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Summary of reviewsThe Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection is a picturesque hotel that consistently impresses guests with its fantastic location. Nestled in a tranquil countryside yet conveniently close to urban centers like Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, it serves as an excellent base for various travelers. Nearby attractions and important roads like the A1 and A19 add to its appeal, making it ideal for exploring Northumberland or attending local weddings. An ample and secure parking area enhances the overall guest experience, ensuring convenience and peace of mind.
Breakfast at The Snowy Owl receives mixed reviews; many guests laud its delicious quality, good variety and hearty portions, often mentioning its excellent taste and value for money. The comfortable dining area and attentive service further elevate the experience, though some guests note limited options and occasional service delays. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall breakfast experience remains positive for many.
Dinner at the on-site restaurant is frequently praised for its amazing food quality, varied menu and generous portions. The warm and welcoming ambiance, complemented by friendly and efficient service, enhances the dining experience. While some guests find certain items overpriced or occasionally hit-or-miss, the overall feedback is highly favorable.
Rooms at The Snowy Owl are generally well-received, appreciated for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Guests highlight the large room sizes, modern amenities and quality showers, contributing to a comfortable stay. Minor issues such as maintenance needs, room temperature inconsistencies and occasional noise are noted but do not significantly detract from the overall positive impression of the accommodations.
Cleanliness stands out as a significant positive with many guests commending the spotless condition of both the rooms and public areas. The cleaning staff's efficiency ensures that the hotel maintains high hygiene standards, though minor oversights like dusty carpets and occasional old food wrappers are sometimes mentioned.
The staff at The Snowy Owl are often highlighted as exceptional, described as friendly, helpful and professional. Their efficiency and attentiveness contribute significantly to a pleasant stay with guests frequently noting their warm and welcoming demeanor. Occasional lapses in service speed are noted but do not overshadow the general positive sentiment towards the staff.
Free WiFi at the hotel has mixed reviews with some guests finding it reliable and others experiencing weak or non-existent signals in certain areas. Despite these connectivity issues, the helpfulness of the staff is appreciated.
The hotel excels in providing ample and secure parking with guests frequently praising the large parking lot and the ease of finding available spaces. This convenience adds to the overall positive guest experience.
Family friendliness is another commendable aspect with the hotel catering well to families. Despite some cramped family rooms, the atmosphere and accommodating staff make it a suitable choice for family events and gatherings. Children enjoy their stay, particularly the breakfast offerings and sofa beds in family rooms.
The beds generally receive positive feedback for their comfort, though some guests find them too firm. Cleanliness and quality bedding contribute to a good sleep experience for most, despite a few personal preference discrepancies.
Overall, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection offers a commendable three-star experience, characterized by its charming location, spacious and clean accommodations and exceptional staff. It provides a welcoming and comfortable environment, making it an attractive destination for various travelers. Show more
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Categories
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers ground floor rooms designed for accessibility, including wet rooms and showers suitable for guests with limited mobility. Accessible car parking is also available.
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Small Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomWith a work desk and wardrobe, this room also offers an en suite bathroom with free toiletries. Tea and coffee making facilities are included.
Double Room - Disability AccessWith a work desk and wardrobe, this wheelchair-accessible room also offers an en suite bathroom with free toiletries. Tea and coffee making facilities are included.
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)With a work desk and wardrobe, this room also offers an en suite bathroom with free toiletries. Tea and coffee making facilities are included.
This room can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children up to 15 years.
Standard Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection boasts a fantastic location that guests consistently praise. Situated in a peaceful and quiet area, it offers a rustic charm, nestled within picturesque countryside, yet it remains conveniently close to urban centers. The hotel's proximity to Newcastle, Cramlington and Newcastle Airport makes it an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers. Its location offers easy access to main roads such as the A1 and A19, making it perfect for those looking to explore Northumberland, Kielder Forest or simply attend a local wedding.
Many guests found it particularly useful for attending weddings at venues like Shotton Grange and The Parlour at Blagdon or for visiting family and friends. Additionally, Northumberlandia is a brief walk away, adding a unique outdoorsy appeal. The combination of a quiet, rural setting with the convenience of nearby amenities and transportation links has made it a highly favored choice among travelers.
Parking is ample and convenient and the attached pub with breakfast and dinner options adds to the overall pleasant experience. Whether for exploring the great outdoors, attending events or a stopover on the way to destinations like Edinburgh, guests have found The Snowy Owl to be ideally situated for various needs, making it a gem just outside Newcastle.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection is a mixed bag with guests offering a range of feedback from glowing to critical. On the positive side, many guests praised the breakfast for its excellent quality with terms like "fantastic", "lush", "unbelievable" and "delicious" frequently mentioned. The breakfast menu is noted for its good variety and the food is often described as freshly cooked and beautifully presented. Several guests highlighted the substantial portions and remarked on the lovely taste and good value for money.
The setting for breakfast is also commended with many appreciating the comfortable dining area and the attentive staff. The breakfast service, while sometimes slow, generally receives positive comments for being prompt and efficient.
