Choosing the right hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne can feel like charting a course through the city’s layered history. The County Hotel, for instance, has welcomed guests since 1874, while the Maldron Hotel opened its doors in December 2018 and The Vermont Hotel brings 1930s Art Deco style. This guide compares three of the most prominent city‑centre options—alongside the budget‑friendly Premier Inn—to help you match your travel style to the right location.

Last checked: 2026-08-21

Hotel with direct discount: Maldron Hotel Newcastle – 12% off when booking direct · Historic luxury option: The County Hotel – founded 1874, opposite Newcastle train station · Budget-friendly location: Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre (The Gate) – near St James’ Park · Alternative destination: Booking.com lists hotels in Newcastle, Ireland (County Down)

Snapshot facts

1 Newcastle’s original hotel

• The County Hotel opened in 1874 and is located directly opposite Newcastle Central Station (The County Hotel official site)

2 Modern city‑centre stay

• Maldron Hotel Newcastle on Newgate Street opened on 4 December 2018 after construction that began in 2016 (Get Into Newcastle)

3 Art Deco landmark

• The Vermont Hotel is a grand 1930s building with Art Deco/neo‑classical architecture, standing near the Castle Keep and Tyne Bridge (myhotelbreak)

Hotel	Opened	Rooms	Key Feature	Source
The County Hotel	1874	N/A	Opposite Central Station	Official site
Maldron Hotel Newcastle	December 2018	N/A	Modern, near shopping and nightlife	Get Into Newcastle
The Vermont Hotel	1930	101	Art Deco, fitness centre, sauna	myhotelbreak
Premier Inn (Newcastle city‑centre)	Various	Varies	Budget chain, simple rooms	Travelocity (contrast)

What is the best hotel to stay in Newcastle?

For most visitors, the answer depends on whether you prioritise history, modern comfort, or budget. The three city‑centre hotels profiled here each serve a different traveller profile.

The Maldron Hotel Newcastle

Located on Newgate Street, Maldron Hotel Newcastle opened in December 2018 after two years of construction (Northern Insight Magazine). It is described as a modern, centrally located midscale hotel, close to the city’s main shopping streets and nightlife. The hotel offers a 12% discount when booking directly. For travellers who want a clean, contemporary base without Victorian quirks, Maldron delivers a reliable chain standard.

Why this matters: If you arrive by train and value a quick check‑in, Maldron’s central location means you are steps from Eldon Square and the Grainger Market.

Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre (The Gate)

Premier Inn is the UK’s largest budget hotel chain, and its Newcastle city‑centre properties are known for simple rooms and limited extras (Travelocity). The Gate location is within walking distance of St James’ Park, making it a favourite for football supporters. Room prices are typically the lowest among the four options, but guests should expect no restaurant beyond a bar and breakfast.

The trade-off: You save money but sacrifice character and on‑site dining variety.

The County Hotel Newcastle

Opposite Newcastle Central Station, the County Hotel is one of the city’s original hotels, dating from 1874 (County Hotel official site). Its classic railway‑hotel design offers a sense of history that contemporary chains cannot replicate. The location is ideal for train travellers, but reviews suggest rooms can be smaller and noise levels higher than in newer builds.

The bottom line: Choose the County for its heritage and station access; book a room facing the rear for quieter sleep.

Where do celebs stay in Newcastle?

When celebrities visit Newcastle, they tend to gravitate toward properties with history and privacy. The Vermont Hotel and The County Hotel are the most frequently mentioned in this context.

The County Hotel: A Historic Luxury Option

The County Hotel’s 1874 origins and station‑front address make it a natural choice for touring performers and business figures who value convenience and old‑world charm. The hotel’s official website emphasises its original features and central location, though it does not explicitly list celebrity guests. The Vermont Hotel, meanwhile, is a 1930s Art Deco building with 101 rooms, a fitness centre, and a restaurant (Hotels.com). Its Maven Restaurant and bar/lounge cater to guests seeking a more upscale stay.

What to watch: Neither hotel publicly publishes a celebrity guest list, but the 1930 architectural grandeur and wedding‑licence status of The Vermont (This is Durham) suggest it is the more likely spot for high‑profile events.

What is the nicest area in Newcastle?

All three hotels in this comparison sit in the city centre, which is widely considered the most convenient and pleasant area for visitors.

Newcastle City Centre: Hub of Hotels and Attractions

The County Hotel is opposite the station, Maldron is on Newgate Street near the shopping district, and The Vermont is at Castle Garth, adjacent to the medieval Castle Keep and close to the Tyne Bridge (Castle-Hotel.co.uk). This concentration means that whatever your choice, you are within a 10‑minute walk of the Quayside, Grey Street, and the nightlife of the Bigg Market. The city centre is also well‑served by Metro and bus links, reducing the need for a car.

The pattern: The city centre is the safest bet for first‑time visitors; suburban areas like Jesmond or Gosforth offer quieter residential streets but fewer tourist attractions.

What is the most expensive area in Newcastle?

Accommodation pricing in Newcastle is most strongly influenced by the specific hotel’s brand and amenities rather than by a single “expensive” neighbourhood.

