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Summary of reviewsThe Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, is highly praised for its prime location in the heart of Newcastle. Guests often highlight the exceptional convenience of its proximity to the Central Station, making it ideal for both rail travelers and anyone looking to explore the city. The hotel is situated near major landmarks, shopping, dining areas and cultural attractions, offering easy access to public transportation, including metro and bus services. Despite occasional noise due to its central position, the overall sentiment remains positive regarding accessibility and convenience.
The breakfast at the hotel garners widespread acclaim for its quality and variety. Guests frequently laud the excellent buffet selection, which includes full English options, cereals, fruit, pastries and drinks. The friendly and efficient staff contribute to a pleasant dining experience, although the breakfast area can sometimes feel cramped or too hot. Despite minor criticisms regarding some food items and coffee quality, the breakfast is generally considered great value for money.
The dining experience at the hotel's restaurant also receives largely positive feedback. Guests appreciate the delicious menu, generous portions and the variety of well-prepared dishes, such as tasty steaks and pizzas. The friendly and helpful staff enhance the overall dining ambiance. While some guests find the food overpriced or certain dishes unsatisfactory, the restaurant is usually recognized as providing good value for money.
Guests often commend the Royal Station Hotel's spacious, clean and charming rooms, which are well-equipped with amenities like mini-fridges and complimentary tea and coffee. The Victorian architecture and high ceilings add a touch of elegance to the overall room ambiance. However, the aged decor and lack of air conditioning can be a drawback, along with noise in street-facing rooms. The family and superior rooms are generally recommended for a more comfortable stay due to their size and features.
Cleanliness at the hotel receives high marks from guests, who frequently mention the spotless rooms, fresh bedding and well-maintained bathrooms. The hotel’s charming Victorian architecture is often highlighted, although some areas could benefit from more detailed cleaning and occasional updates. Issues like dusty chandeliers and dated decor are noted but do not significantly detract from the overall cleanliness.
The staff at the Royal Station Hotel are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Whether it's the reception, housekeeping or dining room staff, the positive and attentive service significantly enhances guests' experiences. Occasional mentions of unhelpful staff are rare and do not overshadow the generally excellent service provided.
Regarding WiFi, opinions are mixed. Many guests find the WiFi satisfactory with good connectivity in some areas, though difficulties connecting and weak signals are common complaints. Improved consistency and reliability of the WiFi service would enhance the overall guest experience.
The gym and pool facilities receive appreciation for adding value to guests' stays. The gym is accessible and functional, though it could benefit from more modern equipment and better maintenance. The pool area is seen as a valuable addition, despite mentions of a cold temperature and occasional overcrowding.
In conclusion, the Royal Station Hotel offers a blend of historical charm, attentive service and a convenient location, making it a strong choice for visitors to Newcastle. Although there are areas for improvement, particularly in room updates and WiFi reliability, the positive aspects such as location, breakfast quality and staff friendliness largely contribute to an enjoyable stay. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in central Newcastle, it provides access to golf courses in the surrounding Tyne and Wear area.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is Green Tourism accredited and committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. Initiatives include systems to turn off lighting and machinery when not in use, promoting a cycle-to-work scheme, and ensuring their energy supplier uses at least 50% renewable energy.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Housed in a beautiful Victorian building adjacent to the train station, this hotel provides historic character. Its central location is perfect for couples arriving by train and wanting easy city access.
Family Friendly Hotel
The Royal Station Hotel offers spacious family rooms and dining options. It is located steps from the train station, offering easy access to attractions like the Great North Museum and Life Science Centre. The hotel provides thoughtful touches, family-friendly amenities, and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Located on Neville Street, the Royal Station Hotel is close to the Diamond Strip and other city center nightlife areas. Its central location offers easy access to numerous bars and clubs, making it suitable for those interested in exploring the city's nightlife.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
The hotel has a heated pool. The heated pool receives mixed reviews from guests, some praising the heated facilities. It is a popular choice with guests booking hotels with pools.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
This historic Victorian property offers 10 versatile function rooms with a capacity of up to 200 guests. The venue combines elegance with modern amenities and provides excellent transport links. Bespoke packages can be tailored to suit various needs and budgets.
Hotel with Parking
Located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, the Royal Station Hotel offers parking, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. The hotel is well-located, adjoining Newcastle Train Station and the Metro system.
