'I think I have an inner confidence that my tastes are pretty simple, that what I find funny finds a wide audience. I'm not particularly intellectual or clever or minority-focused in my creative instincts. And I'm certainly not aware of suppressing more sophisticated ambitions.
These words by Sir Rowan Atkinson, one of the most famous sons of Newcastle and noted all around the world for his comic forays in life as Mr. Bean, tell us what the Newcastle way of living really is like. It is a city of simple tastes, simple pleasures in life and an overall simple way of living. One might get fooled by all the glitzy corporate complexes that have flooded the city in last few decades, but at its very heart, Newcastle is still a small city that happens to be at the riverside, happens to have folks who are undeniably in love with football and who believe in note getting things complicated.
Today's identity that Newcastle has is that of an important city that holds many of national and international economic interests. Another factor that makes Newcastle an important cog in England's national interest is the fact that it is the only truly large city in the North East, meaning that it provides opportunities to local people, along with bringing in the best that the outside world has to offer to them.
For accommodation, Newcastle provides a number of options to tourists and travelers. These options range from cheap hotels to high end luxury establishments that cost a great deal of money per night's stay, but definitely try to provide the best of amenities to their guests and patrons.
Simple Hotels in a Simple City
If you want to make your trip to Newcastle economical yet pleasant there are many budget hotels in Newcastle that will let you achieve that. Agreed that these places do not necessarily furnish luxurious facilities, but for the price they usually charge their guests (ranging from GBP 20 to GBP 50 per night's stay, per guest), these are excellent choices. This particularly makes sense in terms of finances because staying at a budget hotel allows you to save up big on lodging expenses and you can easily use this saved up cash to do a little bit more of sightseeing and traveling.
As far as basic facilities are concerned, most of these budget lodges and guest houses are adept at providing them. Free WiFi and private parking is a norm in Newcastle, and even the cheapest of establishments do no hesitate in furnishing these amenities to guests.
More Luxurious Choices in Newcastle
If you are comfortable spending considerably more sums of money on your accommodation in Newcastle, you are better off staying at one of the luxury Newcastle hotels. These include the usual chains like Ibis, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Radisson. Apart from these, local attractions like Close House Hotel, Jesmond Dene, The Vermont are also safe bets, considering their online and offline reputation. However, be sure that none of these establishments will cost you less than GBP 80 per night. Some might this this too extravagant, but considering the facilities that these charges entail, and the standard of living in general in a city like Newcastle, these charges do seem to be justified at the end of the day. After all, who wouldn't like returning to their in-suite hot bubble bath with scented candles and on demand custom culinary forays even in the middle of the night, after having a long day out sightseeing or taking care of one's business in Newcastle?
Boutique and Independent Hotels
In addition to regular lodges, guest houses and hotel establishments, Newcastle is home to a number of boutique and independent accommodations that can be customised with ease, unlike a hotel. The in thing these days seems to be homestays. Homestays provide you the best of the both world “ comfort of a hotel room and the warmth of a home. Most homestays in Newcastle are priced fairly modestly and hence, can be an option worth exploring, especially if you plan on staying for a long duration in Newcastle. Apart from homestays, summer houses and private bed and breakfast units are also aplenty in Newcastle. These are perfect solutions for those who want to stay for a period of more than one month but less than 11 months, as beyond 11 months, the law requires tourists to acquire and process rent agreements and deeds. Thus, homestays and boutiques are perfect golden-mean of cheap and luxury hotels in Newcastle.
What Should I Know Before Sightseeing in Newcastle?
The most important thing you should know before sightseeing is that it can get really cold during winter months. Being situated at the northern tip of the country, Newcastle is generally a place to avoid post-September. If you still want to take a trip up to Newcastle, you should make sure that you are well prepared in terms of winter clothing and other paraphernalia.
What Do I Need to Know About Transportation in Newcastle
Newcastle is a sizeable city in England. Hence, transportation to, in and around it is not really an issue, as long as you are comfortable and familiar with the way public transport works in England. For sightseeing, all Newcastle hotels do provide (or, in the least, assist) their guests with private cars and special tariff taxis. If that's not what you like, you always have the option of exploring the local bus and train network to get to all the sights around Newcastle.
Being a busy airport, Newcastle is serviced by all airline companies in the region with direct and indirect flights to all English cities, as well as many major European cities like Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin. Newcastle airport also hosts many direct flights to America, especially New York City.
At last, it will be only fair to say that your stay in Newcastle “ from luxury seven starrers to cheap hotels “ will be as good as you try to make it. If you happen to be a football fan, a trip to Newcastle will be nothing short of awesome for you!
FAQs about hotels in Newcastle