Mercure Newcastle 4 stars

After all the negative comments I read on this hotel, it was with some trepidation that I checked in for the night (the hotel was booked, without consultation, by my friend). I was very pleasantly surprised that the sheets were lovely and white, ironed, very clean and fresh; the beds were comfortable; air con worked well and was silent; and the bathroom was in very good, clean condition with plenty of dispensing bottles of liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion; towels were nice and fluffy. We couldn't fault it at all. The hotel is walking distance to bars and restaurants, the waterfront and public transport. There is off-street parking ($15 over and above the hotel cost), both undercover (if you're quick) and outside. There is a building site next door, so expect some noise from 7am (most likely week days, but perhaps Saturday too). I would definitely stay there again, but not at $196 pet night.

Whilst the hotel was a bit dated, we would stay again due to the lovely service we received. It was my husband's birthday and the staff went out of their way to make him feel special with balloons, a bottle of wine and some sweet treats left in our room.

Customer service was pretty average. I wouldn’t expect to have my shoes shined but a smile and a ‘how are you’ wouldn’t go astray. Morning staff also seemed too busy for check-out, in that I was basically palmed out the door, no ‘have a nice day’ or ‘hope you enjoyed your time’ - just took they let and said nothing. The room also looked nothing like the pictures - wasn’t expecting shangri la, but if it’s going to look completely different, change the pictures online

Extra fee for parking a surprise I’m not sure that I booked a room with twin beds but that is what we were given

Friendly staff, very comfortable room, breakfast was very nice.