Ashington hotel

We've been staying here at least once a year for a few years now on our way to and from Scotland. There's a large free car park and it's by the lake of Queen Elizabeth Park. I booked it a year ago and at that time Cookhouse and Pub were still providing the meals but they closed before we got there, so I wasn't sure whether we'd get breakfast or an evening meal as I'd had no communication. When we arrived we had to book both, as Premier Inn have taken the restaurant over, but don't seem to be generally open to much business. The decor was the same but there was no seating outside. The menu had changed, but it was good. I ordered a pizza and you could tell it had been hand made as it was irregular in shape. I chose the toppings and I was half way through before I realised there was no chicken, but no worries, it still tasted good. My husband had the curry and said it was also good. All the staff were friendly and welcoming. It's also good that you can enter and exit the restaurant from the hotel without going outside. Our room wasn't as good as some we've had in the past. We had no view except the roof of the rooms in front, but I could open the window and get fresh air. The bed was OK, the Wi Fi OK, and there was a chair and table to sit on/at. It even had a bath, which is very unusual for Premier Inn - normally it's shower only. I would stay again if we needed to but I have other options in the area as well.

With the recent closure of many pub/restaurants adjoining premier inns I was fairly apprehensive about our planned trip to Northumberland,however the remaining staff who escaped losing their jobs,went above and beyond to ensure a very pleasant stay,although understaffed and very busy,they remained cheerful and very helpful,they were excellent,I can’t praise them too highly.

Well placed for visiting the coast and Cragside at Rothbury. The staff were very friendly and the hotel was clean and tidy. The only minor issue was the evening meal, the Cookhouse Pub had just been taken over by the hotel and staff were still learning. We had quite a long delay for our main meals due to a staffing issue in the kitchen, the waitress kept us informed of the issue and apologised numerous times for the delay (communication is a good thing). Once the mains were served they were hot, tasty and well presented. I'm sure things will only improve as the staff get used to the procedures.

This is a friendly, clean Premier Inn in a peaceful location, beside a lake. Our room was clean, beds very comfortable and blackout curtains excellent. Staff were very helpful.

It breaks my heart to have to leave this review as we usually love it here. Upside - Amazing staff, comfy beds, location is beautiful with a lake full of swans, geese and ducks out front. Also you usually have all the amenities of the pub/restaurant attached for breakfast, drinks and meals during your stay. Downside - not sure where to start. If you are planning a trip here please bear in mind that they are closing the Cookhouse pub but instead of ensuring that it is done in a proper manner they have decided to allow it to "run into the ground" according to people we talked with. Six members of staff short, included a chef, so food was slow and not good. Staff were stressed and overworked, we felt really sorry for them as they were doing their best in impossible circumstances. During our stay there was also a burst pipe which meant that the entire place, bar and all, was closed for the duration of our short stay. Bear in mind this place is out of the way and the nearest place to eat is a drive to Ashington. We hadn't come by car so it meant we had to get taxis and live on take aways while there with no access to the bar for food or drinks. Also, upon arrival, we were told we would need to pay an extra £15 for an "early check in" even though we were only one hour early and our room was already prepared. We had to change for a funeral so we had no choice but had we refused they would have made us sit in the reception for an hour while our room lay empty and ready for us just for the sake of us not paying up extra. I have travelled a lot and never had this before in a hotel, usually if the room is ready they are happy for you to enter early, it's called good customer service. There will be small print somewhere but we felt cheated. We did explain we were there for a family funeral but it made no difference. We paid our £15 but I will be writing to head office to request at least a partial refund to our hotel fee including the extra cost of having to get taxis everywhere just to get an evening meal or breakfast. This used to be a place where we could base ourselves safe in the knowledge that it had all the amenities we need. Although the burst pipe was unforeseeable the news that the restaurant/pub is closing is nowhere anywhere on their website. It was not mentioned when we booked and they were still advertising food and drinks as part of the amenities while the place was totally shut. It apparently closes for good in September so if you are booking bear that in mind or you may end up eating cold McDonalds on your bed like we did. We understand that the Cookhouse is technically separate from the hotel itself but it is physically attached and advertised on their website as part of the amenities in the hotel itself. I don't know if they plan to replace it with a new establishment. Terrible way to treat your staff and customers. Misleading information on the website. Check before you go. So sad that we may not be able to stay there again due to these issues. The staff in the bar/restaurant, we salute you! You went above and beyond in difficult circumstances and deserve much, much better from an employer.