However, not all feedback is favorable. Some guests found the breakfast options limited with a notable lack of cereals, fruits and continental items like croissants. Complaints also emerged about the high cost of breakfast when not included in the room rate. A few reviews highlighted issues like cold food, subpar coffee and occasional service delays. Additionally, the breakfast being available only until 9.30 am was inconvenient for some.
In summary, while many visitors enjoyed a hearty and well-cooked breakfast at The Snowy Owl, there is room for improvement in variety, service speed and temperature consistency.
Dinner
Nestled in a cozy location, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection offers guests a delightful dining experience that consistently receives rave reviews. The on-site restaurant's food quality is highly praised with many guests describing their evening meals as amazing, delicious and exceptional. Diners appreciate the varied menu, noting the wide selection of tasty dishes, including some pub classics like the delectable chicken and mushroom pie. The portions are generally generous and well-presented, further adding to the positive dining experience.
The ambiance of the bar and restaurant is frequently highlighted as warm and welcoming, providing a great atmosphere to enjoy a meal. Guests also commend the friendly and efficient service, though some mention occasional delays. The bar boasts a nice selection of beers and wines, complementing the excellent meals perfectly.
While most diners found the food to be reasonably priced and of high quality, a few noted that certain items were a bit overpriced. Additionally, there were some isolated comments about the food being hit or miss with mentions of occasional cold dishes and high salt levels.
Overall, The Snowy Owl stands out for its commendable food offerings, excellent service and inviting atmosphere, making it a highly recommended spot for a delightful dining experience.
Rooms
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection offers generally well-received accommodations that are both spacious and comfortable. Many guests appreciated the large room sizes with some even describing them as bigger than expected or grandly spacious. Cleanliness is another highlight with numerous reviewers complimenting the rooms for being immaculately clean and well-maintained. The comfort of the beds frequently received positive mentions, emphasizing a restful night's sleep.
The rooms feature good amenities, such as modern TVs, tea and coffee facilities and quality showers, which add to the overall appeal. Some rooms, especially on the ground floor, benefit from walk-in showers and convenient accessibility. Guests also noted that the decor, while occasionally needing a touch-up, was generally nice and added to the cozy atmosphere.
However, there were a few issues reported. Several guests pointed out that certain rooms were in need of maintenance and updating. Problems with room temperature, such as being too hot or cold and occasional issues like non-functional windows or noisy doors were mentioned. Despite these minor issues, the rooms were often described as welcoming, modern and comfortable.
Overall, the Snowy Owl provides a pleasant stay with spacious, clean and well-equipped rooms that balance between the charm of an old pub and the convenience of modern amenities.
Beds
The beds at The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection have garnered a range of feedback from guests. A significant number of reviewers celebrated the comfort of the beds, frequently describing them as "super comfy," "very comfortable," and "comfy." Many guests highlighted the quality of bedding and reported getting a "great sleep" on "lovely soft beds." The cleanliness of the beds was also a noted positive aspect.
However, not all guests shared the same level of satisfaction. A notable portion of reviews mentioned that the beds were too firm with descriptors such as "hard and uncomfortable," "rock hard mattresses," and "bed way too firm." Some guests found the mattresses to be slightly harder than their personal preference and a few mentioned issues with specific beds like the sofa bed or beds for children.
While guests generally praised the comfort of the beds, it appears that the firmness might not suit everyone. Potential visitors who prefer a softer sleeping surface may need to take this into consideration. Overall, the reviews leaned more favorably towards comfortable sleeping experiences with a few exceptions relating to personal firmness preferences.
Cleanliness
Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection invites guests into a realm of cleanliness and comfort. Reviewers often highlight the hotel’s commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene with many describing the rooms as very clean, spotless and well-maintained. Guests frequently note that the public areas and accommodations are immaculately clean with excellent facilities that promise a comfortable stay.
The cleaning staff receive praise for their efficiency, ensuring rooms are cleaned frequently and kept tidy. The showers are generally described as clean and pleasantly strong, contributing to the overall positive experience of staying at The Snowy Owl. Modern and fresh, the rooms exude comfort and convenience, appealing to those seeking a serene and hygienic environment.
However, it's important to acknowledge some recurring issues. Reviews mention instances of mould in bathrooms, dusty carpets and occasional cleaning oversights like old food wrappers and unemptied bins. Despite these occasional setbacks, the overall consensus among guests is that The Snowy Owl provides a clean and welcoming atmosphere, making it a solid choice for travelers prioritizing cleanliness.
In summary, while there are areas for potential improvement, the prevalent cleanliness of the rooms and facilities at The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection leaves a favorable impression, reinforcing its reputation as a commendable destination.
Staff
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection stands out for its exceptional staff, according to numerous guest reviews. Visitors frequently highlight the friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism of the team. Guests have consistently described the staff as accommodating, cheerful and kind, often going above and beyond to make everyone's stay comfortable. The efficiency and attentiveness of the staff have been noted with particular praise for their welcoming smiles and courteous manners. Even in high-pressure situations, the team managed to maintain smooth operations and a positive atmosphere, ensuring that service remained prompt and reliable.
