Grey Street and the towering landmark that is Grey’s Monument. If engineering marvels are more your thing, you’ll want to stay by the riverside, where you’ll get marvellous views of the seven bridges over the Tyne, including the revolutionary tilting design of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Nearby, close to the train station, you’ll find the city’s castle and cathedral, two magnificent structures that sit practically alongside one another and both date back over 900 years.

Where to stay with your family in Newcastle upon Tyne

The west side of the city centre is a great place to stay with little ones, as it’s home to several key attractions. The Discovery Museum is a sprawling space that teaches kids (and adults!) about science and local history, including the fascinating Turbinia, the first turbine-powered steamship. Also nearby is the Life Science Centre, home to a mind-blowing planetarium. And if your kids love football, a trip to the iconic St James’ Park stadium is a must. Try the ever-reliable Holiday Inn Express, which offers family rooms with sofa beds for kids.

Where to find cheap hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne

A short stroll from Newcastle across the Tyne Bridge lies Gateshead, technically a town in its own right. It’s a great place to look for budget hotels: the Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside is available from just £48 a night and offers complimentary wi-fi, while the Ramada Encore by Wyndham (from £49/night for a double) has its own restaurant and fitness centre. If you’d prefer a super-central Newcastle upon Tyne hotel, Sleeperz Hotel Newcastle is steps away from the main train station and boasts a coffee shop and snack bar, all from just £41 for a night.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

If you’re on a solo trip to Newcastle and feel like meeting people, make a beeline for the Albatross Hostel. Situated in the heart of Grainger Town, dorm beds are available from just £15, and guests can make use of the fully equipped kitchen, TV lounge and pool table. There’s also no curfew – ideal if you end up sampling the local nightlife! For something a little fancier, try the swanky suburb of Jesmond and The Osborne Hotel. This independent boutique spot is just a 5-minute walk from Jesmond Dene, an ancient woodland perfect for a solo stroll, and you’re still just 1.5 miles from the city centre.

The 10 must-sees of Newcastle upon Tyne

• The seven bridges: Engineering marvels that span the Tyne

• Newcastle Castle: The monument that gave the city its name

• St James’ Park: The iconic stadium home to the Magpies

• Grey’s Monument: A landmark and handy meeting point

• Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art: A vast art gallery with an ever-changing collection

• Great North Museum: An award-winning museum of natural history, archaeology and world cultures

• Discovery Museum: Exhibits exploring science and local history

• Life Science Centre: A fun and educational day out for families

• Jesmond Dene: A blissfully tranquil public park

• Angel of the North: The unmistakable Antony Gormley sculpture

Party and nightlife in Newcastle upon Tyne

If you’re after a Geordie Shore kind of night, head for the Diamond Strip on Collingwood Street. The clubs here are trendy and expensive, with chic interiors and cocktails. The nearby Bigg Market is where you’ll find the Toon’s largest clubs, and with a big student cohort, these places get pretty wild and rowdy. If an upmarket gastropub is more your thing, the Quayside is your best bet, with beer terraces along the river for an al fresco drink or meal. Real ale fans will love Grey Street and Dean Street for their microbreweries, and there are also plenty of great pubs and sports bars on Osborne Road in stylish Jesmond.

Going shopping in Newcastle upon Tyne

Northumberland Street is a bustling pedestrianised thoroughfare home to big-name stores and first-class street performers. Nearby is Grey Street, whose historic Georgian architecture is complemented by a range of boutique shops. When it comes to shopping centres, Monument Mall and Eldon Square are modern offerings, while the Central Arcade boasts a Victorian vaulted glass ceiling and exclusive outlets.

The Gate has an impressive array of eating, drinking and entertainment options alongside its many shops, while Metrocentre in Gateshead is one of Europe’s largest shopping centres. As for markets, Grainger Market has a covered selection of 80+ independent vendors to choose from, while the Quayside Sunday Market spotlights local artisans and food producers.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Located next door to The Castle, the sophisticated Vermont Hotel is home to Above, a stunning rooftop bar. Offering everything from afternoon tea to late-night cocktails, this spot boasts 360-degree views of the Newcastle skyline. Best of all, it has both outdoor and indoor seating for those not-so-infrequent rainy days.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Jesmond Dene House may have the look of a sprawling countryside manor, but it’s actually a hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Fern is the hotel’s upmarket dining room, which combines flavoursome, beautifully crafted dishes with relaxed Geordie hospitality. The set menu is a winner, with options including liver parfait, beetroot gnocchi and pear & frangipane tart.

Spa hotels

Situated in the buzzing Quayside area,Malmaison Newcastle can whisk you away to a different world in its spa, which offers a full range of face and body treatments including massages, body wraps and manicures. The spa day packages are a great deal for everyone from mums-to-be to hen parties.

Luxury hotels

INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle pairs its historic Quayside location with spacious, modern architecture and minimalist design. Boasting an outdoor dining terrace by the Tyne and a state-of-the-art gym with a virtual trainer, it’s ideal for both leisure and business travellers. The Townhouse suite comes with a free premium minibar and even a yoga mat.