I don’t normally make a habit of staying in hotels so close to home but last weekend I attended an event on the Quayside and priced a taxi. The Ramada Encore Gateshead came back only slightly more expensive than a taxi so I pushed the boat out and booked in.
Tucked away just behind the Baltic art gallery, the Ramada Encore is a great option for the budget traveller or those that need parking.
A 5 minute walk from the Baltic and the hubub of the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, the Ramada Encore was a great option for us as we’d be driving without paying expensive overnight rates or leaving the car in an non secure car park. A little awkward to get to on foot, I’d highly recommend a taxi from Central Station if arriving by train or if you are feeling brave, the Q1 + Q2 Quaylink buses operate via the Baltic from Newcastle City Centre.
Our room for the evening was a whopping £49.30 booked via Quidco + Expedia plus £5 to park my car overnight in the secure, abundant car park. There’s no height or length restrictions in place but be warned, half of the car park is on gravelled dirt and it is VERY potholed. Watch out in the rain, those bad boys fill up and hide!
Only recently completed, the Ramada Encore is still flashy and new and very well kept. The reception area opens out on to the bar, restaurant and lounge which was an absolute hive of activity at 5pm on a Friday. Stag parties! Check in was fast,efficient and friendly and my request for an iron was met within minutes of me getting to my room.
Our room was on floor 6 and overlooked the Quayside and the Baltic itself which meant we were high enough up to be excused any noise from the bar. The corridors themselves were well soundproofed and there was no noise in the rooms. The room was bright and airy and very spacious for such a cheap rate. A double bed, work area, sofa and a well stocked modern bathroom were all immaculately clean and well presented. The floors are laminated throughout the room and whilst comments were made by friends also staying over about the floors being laminate so they can swill them down after stag parties, I think I actually preferred the wood. The room felt more modern than with a dated carpet.
The bathroom was well appointed with a huge vanity area and walk in shower which was one of the best showers I have had in a while.
We didn’t have breakfast in the hotel, which is charged additionally to the room as we were both ready to head home but the restaurant menu displayed around the hotel looked well balanced. If you do indulge in a hangover busting full English, there is also an onsite gym!
If you are travelling to the area or like us didn’t fancy getting a taxi home, the Ramada Encore is a great option. I can see it being a great base for business travel during the week and revellers at the weekend.
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- All photography from Ramada Encore Gateshead website