Hotel with Gym
Offers a range of fitness amenities, including a gym.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel is well-located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, adjoining Newcastle Train Station and the Metro system. The Grade I listed hotel has an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and free WiFi.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Features an indoor pool and fitness center, providing guests with options for relaxation and exercise. Its central location in Newcastle upon Tyne makes it a great base for exploring the city's attractions.
Hotel with Spa
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Twin RoomThis twin room has a tea/coffee maker.
Single RoomThis single room has a tea/coffee maker.
Double RoomThis room is equipped with an en suite bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi.
Superior Double RoomSpacious room with private bathroom and tea/coffee making facilities.
Cosy Double RoomThis room is equipped with an en suite bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi. Please note, this room has a 4-foot double bed.
Triple RoomThe spacious triple room features a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a hairdryer. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room provides a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
The Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, boasts an unparalleled location in the heart of Newcastle, making it highly praised by guests. Positioned directly next to the Central Station, this hotel provides exceptional convenience for rail travelers and anyone looking to be centrally located. The hotel’s proximity to significant city landmarks, including St James' Park, Utilita Arena, the Quayside and major shopping and dining areas, makes it ideal for both leisure and business visitors.
Guests appreciate the hotel's easy access to public transportation, including the metro and bus services, along with a nearby taxi rank, facilitating effortless exploration of Newcastle. The location is noted for being perfect, central and brilliant, offering the ease of just a few minutes' walk to bars, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions like the castle and cathedral. Despite some mention of occasional noise due to its central location, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding accessibility and convenience.
The Royal Station Hotel is complimented not just for its prime location but also for its beautifully maintained Victorian architecture and spacious, clean rooms. For those prioritizing location, this hotel clearly stands out as a prime choice for experiencing the best of Newcastle.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, is widely praised for its quality and variety. Guests frequently highlight the buffet breakfast as excellent, delicious and superb, noting that it offers a broad selection including full English options, cereals, fruit, pastries and drinks. The breakfast is often described as very good, tasty and plentiful with many appreciating the range of choices available.
One recurring theme in the reviews is the positive mention of the friendly and welcoming staff. The efficient service contributes to a pleasant dining experience. The overall ambiance of the breakfast area is also generally appreciated, although a few guests noted that it could feel cramped or too hot at times.
While the quality of the food receives high marks with descriptors like "amazing," "delicious," and "excellent" being common, there are a few criticisms. Some guests found certain items to be less than ideal, citing cold plates, tinned tomatoes and dried-out food as occasional issues. Coffee quality also received mixed reviews, ranging from undrinkable to acceptable.
Despite these minor drawbacks, many consider the breakfast to be great value for money, particularly in a convenient, central location. The variety and quality of the food, along with the attentive service, make the breakfast at this hotel a standout aspect of many guests' stays.
Dinner
The dining experience at the Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, receives mixed yet largely positive feedback from guests. Many highlight the imaginative and delicious menu, praising the excellent quality of food and generous portions. Several guests appreciated the cleanliness and overall ambiance of the dining areas, alongside the friendly and helpful restaurant staff.
A variety of dishes, including fish and chips, macaroni cheese and nicely presented calamari, are mentioned favorably. Specific praise is given to the steaks and pizzas, described as tasty and delicious. The bar is noted as a lovely place to relax with exceptional service. The restaurant is also recognized for being good value for money, adding to the pleasant dining experience.
However, there are some critiques. A few guests found the food to be overpriced and expressed disappointment over certain dishes, such as an overcooked salmon and tough burgers. The availability of menu items seemed inconsistent with some items missing or requiring ordering in advance. There were also mentions of long wait times for food and limited vegetarian options.
Overall, while there are some areas for improvement, the Royal Station Hotel’s restaurant offers a generally enjoyable dining experience with a variety of well-prepared dishes, supported by a professional and friendly staff.
Rooms
Nestled in a charming old building, the Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, receives mixed reviews regarding the condition and comfort of its rooms. On the bright side, many guests praise the spacious and often well-equipped rooms, noting amenities like mini-fridges and complimentary tea and coffee. The hotel is also frequently commended for its central location, making it a convenient choice for those looking to explore the city.
Cleanliness stands out as a strong point with fresh bedding, clean towels and generally clean rooms. Some rooms are described as large with comfortable beds and nice furnishings, albeit in an older style. The beautifully huge rooms with high ceilings and classic decor add a touch of elegance, making them feel cozy and unique. The hotel lobby and entrance also receive accolades for their period charm and the family rooms are noted as spacious and accommodating.