From the moment of arrival, guests are greeted warmly with many noting the pleasant demeanor and supportive nature of every staff member they encountered. The reception and waitstaff, in particular, were commended for their politeness and efficient handling of tasks, contributing significantly to the overall hospitality experience. While there were occasional mentions of slower service and moments of inattentiveness, these instances appeared to be exceptions rather than the norm.
The staff at the bar and restaurant also received high marks for their friendly and helpful service with specific commendations for late or early check-ins and handling guest requests with grace and efficiency. The manager's ability to resolve issues quickly and ensure a seamless experience further emphasized the high level of service provided.
Overall, guests seemed to leave The Snowy Owl with positive impressions, largely due to the superb staff who consistently contributed to a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
Wi-Fi
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection offers free WiFi service, but the quality and coverage seem to vary significantly. Guests have noted that the internet speed can be quite good with some reviews highlighting that the Wi-Fi worked well in certain areas. However, many guests reported issues with weak or non-existent signals, especially in specific rooms like room 10 and the bar/restaurant area. The connection was occasionally described as poor with some guests experiencing no WiFi at all. Despite these connectivity issues, the hotel staff is commended for their helpfulness, such as providing fresh milk upon request. Overall, while WiFi is available and performs well in some spots, the reliability and strength of the signal can be inconsistent.
Parking
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection receives high praise for its parking facilities from guests. The hotel boasts a very large parking lot with ample free parking on-site, which adds to the convenience for travelers. Guests highlight the abundance of parking spaces available, ensuring that parking is always easy and stress-free. The parking lot's security is also noted, offering peace of mind. Its convenient and plentiful parking makes it easy to find a spot upon arrival, even close to the accommodation. Additionally, the location and parking setup are deemed good, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Family
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection is highlighted as a suitable and accommodating choice for families. Reviews commend its family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal venue for family events and gatherings. Guests point out the family rooms, which, despite being somewhat cramped for some, are well-equipped and comfortable. The staff receives praise for being helpful, especially towards children and fussy toddlers and families appreciate the variety of accommodations, including arrangements for both double beds and sofa beds.
Children seemed particularly delighted with their experience, enjoying breakfasts and utilizing the sofa beds provided in family rooms. Parents noted the ease of bringing their kids along and mentioned the enjoyment levels of their children during meals. The hotel's location is also noted as perfect for those visiting family in the area, adding convenience to the list of positives.
While a few guests experienced challenges, especially those with mobility issues or seeking a more spacious room, the overall sentiment reflects a family-centric environment where accommodations for children and family-focused services are prioritized. Ideal for short stays, events and family holidays, The Snowy Owl successfully meets the needs of many families and groups.
3 Star
The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection offers a three-star experience that has its share of ups and downs according to guest reviews. On the positive side, guests frequently praise the hotel for its large, spacious and clean rooms, which are well-equipped and comfortable. The historic charm combined with modern touches adds to the overall appeal, providing a rustic feel that many find delightful. The hotel is often described as a great mid-range and budget-friendly option, offering better value than some chain hotels.
The location and atmosphere are highlighted as excellent with friendly staff contributing to a welcoming environment. Several guests appreciate the good value-for-money and feel that the services are on par with higher star properties. It’s noted as an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and affordable stay, often exalted as a good three-star stay.
However, some reviews mention drawbacks. There are comments about updating poorly maintained guest rooms, low fixtures, plumbing issues and cheap toilet paper. Some felt that the rooms appeared dark and rundown with a need for better cleanliness in the bathrooms. A few guests mentioned that it does not live up to three-star standards, although they didn't feel ripped off and found the accommodations adequate.
Overall, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection is viewed as a basic but competent three-star hotel, offering good value and a pleasing atmosphere, though it may require some updates and attention to maintenance to meet all guests' expectations fully.
Accessible
Many guests have found 'The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection' to be largely accessible for individuals with disabilities, particularly noting the availability and convenience of ground floor rooms. The hotel accommodates requests for ground floor rooms and these spaces are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wet rooms and showers that are especially beneficial for those with limited mobility.
The rooms are noted for being easily accessible with pathways and parking that are user-friendly and readily accommodating for wheelchair users. The public areas are also accessible and appealing, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. Accessible parking slots and the overall location make navigating the premises convenient.
However, some challenges were noted, such as the need for grab rails in the bathrooms and issues with the paths and car park surfaces. Also, while the room's accessibility was generally praised, some guests mentioned that the heating in certain rooms was insufficient and a few facilities were reported to be a bit low for optimal use. Despite these minor setbacks, the hotel's accessibility offerings were well-received by most guests, providing them with a largely comfortable and manageable experience.
No, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection.
No, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection.
No, The Snowy Owl by Innkeeper's Collection doesn't have a gym.