Newcastle's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe #1!)
Newcastle's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe #1!) - My Unfiltered Take!
Right, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Newcastle's allegedly best hotel. I've stayed in enough dodgy B&Bs to know a good thing when I see it – assuming this place is a good thing. Let's dive headfirst, shall we? Expect a rollercoaster, because that's how my brain works.
First Impressions (and the Luggage Saga):
Okay, so "accessible" is always a big tick box for me, because, well, life happens. The hotel? They claimed to be. And frankly, first impressions were… mixed. The exterior? Pretty standard. The lobby? Grand, yes, but also slightly overwhelming. Like, I felt a bit small, you know? Lurching into the grand foyer with my overly-packed suitcase (I always pack too much – what if I need a sequined gown and a snow shovel?), I noticed… the elevator. Thank GOD. Phew. That initial climb test was passed, and a relief! The staff, thankfully, were friendly. Quick, efficient… and I got the distinct impression they'd seen it all before – probably tourists struggling with their luggage. (Hey, I said I pack a lot!) The doorman was charming and helped me navigate my luggage and the entry ways, earning him a gold star right off the bat..
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Seriously important bit, this. The website promised accessibility, but you never really know until you’re there. The elevator was a definite win. The corridors seemed wide enough for wheelchairs, which is a huge plus. The rooms, the bathroom, spaciousness! The ramps, were all well-marked and not overly steep. Points awarded! Now, here's the slight hiccup. Some of the doors to the restaurant (we'll get to the food, trust me) were a little unwieldy. Nothing that a helpful staff member couldn't sort, but something to be aware of. It wasn't perfect, but compared to some of the hellscapes I've encountered, a solid B+ for accessibility, and that's important.
The Room: Finally, a Sanctuary (Minus the Bedding!)
Okay, the room. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double check. Bless the gods of sleep! I am obsessed with blackout curtains. I need my shut-eye and sleep in a pitch-black room. The bed was… well, it looked lovely from the get-go. But, and this is a big but, the bedding? A bit… scratchy. Seriously, I have a thing about feeling rough. Why, oh why, isn't soft, luxurious bedding standard practice?! I'm used to hotels going all out on crisp, clean, and soft. Still, the room itself was spacious, with a comfy seating area. The desk was a decent size for my laptop, and the Wi-Fi (yes, free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was thankfully reliable. Good lighting, a decent bathroom with a separate shower and tub… I could definitely live there for a while. They even had a scale! And they weren’t afraid to add some nice room decorations.
Internet & Connectivity: Fast, but Not Always Furious.
Free Wi-Fi! Hallelujah! Seriously, in this day and age, it’s a non-negotiable. The speed was generally good, enough to stream Netflix (priorities!), and handle video calls without too many hiccups. They even had a LAN connection for the old skool among us. Solid marks in this department. I did, however, lose connection once or twice in the depths of the night.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disaster):
Alright, let’s talk eating. The hotel had a veritable feast of options. Restaurants? Plural! I felt like I was entering some sort of culinary labyrinth. There's a Western restaurant, an Asian cuisine restaurant. I’m not sure about the exact cuisine, but I do know there was a delicious soup! Breakfast was a buffet, which is generally my jam. The buffet was vast. (I mean, vast.) From Asian breakfast options to a more traditional Western breakfast – eggs, bacon, pastries – it was all there. There was a salad bar, too, but don’t get me started on hotel salad bars.
My favorite part. The coffee shop was a lifesaver. Seriously, I need a decent cup of coffee to function, and they nailed it. The desserts in the restaurant were tempting, though I resisted (mostly).
Room service was 24-hour, always a bonus for a night owl like me. (And, let’s be honest, sometimes you just can’t be bothered leaving your room.) But… the alternative meal arrangement was a little bit… underwhelming. I ordered a simple sandwich, and it arrived looking like it had been sitting in a fridge since last Tuesday. Yikes. Big miss on that one.
Relaxation & Well-being: Spa Day Dreams (Turned Reality!)
