Ryton Park Country House Hotel, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

I live in a pretty small village, but the amenities in the village are excellent for it's size. One of those amenities is this hotel, which is known as Ryton Country Club. It is a popular place locally for wedding receptions, and at a recent celebration I was surprised considering the village location, to discover from the very friendly staff that they also cater for a large and loyal travelling business clientele, and for this and other guests wireless internet is available hotel wide and free of charge.

As I have mentioned, the hotel is situated in Ryton, a small village, but still only 10 minutes from The Metrocentre and 20 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, or a little bit further the other way takes you to Hexham and the gorgeous Northumberland with it's many attractions. However, once you are in the hotel, you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle, so it is ideal for a relaxing break. There is a small free car park, but I would imagine high season this would fill up quickly so you would have to park on the adjoining road. 10 minutes walk or 2 minutes in the car is the local golf club which accepts players who are not members.

The main business is the intimate 18 bedroom hotel, which are all non smoking since July last year, followed by functions, followed by people visiting to enjoy a meal. Check in is from 2pm, and the bedrooms in the hotel are tastefully decorated, but not in a minimalist modern style, this is much more homely. There is either a bath or a shower in each room, so it may be worth stipulating which one you want when you book. There is tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV with limited channels.

Guests will find themselves sharing The Cheviot restaurant and Coopers bar with non guests, but the standards the hotel has set means that this tends to be couples or small groups looking for an evening of good food using a high percentage of local produce and conversation. Should you want a more private breakfast, then this can be offered in your room. Check out is by 10am.

The Cheviot banqueting room is an lovely room to celebrate an occasion, and the hotel has a licence for people to get married there if they so choose. It feels really intimate with a capacity of 90 people, and the wedding party we attended really felt like it had the personal touch, which is evident all over the hotel. If you are having an extended stay then the hotel also offer a full laundry and dry cleaning service.

Rooms cost £59 for a single, £69 for a double and £95 for a twin, and all of these include a full English breakfast. All children under 2 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding or in a cot. Pets are not permitted.

It is not really somewhere you will happen upon, and it is not in a central point for all of the shops and nightlife in the North East, but if you want somewhere secluded and not in an obvious position then this hotel is for you.

More details can be found at

http://www.rytonpark-hotel-newcastle.co.​uk/Ryton_Park_Country_House_H otel_Home.html