City Centre: Home to Luxury Hotels

The Vermont Hotel, with its 1930s architecture, full‑service restaurant, fitness centre, and wedding facilities, commands the highest rates among the four options (KAYAK). The County Hotel, while historic, often offers competitive pricing due to its railway‑hotel heritage. Maldron Hotel Newcastle, despite being modern and centrally located, offers a 12% discount for direct bookings, which may bring its nightly rate closer to the mid‑range. Premier Inn remains the budget choice.

The implication: If you are willing to pay a premium for character and on‑site amenities, the Vermont is the priciest, but the city centre itself does not carry a uniform premium—you can find both luxury and budget rooms within the same postcode.

Comparison table

Hotel	Location	Key Feature	Price Category	Ideal For
Maldron Hotel Newcastle	Newgate Street, city centre	Modern, 12% direct discount	Mid‑range	Families, business travellers
Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre (The Gate)	Near St James’ Park	Budget chain, simple rooms	Budget	Budget‑conscious travellers, football fans
The County Hotel Newcastle	Opposite Central Station	Historic 1874, railway hotel	Mid‑range to upper‑mid	Business travellers, history lovers
The Vermont Hotel Newcastle	Castle Garth, near Quayside	Art Deco, gym, sauna, restaurant	Upscale	Luxury seekers, wedding guests

Pros and cons

Maldron Hotel Newcastle

• Pros: Modern rooms, central location, direct discount available.
• Cons: Lacks historic character, chain atmosphere.

Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre (The Gate)

• Pros: Lowest price, reliable brand standards, near football stadium.
• Cons: Limited amenities, no restaurant beyond breakfast.

The County Hotel Newcastle

• Pros: Historic charm, opposite train station, original 1874 features.
• Cons: Potential street noise, dated rooms in some areas.

The Vermont Hotel Newcastle

• Pros: Art Deco architecture, fitness centre, sauna, wedding venue, on‑site restaurant.
• Cons: Higher price, not as conveniently located for shopping.

Best for segments

• Families: Maldron Hotel Newcastle – modern, central, and often offers family‑friendly room configurations.
• Couples seeking luxury: The Vermont Hotel – Art Deco ambiance, on‑site dining, and spa facilities.
• Business travellers: The County Hotel – immediate access to the train station and a classic business‑hotel layout.
• Budget‑conscious travellers: Premier Inn – lowest typical rates, consistent quality.
• Football fans: Premier Inn (The Gate) – walking distance to St James’ Park.

Pricing bands

The following are qualitative bands based on typical brand positioning:

• Budget: Premier Inn (approx. £50–£90 per night)
• Mid‑range: Maldron Hotel Newcastle (approx. £80–£130 per night)
• Upper‑mid: The County Hotel (approx. £90–£150 per night)
• Upscale: The Vermont Hotel (approx. £120–£200+ per night)

These are indicative ranges; actual prices depend on season, advance booking, and room type.

Location and getting there

All four hotels are within the Newcastle city centre. The County Hotel is directly opposite Newcastle Central Station, making it the best choice for rail travellers. Maldron Hotel Newcastle is on Newgate Street, a short walk from the Eldon Square shopping centre and the Grainger Market. The Vermont Hotel sits at Castle Garth, adjacent to the Castle Keep and a five‑minute walk from the Quayside and Tyne Bridge. Premier Inn (The Gate) is on Grainger Street, near the St James’ Park football stadium and the Gate leisure complex.

Newcastle International Airport is about 20 minutes away by Metro, with stations at each hotel’s doorstep. Taxis and ride‑shares are readily available.

Our pick

““The County Hotel is one of Newcastle’s original hotels dating back to 1874, located directly opposite Newcastle train station.””

– County Hotel Newcastle, Hotel operator (official website copy)

““Maldron Hotel Newgate Street will officially open its doors to excited customers for the first time on Tuesday, 4th December.””

– Get Into Newcastle, City-centre promotional platform

Frequently asked questions

Is Newcastle a nice city?

Yes, Newcastle upon Tyne is widely regarded as a friendly and vibrant city. It has a rich history, as evidenced by the 1874 County Hotel, and a thriving cultural scene with the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Tyne Bridge.

Where is the safest place to live in Newcastle?

Suburbs like Jesmond, Gosforth, and Ponteland are considered the safest and most desirable, though they are farther from the city‑centre hotels.

What is the most expensive street in Newcastle upon Tyne?

Properties on Ridley Place and Osborne Road in Jesmond command the highest prices, but this is residential, not hotel‑related.

What is the difference between Hotel Newcastle Co Down and Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle, County Down, is a seaside town in Northern Ireland, while Newcastle upon Tyne is a major city in North East England. Booking.com lists hotels in both locations, so travellers should verify the address before booking.

What is the best hotel to stay in Newcastle for families?

Maldron Hotel Newcastle is a strong choice for families due to its modern rooms, central location, and family‑friendly room configurations.

Sources cited

• The County Hotel Newcastle (official site)
• Get Into Newcastle – Maldron opening date
• Northern Insight Magazine – Maldron profile
• myhotelbreak – The Vermont Hotel
• Travelocity – Vermont Hotel details (and contrast)
• Hotels.com – Vermont Hotel amenities
• KAYAK – Vermont Hotel facilities
• This is Durham – Vermont Hotel wedding licence
• Castle-Hotel.co.uk – Vermont Hotel location
• Trip.com – Vermont Hotel renovation