Beach
City Breaks
Spas
Holidays for One
Winter Sports
Health & Fitness
Hobbies
Camping & Caravaning
GAP/Working holidays
Review: greystreethotel, Newcastle
Newcastle is changing. It's got lively night life, good shopping and great places to eat. And if you're looking for somewhere to stay, check out the greystreethotel, a cosy boutique hotel, that's right in the centre
If you arrive at Newcastle by train, whatever you do, don't take a taxi to the greystreethotel! You'll risk the wrath of the taxi driver, as I discovered to my cost. Admittedly, it is only a five-minute walk from the station to the hotel, but I was spectacularly scolded for my ignorance before being grumpily deposited outside the door. So much for the great Geordie welcome!
The hotel
Grey Street is renowned for its Georgian architecture, and the hotel is a Grade II listed building. Converted from an old bank, the hotel is a mixture of contemporary minimalist style and period charm. It's all biscuity colours and tiled stairwells. Most of the rooms are unusual shapes and the hotel has a kind of higgeldy-piggeldy feel, which adds to the cosy effect.
Belonging to the Niche Hotel Group, greystreethotel justly prides itself on its comfy beds; they're hand-made apparently, with pocket-sprung mattresses. They also invest in good quality bed linen, so you shouldn't have problems drifting off. The only grumble I had was that I couldn't open the window in the room, so I found it a little bit stuffy. But the room was well-stocked with teas and coffee (cafetiere coffee at that) and had a flat-screen TV and DVD player.
Our room was comfortable, but a little on the small side for a double. Decorated in muted colours with chocolate hues, it felt stylish, but a little scruffy. The skirting boards were scuffed and the cream-coloured carpet needed cleaning. The photos on the walls show local scenes, which adds to the ambience.
Location
Grey Street is in the heart of Newcastle's shopping district. If you walk up the road, you'll come to the Grey Street Monument. Built to commemorate the Reform Act of 1832, it features Earl Grey when he was prime minister. At the bottom, you'll find Eldon Square, a large shopping centre with branches of both Fenwick and John Lewis, while the Eldon Garden centre offers designer brands.
If you're more of a High Street shopper, you won't be disappointed, as there are branches of TK Maxx, Primark, H&M and New Look. Monument Mall, with its beautiful glass-domed roof, is also worth a visit while snapping up bargains.
You're also only a short walk away from the quayside, where you'll find the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. This former flour mill was converted with galleries, studios and a cinema/lecture area. There's also a rooftop restaurant if you fancy braving the elements. The Quayside is popular for night life with many bars and restaurants if you're looking for somewhere to sample the local brew - Newcastle Brown Ale!
1 | 2 | next
printer friendly
send to a friend
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
