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.
Being a 20-minute walk east of the city centre, Hotel du Vin offers a quieter stay than some of Newcastle's more centrally located hotels. It's also just a stroll from the quayside, and from the trendy Ouseburn area. However, there's not much else of interest in the immediate vicinity. In Ouseburn, be sure to try the authentic gelato and cannoli at Di Meo's. For a dose of culture, visit the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, just a 10- minute walk along the river.
By car: the hotel is 5 hours 20 mins from London and 3 hours from Manchester. On-site parking is available for a fee.
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.
The main building used to house the Tyne Tees Shipping Company. The Edwardian edifice has been beautifully restored, with elements of its industrial past incorporated into the hotel's aesthetic, and carried through to the two harmoniously designed new blocks. The warm, subdued colour palette gives it the feel of a relaxed gentleman's club from a bygone era - the presence of a 'cigar shack' only adding to this impression.
The facilities are fairly simple - lounge, bar, bistro, courtyard - but all are impeccably presented and maintained. Staff are generally chatty and quick to help, whether you'd like feather-free bedding, a wine recommendation or a chat about the building's history. Breakfast is an exception, though, with oddly lacklustre service.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Courtyard
- Pet-friendly
- Parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Four rooms have a terrace, and three are wheelchair accessible (with wetrooms, and access via the small lift). Bathrooms - with L'Occitane toiletries - are excellent across the board. The more expensive room categories often feature a roll-top bath (or two) alongside the monsoon showers.
Room types: Classic, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite, Bridge View Suite, Signature Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, L'Occitaine toiletries, bathtub, Monsoon shower, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi
The bistro offers a classic, French-influenced dining experience without feeling stuffy - helped in large part by the friendly staff. There's a more casual menu in the bar, and in good weather you can dine in the courtyard. The dinner menu's vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are mostly well marked, but it's best to let the hotel know in advance for breakfast, which is otherwise varied and tasty but pricey.
Bistro du Vin: classic French dishes, afternoon tea. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £12.
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