Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre The Gate

This hotel, housed within a repurposed Art Deco Co-op department store, offers a distinctive stay with its spacious reception area and varied room layouts. Its prime central location is a significant draw, placing guests within easy reach of city attractions and transport links. While many guests praise the comfortable beds and good breakfast, feedback on room cleanliness and staff service is notably mixed. The hotel is an excellent fit for sightseers and football fans looking to explore the city, as well as families and theatre-goers seeking convenience. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to pre-book parking for potential discounts and to check your room upon arrival, as cleanliness standards can vary. Guests with mobility concerns should also be aware that some beds and baths may be unusually high.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests have varied experiences with the hotel's amenities. The Wi-Fi is a frequent point of discussion; while available, many guests report it being slow or unreliable, often requiring the purchase of an "ultimate Wi-Fi" upgrade. Air conditioning also receives mixed reviews, with some finding it effective and others reporting issues with rooms being too warm or stuffy, occasionally requiring a fan to be provided. In-room coffee and tea facilities are generally present, though some guests note issues with replenishment or the cleanliness of water tanks. Some upgraded rooms include a fridge. The building's unique design, with its large reception area and wide corridors, is often highlighted, though some find the corridors maze-like. Lifts are available, aiding accessibility, and guests appreciate the option for luggage storage before check-in or after check-out.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly inconsistent. Many guests describe their rooms as spotless and very clean, praising the comfortable beds and ensuring a good night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews detail issues such as dust on surfaces, mould in bathrooms, stained carpets or sheets, and general grubbiness, with some even reporting hairs in showers or cracked toilet pans. Room sizes vary, with some guests enjoying huge and spacious rooms, while others find them small. Noise levels are generally reported as quiet despite the central location, with traffic noise often unnoticeable, though some guests experienced disturbances from adjoining doors or persistent extractor fan noise. The bathrooms are often noted for their size, but some find the baths unusually high, posing a challenge for entry and exit.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive generally positive feedback, particularly for breakfast. Guests consistently praise the breakfast variety, describing it as large, delicious, and well-stocked, with many highlighting the hot food options and the overall good value. The on-site restaurant and bar, often referred to as Bar + Block, is a convenient feature. While some guests enjoy the food quality and atmosphere, others express disappointment with a limited menu for dinner, or specific dishes like tasteless steak and soggy chips. The bar is noted for its good atmosphere and offers 2-for-1 cocktails, though some find the drinks to be on the expensive side. Service at the restaurant and bar can be mixed, with some staff being very helpful and others less so.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Guests appreciate its proximity to major attractions such as Eldon Square shopping centre, Grainger Market, Chinatown, and various pubs, bars, and restaurants. It is also conveniently located within a short walk of the train station, Metro, and St. James Park football ground, making it perfect for football fans and those relying on public transport. While there is no on-site parking, several nearby multi-storey car parks are available, such as Q-Park and Stowell Street, with guests often recommending pre-booking for discounted rates. Despite being on a busy street, many guests report that traffic noise is not noticeable from their rooms, contributing to a peaceful stay.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are quite varied. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff, describing them as helpful, welcoming, and attentive, contributing to a positive overall impression. The check-in process is frequently noted as easy, quick, and efficient. However, a notable number of guests report less positive interactions, citing staff who were not overly friendly, uninformative, or even rude and unprofessional, particularly during check-in or when addressing issues. Housekeeping service also receives mixed feedback; while some praise the cleanliness, others report rooms not being serviced as requested, or issues with towels not being replaced or being stained. Despite these inconsistencies, many guests appreciate the staff's willingness to assist with requests like providing a fan or storing luggage.

Additional Information
The hotel is uniquely situated within a former Art Deco Co-op department store, retaining many of its original features, such as a large reception area and a distinctive stairwell with historical elements, which guests are encouraged to explore. A recurring theme in reviews is the hotel's Wi-Fi policy, where basic internet is often insufficient for streaming, and guests are prompted to purchase "ultimate Wi-Fi" for better connectivity. Another specific policy noted by guests is the opt-in approach to room cleaning and towel changes, meaning these services are not automatically provided daily unless requested. Some guests also mention the presence of glass cups and subtle nods to recycling within the rooms. The hotel also offers a convenient 12 PM check-out time, allowing guests to relax before departure.