This hotel was originally built as a Premier Lodge and then became a Premier Travel Inn when they were taken over. It doesn't make a great deal of difference, internal decor is blue rather than the travel inn purple, but the rooms seem to have been built from the exact same design template.

It is NOT in Newcastle. It is in Gateshead, which granted, is South of Newcastle. It's a few metres off the Lobley Hill junction with the A1. There is a pub attached to the hotel by an internal walkway however there is nothing else in the immediate area as it's at one end of and industrial estate. I wouldn't recommend staying here if you wanted to go into Newcastle centre without a car, it's just too far.

The room itself was a good size but apart from the bed only had one armchair, no sofa or table. One advantage of it being an ex-Premier Lodge is the large bed, quite a bit wider than you would usually find, the price you pay is that it's also quite a bit shorter, I'm 5'8" and I only just fit, so you may have problems if you are over 6'.

TV was just the terrestrial channels plus some radio, but at least it worked! The shower was below average, not the worst I've experience but barely adequate sums it up, thankfully there is a nice large bath to make up for it.

The rear of the hotel is quite close to the A1 so you might expect a bit of traffic noise, however the A1 runs through a cutting at this point which keeps noise to a minimum however through the night I could still hear a small amount of traffic nosie, but it was nothing to stop me from sleeping. Even so I might request a room at the front of the hotel instead if I was to stay again.

I recently stayed at this hotel and I was pleasantly surprised. It cetainly did not feel like budget accomodation. The rooms were spacious and inviting and were exactly what I needed for a good night's sleep. The staff were always friendly and efficient. The pub/restaurant next door was of equal standard and the 2 for 1 meals (all day every day) was an added bonus.Beautiful location as well, within easy reach of the city centre.