This is where the hotel really shines. The spa! Oh, the spa! They had it all. A pool with a view (breathtaking!), a sauna, a steam room, a gym if you're into that sort of torture. I was there for the spa, and the spa delivers! Their massage was divine. Pure bliss. They also had a body scrub (yes, please!), and body wraps. I actually fell asleep at one point. The pool… was amazing. The views were stunning. Pure relaxation. The only downside? It was a bit pricey. Worth it, though. Absolutely worth it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Feeling Clean (Mostly!)
This is super important in a post-pandemic world. They clearly took cleanliness seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff were wearing masks. They touted anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt safe, which is a massive weight off your shoulders. They even had room sanitization opt-out, which I appreciate. They removed shared stationary. I saw staff disinfecting the common areas regularly.
A Few Gripes & Imperfections:
Okay, nobody's perfect, and neither is this hotel. The gym… well, let’s just say I didn’t actually use it. (I have a hard time with gyms, period.) The “Happy Hour” at the bar was a bit… meh. The drinks were okay, but the atmosphere was a bit lifeless. The bar could use some work.
The Other Stuff:
- Services and Conveniences: Concierge was super helpful, currency exchange available, and they had a convenience store (lifesaver for forgotten essentials!). Car park (free!) was a bonus. Food delivery options.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service available. Family-friendly.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer available. Car park (on-site and free). Taxi service was easy to arrange.
Overall Verdict: Would I Recommend?
Yes. Yes, I would. Despite the minor issues (scratchy bedding, the underwhelming sandwich), the positives far outweighed the negatives. Gorgeous spa, great location (everything was easily accessible), fantastic staff, generally good accessibility, and that all-important free Wi-Fi. It's not perfect, but it's darned close. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax and forget about the outside world (mostly). It’s definitely one of the best hotels in Newcastle, possibly the best.
CRAP, I ALMOST FORGOT TO SHOW OFF, HERE'S THE DEAL!
The "Newcastle Getaway" Package: Your Escape to Luxury!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving some serious pampering? Book your stay at Newcastle's (Probably) Best Hotel and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience!
Here's what you get:
- A Luxurious Room: Guaranteed non-scratchy bedding (okay, maybe not guaranteed, but we'll try).
- Unlimited Spa Access: Dive into the pool with a view, melt away stress in the sauna & steam room, and indulge in a 60-minute massage (choose from Swedish, deep tissue, or whatever tickles your fancy!).
- Daily Breakfast Buffet: Fill your plate with deliciousness every morning!
- Complimentary Bottle of Bubbly: Cheers to a getaway you deserve! (Or, you know, a nice sparkling juice, if you're not into bubbly.)
- Free Wi-Fi & Hassle-Free Parking: Stay connected and stress-free!
- 10% Discount on all food & beverages! (Except that sandwich. We're still working on that.)
- Limited Time Offer: Book TODAY and get a FREE welcome
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're about to plan a trip to Newcastle, Australia. Not your clinical, perfectly-packaged brochure trip. This is the messy, glorious, "did I forget to pack pants?" edition. We're staying at The Premier Hotel, because, let's face it, the name sounds promising and they hopefully have decent coffee.
Subject: Operation Newcastle: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Luggage (and Maybe a Valium)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Coffee Quest (aka, the Morning I Regretted My Life Choices at 6 AM)
- 6:00 AM: Alarm. Ugh. Why did I think 5 days in Newcastle would be a good idea? Actually, the photo of Merewether Beach I saw on Instagram was pretty dreamy. Okay, let's do this. Drag myself out of bed, stumble around like a caffeinated zombie.
- 7:00 AM: Flight! I triple-checked I had my passport, but probably forgot something crucial. Like a toothbrush. Or clean socks. Crossing my fingers. Praying to the travel gods for a smooth flight.
- 10:00 AM (Newcastle Time - assuming we're not delayed, ha!): Finally, Newcastle! The airport is charmingly small. Already feeling the laid-back vibe… until I realize I have NO idea where I’m going. Found the Premier Hotel. It's a bit…beige. But the reviews said the staff were lovely. Let's hope so.
- 11:00 AM: Check-in. The lovely staff indeed save the day. They give me a room with a view of…a brick wall. Oh well. I'm already tired of complaining. The promise of coffee! The Premier Hotel must have good coffee, right?