However, several reviews point out that the decor and furniture are quite dated and the rooms could benefit from modernizing and general updates. Common complaints include rooms being uncomfortably hot due to lack of air conditioning and poor ventilation, leading to an unbearable stay during warmer periods. Noise is another significant issue, particularly in rooms facing the busy street or near nightclubs, which can disturb a good night's rest.
The size of the rooms is another downside for some guests. While many rooms are praised for their spaciousness, others are described as small, cramped and not as large as depicted in the photos. Issues like awkward layouts, uncomfortable beds and inadequate lighting further add to the less favorable aspects.
In summary, the Royal Station Hotel offers a mix of spacious, clean and charming rooms, though they come with their share of dated decor and potential noise issues. The hotel's fantastic location and classic charm can be appealing, but prospective guests should be prepared for the possibility of heat and noise and perhaps consider booking superior or family rooms to ensure a more comfortable stay.
Beds
The Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection offers a varied experience when it comes to the comfort of its beds. Many guests have found the beds to be very comfortable, cozy and a good size. There are several mentions of soft mattresses and large beds, including king-sized and super king beds, which many guests appreciated. The hotel also maintains a high standard of cleanliness with clean beddings reported frequently.
However, a number of reviews indicate some inconsistencies. Some beds are described as too small, hard or with uncomfortable springs and a few reviews mention issues with beds being two singles pushed together. Pillow quality also varies with some guests finding them lumpy or too hard. There are occasional mentions of dated décor and issues with room amenities that could affect sleep quality, such as heavy quilts for warm nights, lack of ventilation or noise disturbances.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed a comfortable and restful stay, the bed quality can be inconsistent, making it worthwhile to request a well-reviewed room if comfort is a priority.
Cleanliness
The Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, has garnered mixed reviews regarding cleanliness. On the positive side, numerous guests have praised the hotel for its clean and comfortable rooms with many highlighting spotless and well-maintained spaces. The bathrooms have received commendations for cleanliness, although some guests noted areas that fell short, such as corners and specific fixtures.
The hotel itself has been described as beautiful and generally clean with an impressive lobby and charming Victorian architecture. Communal areas, though admired for their aesthetic appeal, occasionally appeared run down to some visitors. The cleaning staff has been appreciated for their efforts, though sporadic lapses were reported, such as dust in the rooms, dirty windows and infrequent towel changes. Additionally, some guests encountered challenges with specific room maintenance issues like stained carpets, noisy ventilation and dated decor.
While the majority of reviews acknowledged the high standard of cleanliness, certain areas such as the spa and some room details—like dusty chandeliers and evidence of prior guests—highlighted room for improvement. Moreover, issues such as a lack of temperature control in rooms and occasional musty odors detracted from an otherwise clean setting.
Overall, the Royal Station Hotel impresses with its historical charm and generally clean rooms, but attention to detailed cleaning and updates in some areas could enhance the guest experience further.
Staff
At the Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, the staff consistently receive high praise from guests. Descriptors like friendly, helpful and welcoming are frequently mentioned, highlighting the positive and attentive nature of the team. Across various departments, whether it's reception, housekeeping, the dining room or even the night porters, guests note the warm demeanor and professional service they encounter.
The reception team stands out for being especially accommodating and efficient, often providing speedy check-ins and addressing guests' needs promptly. Many guests appreciate the friendly welcome at check-in and the helpful information provided about local activities and hotel amenities. The bar and dining staff also receive commendations for their exceptional service and friendliness, contributing to an overall pleasant dining experience.
Despite occasional mentions of some unhelpful or indifferent staff members, the predominant experience is one of great customer service. Staff are described as going above and beyond, addressing issues promptly and making personal touches that enhance the guest experience, such as arranging small surprises for special occasions.
Overall, the staff at the Royal Station Hotel play a significant role in creating a comfortable and enjoyable stay for their guests, making them a standout feature of the hotel.
Wi-Fi
The reviews for the WiFi at the Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, paint a mixed picture. On the positive side, many guests found the WiFi to be good with mentions of free access and good connection in certain areas. Some guests appreciated that after some initial setup, the WiFi worked well and supported their needs. The lobby also seemed to offer reliable internet service.
