Mercure Newport

This modern hotel stands out as the tallest building in the city, offering guests impressive views from its higher floors and a prime central location that places visitors at the heart of downtown. It is particularly well-suited for business travelers due to its convenient access to the train station and conference facilities, while sightseers and couples will appreciate its proximity to shops, restaurants, and local attractions. Families also find it appealing, with many praising the spacious rooms and comfortable accommodations. The hotel consistently receives commendation for its cleanliness and the generally helpful demeanor of its staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best vistas, and be prepared for off-site parking options.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. A notable feature is the rooftop bar and terrace, which provides a pleasant outdoor space for drinks and relaxation, often described as a lovely spot. Guests also have access to a gym, though some note it is on the smaller side, equipped with a bench, elliptical, bike, and treadmill. Free Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the hotel, allowing guests to stay connected. For convenience, there is a locked room for luggage storage after check-out, and the hotel maintains secure entry to floors and rooms, contributing to a sense of safety. Conference spaces are also available, making it suitable for events and meetings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as immaculate, spotless, and well-maintained. The beds are consistently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, often equipped with high-quality linens. Many rooms are noted for their spaciousness and modern design, with some offering great views of the city or river. The bathrooms are generally clean, well-appointed, and feature good showers with strong water pressure and convenient controls. However, a recurring concern is the room temperature, with many guests finding rooms too warm and the air conditioning system often ineffective or difficult to control, as windows cannot be opened. Some minor issues reported include occasional noise levels from adjacent rooms or external sources, and isolated instances of maintenance oversights like slow drainage in sinks or showers, or grubby walls.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options is mixed but generally positive. The breakfast receives frequent mention, with many guests appreciating the variety of hot and cold items, including well-cooked options and fresh fruit. Some guests, however, found the hot food to be lukewarm or noted issues with specific items like dry bacon or stale bread, and a limited selection of cold items. The restaurant food is often described as lovely, tasty, and reasonably priced, with some specific dishes receiving high praise. The bar is generally well-stocked and provides a pleasant atmosphere. While some guests found the food quality to be excellent, others felt it did not always meet "restaurant quality" expectations, particularly for certain dishes, and some found the overall menu selection could be improved.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including shops, restaurants, and the train station, typically a ten-minute walk away. Its proximity to the bus station and Rodney Parade is also highlighted as convenient. While the hotel itself is well-situated, some guests express reservations about the immediate surrounding area, describing it as not the most charming or feeling less safe, particularly at night. Parking is a consistent topic; the hotel does not offer on-site parking, requiring guests to use nearby multi-story car parks. While some found these options reasonably priced, others noted the cost and the inconvenience of walking with luggage from the car park to the hotel.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Many guests highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from accommodating room requests to assisting with luggage. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, though some guests experienced delays or issues with online check-in not being as seamless as expected. Specific services like early breakfast for marathon runners and late check-out accommodations are appreciated. While the majority of feedback is positive, a few guests reported instances of slow service in the restaurant or bar, and some felt that staff lacked proper training or leadership in certain situations, leading to minor frustrations.

Additional Information
A significant recurring issue mentioned by multiple guests is the fire alarm system, which has reportedly gone off multiple times, often in the middle of the night due to false alarms, causing considerable disruption to sleep. Guests should also be aware that while the hotel is generally well-equipped, some in-room amenities like shaving kits or shower caps may need to be requested from reception. Some guests noted that the kettle in their room did not switch off automatically, and there were instances where advertised features like a fridge in junior suites were missing upon arrival. The hotel operates a cashless bar, which some guests found inconvenient if not aware beforehand.