- 11:30 AM: Coffee Quest Begins. First attempt: disaster. Undrinkable sludge. Second attempt: marginally better, but tastes like burnt toast. Third shop: FINALLY! Success! A decent latte at some hipster cafe down the road. Thank the lord.
- 12:30 PM: Wander. This is where I truly fail. I thought I'd be a wanderer, full of wonder. Instead, I get lost 5 minutes outside the door. Find a nice corner restaurant. Decide to treat myself to a burger. I'm going to eat a burger, and then I'm going to take a nap.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Napping and Burgers. Needed.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exploring the City. Maybe I'll finally actually see something…after my nap. Walk along the foreshore. Soaking it all in.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a pub. Maybe some fish and chips? Or a giant steak. I'm on holiday. Calories don't count.
- 8:30 PM: Collapse in bed. Exhausted. Newcastle, you're testing me already. But tomorrow, the beach! And hopefully, decent coffee.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and Possibly Sunburn)
- 8:00 AM: Up early(ish) and actually get dressed before my coffee. Miracle!
- 9:00 AM: Merewether Beach! It is as gorgeous as the Instagram photos. I might even shed a tear, it's so pretty. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft…I'm in love.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach time! Swimming, sunbathing (with SPF 50, thank you very much), building sandcastles that immediately crumble.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a beachfront cafe. More fish and chips? Why not!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Explore the rock pools, maybe get a bit of history.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: This is where I REALLY fail. Beach time is over. I spent too much time in the sun. My brain…fried. So I return the hotel and have a lie-down.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: More wine.
Day 3: Wine Tours and Regrets (Mostly Related To Yesterday’s Sunburn)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with a throbbing headache and a deep, profound regret: I forgot to pack my aloe vera.
- 10:00 AM: Finally, I locate the closest shop and the aloe.
- 11:00 AM: Hunter Valley Wine Tour! (I am clearly a glutton for punishment). Get picked up by a bus full of cheerful, slightly tipsy tourists.
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wine tasting! It was pretty great – even if my brain felt like scrambled eggs. We visited a few different vineyards, and the wine was delicious. I may have come away with a few bottles I can't afford.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel, in a daze after the wine and the sun.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Something easy. Lots of water. Please, no more sunburn.
- 8:30 PM: Bed.
Day 4: Culture, Caffeine, and Contemplation (…and More Coffee)
- 9:00 AM: Coffee! Must. Have. Coffee. Find a new cafe. This one is a winner! Rejoice!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Art Gallery. Pretend to be cultured.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the city, look for some cool shops, some souvenirs.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Premier Hotel actually has a decent bar, I discover. This is a revelation. Enjoy a quiet drink, and try not to think about heading home tomorrow.
- 7:00 PM: Fancy(ish) Dinner. (I am on holiday, after all).
- 8:30 PM: Reflecting on the trip. Did I love Newcastle? Yes. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Would I do it again? Probably.
- 9:00 PM: Packing. The worst.
Day 5: Goodbye Newcastle (and Hello Laundry)
- 7:00 AM: That dreadful alarm again.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (at the hotel – meh).
- 9:00 AM: Check out.
- 10:00 AM: Travel to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight home. Saying goodbye to Newcastle.
- Rest of the Day: Home. Washing 8 loads of laundry and recovering from my sunburn.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Newcastle, you were a messy, beautiful, caffeinated adventure. I'll be back. Possibly with more aloe vera. And definitely with a better coffee strategy.
Kirksville Getaway: IHG's Holiday Inn Express - Unbeatable University Area Stay!
So, like, what *is* this whole FAQ thingy anyway? I'm already overwhelmed.
Ugh, yeah, I feel ya. Already exhausted, right? Look, basically, it's a Q&A dedicated to… well, *me*. Think of it as the ultimate "Ask Me Anything," but I've kinda curated the questions (and answers) in advance. My brain's already fried from the day, so this is the pre-emptive strike for the future-me's. Think of it as… a survival guide. For *me*. And maybe, if you're lucky, it might help *you* too. No promises. Honestly, I'm making this up as I go.