However, there were frequent complaints about the WiFi being weak or intermittent, particularly in certain rooms and areas of the hotel. Several guests reported difficulties connecting to the internet or found the connection too poor to use for work. Some even described the WiFi as terrible or rubbish. Although it seems the hotel often managed to resolve issues with persistent effort, the overall WiFi experience could certainly benefit from improvements.
Additionally, comments on issues beyond WiFi, such as broken TVs and noisy surroundings, suggest other areas for potential enhancement. While the hotel provides clean spaces with plenty of plugs, the consistency and reliability of its technological amenities, notably WiFi, remain points for future improvement.
Gym
The Royal Station Hotel - Part of the Cairn Collection offers a range of fitness amenities, including a gym and a swimming pool, which are generally appreciated by guests. The gym features a decent standard of equipment and many guests find it easy to access and use the facilities. There's an added convenience with a nice shower apartment available in the gym area.
Despite these positives, several guests mention that the gym could benefit from an upgrade with more modern and better-maintained equipment. Issues such as old, dated machines, some being out of order and the gym floor being soaked have been highlighted. Additionally, the lack of amenities like towels and the fact that some facilities were closed in the morning left certain guests disappointed.
On a brighter note, the gym's early opening hours and access to a health club, spa and swimming pool add value to the overall experience. The hotel's great location remains a strong positive aspect for many visitors.
Pool
Guests at the Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, have shared diverse perspectives on the hotel’s pool and leisure facilities. Many found the pool area to be a valuable addition to their stay, highlighting its cleanliness and the pleasure it added to their visit. The leisure facilities, including the sauna and steam room, received positive feedback for being an excellent inclusion at a reasonable price. Families appreciated the spacious family rooms and the convenience of having access to the pool and gym.
However, some aspects of the facilities left guests less impressed. The pool's temperature was frequently mentioned as being quite cold, which detracted from the overall experience. There were mentions of the pool area being crowded and occasionally closed for maintenance, which sometimes disrupted plans. The aesthetics and condition of the pool and spa facilities were also points of concern with some guests noting they appeared dated and in need of updates.
Despite these mixed reviews, the convenience of having pool and gym facilities on-site was appreciated by many. For those planning a stay, it's worth considering these varying experiences to set realistic expectations regarding the pool area and leisure amenities.
Parking
The Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, offers a variety of experiences when it comes to parking. Many guests appreciate the convenience, noting that good parking is available, sometimes right outside the front door or adjacent to the property. Some were pleased to find parking right next to the hotel, making it easy to access.
However, the parking situation comes with a few drawbacks. Parking is often limited with spaces filling up quickly and there is an extra cost associated, typically £15 for 24 hours. While some found the car park to be a dream and perfectly adequate, others felt the fees were pricey and a bit cheeky. The cost of parking has been a point of contention with several guests suggesting it should be included or at least subsidised given the room prices.
There have been reports of confusion and inadequate signposting, making it difficult to locate the parking facility. Additionally, a height restriction and instances of cars getting blocked in were noted by some visitors.
Overall, while parking is available and can be quite convenient for those lucky enough to secure a spot, potential guests should be prepared for limited space and additional charges. Despite these concerns, the hotel’s location and the proximity of parking options remain a positive aspect for many travelers.
Family
The Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, generally receives positive reviews from families regarding their amenities for children. The family rooms are often highlighted, being large, clean and well-equipped with several guests noting the addition of an annexe bedroom for children as a welcome feature. The staff is consistently praised for their friendliness and good service, contributing to an overall pleasant stay.
Children seem to have enjoyed their time at the hotel, especially the pool, which is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Despite some logistical issues with prams and luggage, as well as a few negative experiences regarding the pool's condition and safety, the pool area remains a popular spot for children.
However, some families have noted that the hotel could be more accommodating. Issues such as paying for parking for children under four and a challenging breakfast experience did detract from their stays. Additionally, the layout of the hotel and noise levels in certain family rooms were not always suitable for families with young children or babies.
Despite these drawbacks, the hotel remains a fairly child-friendly destination with large family rooms and enjoyable amenities, making it a good choice for families traveling with children.
Nightlife
The Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, finds itself in the heart of a vibrant nightlife scene, offering a prime location for those looking to explore the city's evening entertainment. The hotel is within walking distance to numerous clubs, pubs and musical venues, making it a great choice for guests aiming to indulge in the best nightlife the city has to offer. Guests appreciate the excellent proximity to popular spots like the Utilita Arena and various local bars, ensuring a lively and engaging experience.
