Newcastle upon Tyne or "Geordieland" or "the Toon" as it is also affectionately known, is situated on England's North East coast between Yorkshire and Scotland. Being one of the larger English cities, it plays a pivotal role in business and industry sectors in the north of England and as such has seen its role increasing in the tourist, leisure and corporate sectors. It is directly because of this that the city offers such a large and diverse range of Newcastle hotel accommodation.
In recent years, the city has revitalized and turned an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, both physically and culturally and a number of fine Newcastle hotel and accommodation options have appeared.
This ancient city on the north bank of the River Tyne owes its name to a castle built in 1080 by one of William the Conqueror's sons. Originally, this city was a centre for the wool trade and coal mining industry and later, with the development of the port in the 16th century, a leading shipbuilding and ship-repairing centre. However with the decline and closure of many of these industries the city has reinvented itself as a leading cultural and business destination.
The dialect of the proud locals is known as Geordie, and contains a large amount of vocabulary and unusual word pronunciations not used in other parts of the United Kingdom. It has retained many elements of the old Anglo-Saxon language, and although sometimes difficult to understand, its distinctive sound adds to the romantic appeal of the area.
With its temperate climate, although a bit on the unpredictable side, Newcastle is a wonderful city to visit anytime of the year. In winter, however, visitors must remember warm jackets and boots and to expect cold temperatures and occasional snow.
Newcastle hotels are well positioned to provide easy access for visitors to experience some of the history and ancient culture of the area in the form of a variety of historic buildings, museums and sight-seeing opportunities.
It played an important role throughout the ages either as a main line of defence or as the seat of many royal skirmishes and wars evidence of which is scattered throughout the city. Parts of the ancient Hadrian's Wall dating back to Roman times can still be seen today and give visitors a glimpse into the areas colourful past.
The City Walls and the Black Gate, both dating back to the 13th century are not to be missed; neither is Blackfriars Monastery dating back to the same period. The Castle Keep is waiting to be explored with rooms left as they were in medieval times as well as offering great photographic opportunities of the famous five bridges that span the River Tyne.
More modern attractions include the monument to Earl Grey in the centre of the city, the famous Tyne Bridge completed in 1925 and the breathtaking sculpture of the Angel of the North. With its wing span of 177 feet and standing 65 feet high it can be seen from many different parts of the city and was built as part of the Gateshead public art program.
The term Newcastle Hotel speaks to a number of different types of accommodation. There exists a great variety of luxury establishments, country inns, bars, cosy coastal cottages and lodging types a plenty with prices to fit just about any budget and amenities to suit most tastes are to be found in and around the city.
Ranging from two star to five star hotels, some cater more for families on vacation or for tourists passing through while others are specifically geared for the corporate market offering luxury as well as affordability.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation, cosy traditional inns and guest houses combine a warm Geordie welcome with excellent facilities, and home cooking that makes the most of fresh local produce and roaring fires on chilly winter evenings.
Some luxury Newcastle hotels are close to the airport and are perfectly situated to allow guest easy access to corporate, shopping and cultural districts. Yet others are set in the splendid surroundings of the Northumberland countryside and offer a great variety of design from the gorgeous ultra modern to a magnificent country house.
Here, designs offer a flawless blend of old world elegance with new world opulence. Much care has been taken in decorating the bedrooms to preserve many original features, such as ornate ceilings, the drawing room fireplace and the library while at the same time offering all the amenities and facilities required by the modern traveller.
Typical amenities include internet access, satellite television, mini-bar, direct-dial phones and 24 hour room service. Lounges serving coffee and afternoon tea are ideal places to relax after a busy day of site-seeing or shopping. Conference and meeting rooms that elegantly combine luxury with state of the art high tech facilities including fax and copier machines, data points and built in screens make them an ideal choice for corporate travellers. Exceptional levels of service ensure that guest's every need is taken care of.
A hallmark of luxury hotels is their attention to the health and wellness of guests. Fitness centres which include indoor swimming pools, state of the art gyms, steam rooms, saunas and aerobic areas, lighted tennis and squash courts help guests mix business and pleasure.
A highlight for guests of the luxury accommodation in Newcastle is to make use of the Spas which provide beauty and stress-relieving treatments in private treatment rooms, leaving visitors ready to rejoin the hectic pace of life. For those looking to embrace the outdoors, highly rated golf-courses in majestic surroundings are irresistible. These establishments offer superb venues for weddings, conferences, private dining and banqueting.
Newcastle hotel accommodation options offer easy access for shopping and dining excursions. The impressive Metro Centre at Gateshead is the largest indoor shopping complex in Europe and has done much to rejuvenate the city centre. Visitors have a choice of fine dining or experiencing typical, traditional Geordie fayre including pease pudding, stotties and sausages in one of the many local hostelries.
Newcastle is well known for producing delicious, fresh, locally produced and often organic food and serves it with pride. Crab, oysters and kippers from the nearby fishing villages and salmon and trout from the pure Northumberland rivers are synonymous with the city. Renovation of the older Quayside area with a bustling mix of cafés, trendy shops, and restaurants has made it a very popular eating and drinking venue.
The numerous bars and clubs located throughout the "Toon" have given it a reputation of being a fun-loving city and one cannot leave without having at least one pint of Newcastle Brown Ale, one of the city’s most well known exports. After diner revellers can enjoy the sophisticated music scene which has spawned such greats as Sting and The Animals and has made the city very popular to students and young people.
Apart from the many tourist attractions, the city's hotels have much to offer families in both indoor and outdoor entertainment. A simple picnic, a walk in the park, hiking in the surrounding mountains or more adventurous sports can be organized to ensure that all guests, child or adult leave feeling rested, pampered and happy. Fishing too, is a national pastime in the cool streams and rivers that crisscross the area.
Whichever you choose, each Newcastle Hotel will provide great accommodation and entertainment for visitors to recapture the past, explore the surrounding country, enjoy a family holiday, or for business people to attend to corporate affairs. A great variety of accommodation types ensures that there is something to suit every pocket and requirement.
Set in the heart of Northumberland guests can explore the birthplace of English Christianity, historic castles, picturesque market and coastal towns and England's finest contemporary garden.