Why are we doing this? What's the point? Is this mandatory? (Please tell me it's not mandatory.)
Honestly? Good question. Partly because I'm supposed to. Partly because I just *had* to. And partly because I'm a glutton for punishment. Seriously, though, it's a chance to kinda… sort things out in my head. To clarify the stuff that’s been bouncing around in there all day. And hey, if you're reading this, you’re trapped with me, the poor soul. It's not mandatory, unless you're, like, my therapist. In which case, yes, it IS mandatory. And please, for the love of all that is holy, DON'T diagnose me through this. I'm begging you.
Are these answers actually *true*? Like, real-life true? Because I've seen some fake FAQs in my time, you know?
Look, I'm aiming for honesty here. Maybe a little embellishment for dramatic effect (gotta keep things *interesting*, right?). But generally? Yeah, they're true. As true as my frazzled brain can manage, anyway. I'll try to avoid, but no promises about being 100% factual at all times, because I am a human being. We are flawed, right? It's a core tenant of my being.
Okay, enough meta-stuff. Let's talk about… well, *you*. What's with the name, the "quirks," etc.?
Alright, alright, you want the goods? Fine. The name? Let's just say it's a long story involving too much caffeine, a slightly disastrous online quiz, and a desperate attempt to sound… well, not like a complete idiot. The quirks? Oh boy. Where do I even start? I hum off-key when I'm stressed (which is, like, always). I have a weird fascination with collecting old teacups. And I'm *horrible* at remembering names. Truly, epically horrible. Ask anyone who knows me.
What do you *do*? Like, what's a typical day for you? (Assuming there *is* such a thing as a "typical" day.)
Ah, "typical." That elusive beast. Okay, so the *ideal* day starts with a strong coffee and a sunrise yoga session. The *reality*? Wake up already late, stumble out of bed, and trip over the cat. Then, it's a mad dash to get out of the door. Most days are spent running around doing stuff, dealing with people, and trying not to spill coffee on myself. There's a lot of multitasking. Too much, maybe. But hey, at least it's never boring, right? Right?!
What's your biggest accomplishment? And, also, what's your biggest 'I messed up' moment?
Oh, the accomplishments! I've got a few. Graduating. Keeping a plant alive for more than a week. Actually finishing a book I started. My biggest "I messed up" moment? Ugh. Where do I even begin? I once accidentally sent an email to my boss that was *very* personal and meant for my best friend. Let's just say the next day was… awkward. It involved a lot of apologies, a lot of cringing, and a whole lot of wanting to crawl into a hole and disappear. And I probably need to be a better person in the future. Oh yes. And now it’s stuck on my brain and I probably won’t ever forget it.
What are your hobbies and interests? Not just the boring ones, the ones that actually make you happy (or at least, less miserable).
Okay, the good stuff! I love reading – fantasy, sci-fi, whatever takes my fancy, really. I'm a sucker for a good story that can drag me into the world. I also adore hiking and being outside, breathing in the fresh air, and reminding myself there's more to life than the inside of a computer screen. And, yeah, collecting old teacups. Don't judge. It's a comfort thing, alright? It helps me get through the tougher times. And I also love writing. That comes from the heart.
Favorite music, books, movies, and TV shows? I need some recommendations!
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty! Music? Depends on the mood. I love anything with a good beat. Books? I'm a sucker for anything by Neil Gaiman, and Sarah J. Maas too. Movies? Classic sci-fi is a winner. TV shows? I'm currently obsessed with a few different shows. There's a lot, okay? I consume a *lot* of media, but I don't have a single favorite - that's far too hard for me to narrow down. And don't even ask about comfort food. I've got you covered!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? And please, don't say invisibility. That's *boring*.
Okay, this is a good one! Invisibility is definitely out. Nope. That's what everyone goes for, right? Ugh. I think I'd go with the ability to, maybe, teleport. Imagine! Never being stuck in traffic again? Bopping over to Paris for pastries whenever the mood strikes? Yes, please. Or, maybe, the ability to control time... not to go back and change things, but to maybe, possibly, just get an extra hour of sleep. Yeah, that sounds nice. Oh, and I would love to control fire. Not to be aNomad Hotel Search
