HOTEL OF THE WEEK
INNSIDE Newcastle Tyneside
WHERE AND WHY
One of the Melia group’s newest hotels, the INNSIDE Newcastle, opened its doors last year on the city’s trendy quayside.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms provide amazing views down the Tyne while statement lighting, high ceilings and a sweeping staircase in the public area give it a cool vibe.
Grab a riverside townhouse with balcony for a treat and enjoy retro touches like a round dial phone and Marshall radio alongside modern updates of a yoga mat, Nespresso machine and soft grey bathrobes.
This open-plan suite also has a sofa bed for the kids and a walk-in shower separating the bathroom and lounge.
ON THE MENU
Enjoy antipasti, pizzas, pasta, fresh seafood and grills in TV chef Gino D’acampo’s waterside restaurant, where he recreates dishes he grew up with in Italy.
Breakfast was a fine affair of made-to-order eggs and smoked salmon, with yogurt and granola pots and freshly made muffins accompanying all the standards.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Newcastle’s seven Tyne bridges that connect the city with neighbouring Gateshead are on your doorstep. Furthest east is the uber-modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which turns over to allow tall vessels to pass.
While there pop into Baltic – Britain’s largest contemporary art institution – and head to the outside terrace or internal viewing box for fantastic views.
Don’t miss the Sage music venue, and further west lies the iconic Tyne Bridge.
The city centre’s sandstone architecture, restaurants and shops are within 15 minutes’ walk.
WAKE-UP CALL
From £54/night B&B. melia.com
■ By Fiona Whitty