Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle

...found myself staying at the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle. The location is certainly fantastic, ideal for the train station and the Metro station and also for the centre of town shops and restaurants. However, I would think twice about staying there next time - the price and location may be good, but the staff and the noise from the train station put me off.

Booking
Booking was easily completed by emailing info@royalstationhotel.com. ...
...Surroundings
The hotel itself looks fabulous from the outside - a big old Victorian building in Newcastle's surprisingly elegant city centre. The main street diagonally opposite the hotel leads to the city centre and a wide range of restaurants, including Newcastle's China Town.

Arrival
I arrived by train at about 12.30, after which it took about 2 minutes to walk to the hotel. On arrival, I was initially told that I ... more

Introduction
Although my hotel costs are paid by my company when I travel, as I frequently have to, I do unfortunately have to stick to a certain budget and so for the sake of price and convenience, I found myself staying at the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle. The location is certainly fantastic, ideal for the train station and the Metro station and also for the centre of town shops and restaurants. However, I would think twice about staying there next time - the price and location may be good, but the staff and the noise from the train station put me off.

Booking
Booking was easily completed by emailing info@royalstationhotel.com. The phone number is 0191 232 0781.

Surroundings
The hotel itself looks fabulous from the outside - a big old Victorian building in Newcastle's surprisingly elegant city centre. The main street diagonally opposite the hotel leads to the city centre and a wide range of restaurants, including Newcastle's China Town.

Arrival
I arrived by train at about 12.30, after which it took about 2 minutes to walk to the hotel. On arrival, I was initially told that I couldn't check in for another hour, but after I asked the receptionist to check if my room was available, she conceded that it was and that I could therefore check in. There was another kerfuffle over payment - my company had arranged for the hotel costs to be put on the company credit card and I had the email response from the hotel to prove it, but the receptionist denied all knowledge of this and demanded my own credit card details. After phone calls to and from my office, this was eventually sorted out, but I wasn't terribly impressed. The entrance area itself is quite imposing with high ceilings. It looks a little worn to say the least, but was fairly clean and tidy.

The rooms
My room had twin beds and was small, but adequate, with an ensuite bathroom. Facilities included a telephone, Internet access, a television, tea and coffee, but no hair-dryer, which was annoying because I had forgotten to bring one. My colleague had a room down the corridor, which was about the same size as mine, but with just one single bed. Unfortunately, it was not very clean and the bed looked as if someone had just got out of it. A change of sheets later and she was a little happier…until she realised that every loud speaker announcement sounded as if it was actually in the room! I was slightly more protected because my window looked over the part of the station that was covered. The décor was a little jaded, particularly the corridors and the doors looked as if they needed replacement. But the water was hot and the central heating was warm enough - the most important thing for me. The hotel does boast a gym and swimming pool, although I didn't get the chance to try it out.

The food
The hotel boasts a restaurant and bar, although we stuck to going into China Town for our evening meal. Breakfast is extra and costs £6 for a continental buffet breakfast and £8 for a full breakfast. The food was adequate, although I would have been happier if it had been included in the cost of the hotel room. Colleagues who have eaten dinner in the restaurant strongly recommend avoiding it at all costs!

The staff
I have to comment on the staff. As well as the receptionist on arrival, I have never come across such unfriendly, unhelpful staff! At one point we were walking down the stairs and were clearly not walking quickly enough for one of the bell-boys who whistled at us to try to get us to move and then actually shoved me out of the way when I didn't move fast enough for his liking! We also had a couple of questions about directions which we directed at the front desk staff, who first ignored us completely and then pointed rather than spoke. I was so taken aback, I found it more amusing than anything else.

Checking out
This went very smoothly without any difficulties. Taxis are readily available from outside the station if you need one.

The price
£60 for a night, not including breakfast. This is fairly average for a three star hotel, I think.

Conclusion
From a convenience point of view, this hotel is great. Price-wise, not too bad either. However, the hotel seriously needs to do something about the staff! I don't expect fabulous service in a three star hotel, but I do expect them to be polite! I can only presume they get paid a pittance. The proximity to the train station is also a real disadvantage - the noise in my colleague's room was unbearable. The hotel also needs a complete refurbishment and higher cleanliness standards would be good! I have been advised to stay at one of the hotels down by the docks next time - I avoided them this time because I thought they were too far away, but apparently not. In conclusion, I would recommend this hotel if you want cheapness, convenience and you don't mind the noise and rudeness of the staff - if not avoid at all costs!
 

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