However, potential visitors should be prepared for the inherent noise that comes with such a central location. Reports of loud nightlife noise, boisterous non-residents and bustling streets filled with party-goers are common. The sounds from nearby clubs and bars, as well as events within the hotel itself, can permeate into guest rooms, particularly during weekends and special events. Some guests mentioned that the secondary glazing does little to buffer the noise, resulting in disturbances that could affect sleep quality.
For those who prioritize location and access to the city's nightlife over a quiet retreat, the Royal Station Hotel serves as a gateway to an energetic and eventful stay. Yet, for visitors seeking tranquility, the nighttime noise levels may pose a significant challenge.
3 Star
Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, offers a unique mix of old-world charm and satisfactory three-star facilities ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Housed in a historic Victorian-style building, the hotel retains original features such as Victorian-styled windows and classic decor, giving it a quirky, vintage appeal. Despite the evident historical architecture and classic elements, some rooms have been criticized for being dated and could use a refreshing touch.
The hotel is noted for being an excellent value for money, providing guests with basic but reasonably good facilities for a three-star establishment. It serves as an appropriate venue for weekend stays and family visits, though some aspects like disabled facilities and parking could be better maintained.
Located in the city center, the Royal Station Hotel is convenient for those looking to explore the area. The overall service and cleanliness of the hotel have garnered positive feedback, making it a decent choice for those seeking an affordable stay infused with a touch of historical grandeur.
Business
The Royal Station Hotel - Part of the Cairn Collection appears to be a solid choice for business travelers, offering several amenities tailored to their needs. The hotel is ideally located, very close to the train station, making it highly convenient for those on business trips. Guests have commended the hotel's business facilities, including well-maintained meeting rooms and a business center with necessary resources like working printers.
Several reviews noted that the hotel staff provides great customer service with a smooth check-in process and dedicated assistance from the business-focused staff. The rooms, designed with business travelers in mind, offer nice views and key card access, although some guests pointed out that the rooms could benefit from updates and that billing issues were mishandled on occasion.
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, but its reliability and signal strength in rooms were frequently criticized. For those in need of a stable connection for work, this proves to be a downside, though the Wi-Fi in the business center met adequate standards for business needs. Some guests opted for the paid internet connection to ensure better performance.
In terms of fitness and relaxation, there is an exercise center that guests appreciated, though there is no swimming pool available. Daily room service received mixed reviews, but it seems adequate for the busy traveler. Overall, the Royal Station Hotel provides an acceptable mid-level accommodation for business purposes with a great location and essential business facilities, making it a practical option for professionals visiting Newcastle.
Heated Pool
The heated pool at the Royal Station Hotel - Part of the Cairn Collection receives mixed reviews from guests. Many praise the heated facilities with some describing the pool as fantastic and the hot tub as the best they have ever experienced. The presence of a lovely heated outdoor pool and a warm, well-heated pool light service contributes to a pleasant swimming experience. Additionally, heated floors in the bathrooms add to the comfort.
However, some guests point out that the pool is a bit small and in poor repair, mentioning issues like dirty filters and covers coming off. There are also comments about the pool being cold at times and the heating being inadequate with specific instances of the jacuzzi not working. Others note that the pool area itself could use an update and highlight the inconvenience of changing rooms being located on a different level.
Overall, while the heated pool offers a warm and enjoyable experience for many, there are areas that need attention to improve guest satisfaction.
Indoor Pool
The Royal Station Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection, offers guests an indoor pool that is frequently highlighted in reviews. Many guests appreciated having access to the pool, finding it a pleasant and enjoyable feature. The pool area also includes a sauna, steam room and a hot tub, which added to the overall satisfaction for some visitors. There were mentions of the pool being a great addition to the hotel's amenities and helpful for relaxation.
However, some guests pointed out that the pool facilities were dated and in need of better maintenance. Issues such as cold water, cleanliness and general upkeep of the pool area were noted as areas for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, the indoor pool was often described as nice, adequate or great by those who focused on the positives.
A mix of opinions exists, but the indoor pool at the Royal Station Hotel remains a notable feature that guests often enjoyed, especially considering the convenience and value it adds to their stay.
Yes, Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection.
No, Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection.
Yes, Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection has a gym.