Rebecca is an experienced travel writer, specialising in Japan and the UK. Born and raised in the West Country, she's also spent time living in London, Cambridge and Kyoto, and is now based in Newcastle. She loves promoting independent and inclusive businesses, and sustainable off-the-beaten-track travel.
You couldn't ask for a more convenient location, right in the historic core of Newcastle. Within a few minute's walk, you'll find countless restaurants, cafés and bars, plus the Theatre Royal, independent cinemas, covered shopping arcades, the city's cathedral and castle keep, the quayside… basically everything you might want to see on a weekend trip to Newcastle. Don't miss Grainger Market, where you'll find affordable everyday essentials, trendy street food (try SnackWallah and Nan Bei), and the original Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaar.
By car: Newcastle is 5 hours 20 mins from London and 3 hours from Manchester. Public parking is available a short distance away.
By train: London Kings Cross to Newcastle takes around 3 hours. The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Newcastle.
Grey Street Hotel is housed in a beautiful, Grade II-listed Georgian building. The lobby is fresh, light and modern, while the stairs maintain some original features. The attached bar and restaurant, Leila Lily's, opts instead for a Maximalist style heavy on botanical motifs. The corridors unfortunately are rather cramped and featureless.
The hotel's main facilities are its bar, restaurant and City Retreat Spa, plus meeting rooms and a small lounge area by the lobby. You can arrange early check-in and late check-out (£10 per hour) at reception, where you'll find the staff friendly, welcoming and full of local recommendations.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Garden area
- Spa
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
Most of the hotel's rooms have large windows and high ceilings, and all have well-equipped bathrooms. Street-facing rooms have better views, but also a fair amount of noise. While the decor is simple and modern, furnishings generally feel cheap and worn. Small oversights - light switches just out of reach of the bed, plugs too far from desks or tables - affect the experience.
Room types: Standard, Deluxe, Junior Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, Arran Aromatics toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, safe, newspaper, free Wi-Fi
The Grey Street Hotel has some of the city's best cafés, restaurants and bars on its doorstep. If you fancy staying in, though, make a booking at Leila Lily's, which serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The menu puts a modern twist on old favourites and does a particularly indulgent line in desserts. The maximalist décor style carries through to the attached bar's long list of complicated original cocktails.
Leila Lily's: AA Rosette, modern European cuisine, steaks, vegan options, afternoon tea. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £15.50.
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