Newcastle Airport (South) hotel

I’ve given this hotel 3-stars simply because it falls short of the rest of the Premier Inn estate and, with it being broadly the same price as other Premier Inn hotels in similar locations, it represent a poorer offering. Why? Like many other reviewers have said, it desperately needs TLC. Nothing I saw was unhygienic or unsafe, but lots of areas were showing signs of a lack of love: gardens outside were unkempt, the front doors looked temporary (unpainted bare wood like glazers use after a breakage), layers of grout in the bathroom, scuffed doors, skirting boards. None of this actually makes the hotel unhygienic or unsafe, but it’s not an enjoyable decor. A few things that did make life hard: a tiny TV; stifling rooms (only 23c outside) but staff had given two fans; and no plugs by the bed. With the two fans plugged in that left just one plug for phones etc. The restaurant next door where we had breakfast was also showing its age. The staff were all friendly and helpful. They deserve a better product to work with. Premier Inn, you need to spend some money here.

Good Day; I am enclosing 2 e-mails, one from me dated 6 June and reply from Customer Relations on same date. Customer Relations Team unable to help directly and recommended 4 options. I have tried 3 of the 4 [Brewers Fayre excluded] and all replied to the effect ‘no longer monitored’. Most recently I sent e-mail to a “senior corporate function …..can sometimes help e.g. 14 days” and await reply. Today I try a further option – guest relations. Is it too much to hope I may have cracked it and a reply will be forth-coming? May 6-7-8-9-10-18-19-20-21-22-24-25- myself and eldest son. May 6-7-8-9-10-18-19-20-21- my nephew, May7-8-9- my youngest son and his twin young boys. Following is our summary of those 24 nights in 4 locations you may find useful. Newcastle: generally acceptable standards but let down by gents public toilets disgraceful on one night and not cleaned by the next. Radiator in one room at least not working, receptionist tried to help but to no avail. One night we arrived at about 9;30 pm for drinks at the bar. Only one female appeared on duty, no other customers. It was apparent from the moment we entered we were not welcome and her manner and actions indicated her thoughts of an early finish were dashed. A loud bell [indicating last orders?] was rung at about 9;40 and we re-ordered and served in an obdurate atmosphere which persisted through to a few minutes before 10;00 pm when doors were locked and we were ushered out of the door onto the front carpark , furthest from the hotel. I spoke to her politely outside the door [I am 88 years old] in front of my son and nephew, telling her that her attitude throughout was totally unprofessional, indeed unbecoming in the hospitality industry. Her utterance to “go away” was repeated. I must state here the attitude and friendliness of other waitresses was in direct conflict to our experience that evening. I must also add the rooms in general and food offering were very acceptable although my nephew inadvertently booked 3 nights instead of 4 so on booking the extra night he was charged more than twice the rate he paid for each previous night – robbery? Heathrow: Extremely acceptable in all departments. Surely a credit to the industry. Ipswich; Acceptable apart from car-parking when we had to make use of a nearby facility, an open yard! Havant Oh dear! Our booking reference ADP4009899 clearly stated “2 Adults. Twin rooms”. The room allocated contained one double/queen bed. The receptionist, a very young female, alone, unable to help initially due to volume of guests booking in on a holiday weekend. When free she found us alternative room and even helped move our considerable luggage. She displayed a mature attitude on our behalf and we commend her for that. She certainly suits her position, so unlike our Newcastle experience. I want to query Greene King marketing policy. I cannot understand any liquor outlet not carrying blended whisky. Bells, Dewars, Famous Grouse, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Grants are all accepted around the world as “best sellers” yet none of them available from Greene King. Malt Whiskies are stocked and may be drinkable but considerably more expensive while blended drinkers are more discernible and forgiven in their preference. Gordons Gin, most popular in the world but not available at Premier Inns. Beefeater [by Gordons] is perhaps more superior but more expensive, therefore less popular. Finally – Greene King draught beers out of stock at Havant on the night we were resident and comment from another resident “also last night”. That rates as fiasco.

We had such a wonderful stay at Premier Inn, and a huge part of that was thanks to the amazing Mel and Gemma. We had the absolute pleasure of meeting them whilst staying here. The room was absolutely spotless, with every little detail taken care of, and they truly went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Mel and Gemma are canny women with brilliant senses of humour who always greeted us with a smile and a friendly chat, making us feel so welcome throughout our stay. Their hard work, kindness, and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and genuinely made our trip that little bit more special. A massive thank you to both of them — they are a real credit to Premier Inn. We couldn’t have asked for better service and would happily return because of the wonderful experience they helped create.

We stay here regularly. It’s good value, clean and unpretentious. That’s exactly what we need for a one night stop.

Super one night stay with breakfast. Large room and bed very comfortable. The breakfast at the wheatsheaf was really good value for money.