A night out in Newcastle topped by a fabulous stay at Hotel Indigo

THERE is no doubt Newcastle remains one of the UK’s liveliest cities for a night out or a weekend away.

It’s a magnet for thousands of locals, as well as those who pour in from all over the country to sample the famous Geordie charm.

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There can be few places in Europe with the amount of bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels that Newcastle boasts for a city of its size.

Finding the best hotel for both location and value for money can be a challenge but the Hotel Indigo ticks every box and more.

The easiest way to get to Newcastle is by train — it’s just 90 minutes from Edinburgh — but, if you’re driving, the good news is that the Indigo has very reasonable onsite parking.

The hotel’s first plus point is its proximity to Central Station — less than five minutes’ walk away.

Arriving before the 1pm check-in time, the super helpful reception team invited me to grab a drink in the Grainger Lounge while my room was being prepared. Before I’d finished my local craft lager the room was ready for me.

The luxurious and huge rooms all have a Geordie theme with famous local landmarks and historic sites depicted. Mine had a huge mural of the Tyne Bridge over the fantastic king sized bed.

With floor to ceiling windows you get some great views of the Newcastle skyline. Some suites have balconies which give you the chance for some chilled drinks al-fresco.

The Indigo is part of the IHG group and you definitely get a feeling of affordable luxury.

With all the light flooding in I wondered how I’d sleep but no fears as there are huge blackout curtains. And although you are right in the heart of the buzzing city you’re guaranteed a great night’s sleep with no outside noise.

With such an incredible choice of places to eat and drink in Newcastle it was always going to take something special to persuade me to eat in the hotel. That something special at Indigo is a Marco Pierre White steakhouse on site.

After an afternoon exploring the quayside, the nearby Grainger Market and a few of the Toon’s best bars I was in the mood for a steak.

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I opted for the 10oz ribeye with Koffman chips — that’s chips cooked in beef dripping — and they were epic. My steak was absolutely superb but after that huge feast I had no room for dessert, sadly.

The choice of entertainment at night in Newcastle is mindblowing and after checking out a few bars on the very popular, but not overly crowded, Quayside I finished the night at a friend’s birthday bash at the excellent Riverbeat.

After a great sleep I was ready for breakfast, which is served again in Marco Pierre White’s restaurant and I’d definitely recommend the traditional breakfast with poached eggs — I can also vouch for the pancakes, which were delicious.

I was lucky enough to be given a late checkout, which meant I could relax before my short walk to the station for the train home.

If you’re looking for some affordable luxury for that special weekend away in Newcastle or even just something a bit different for a one-night stay you should definitely try Hotel Indigo.

I’ve stayed twice since my initial visit to the hotel and it really is the perfect base to explore the UK’s party capital.

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