This weekend I went on a city break.
But unlike my usual 2 night escapes to Porto, Gothenburg or Rome, I was staying in the UK and travelling by train to Newcastle.
The reason for this is that I’d been invited by Roomzzz Newcastle City aparthotels to check out their ‘new extension’.
Now, we’re not talking about a conservatory lopped on the back of their original 14 bedroom offering, we’re talking a brand new building that offers 74 more rooms in 3 different sizes.
But before I dive into our visit, let’s cover all the bases.
What is an aparthotel?
Aparthotels are part apartment, part hotel (see what they did there?) meaning you get the perks of both.
For me, the advantages are:
- Kitchen means you can prepare and keep your own food if on a budget
- A space to ‘live’ in rather than just sleep
- Useful in-room amenities such as a kettle, iron, ironing board and hairdryer
- 24 hour desk means you can check in whenever
- There’s always someone on hand to help and advise
- The freedom and flexibility of an Airbnb but with the security of a hotel
- Somewhere to leave your bag if you’re exploring the city on your final day
Additional perks when you stay at a Roomzzz
In addition to the above, Roomzzz Newcastle City aparthotel also offer the following perks:
- Allows food delivery services to your studio apartment
- White Company products in the bathroom
- Great city centre location – just 5 minutes from the train station
- Free coffee machine available 24/7
- Free Grab & Go breakfast consisting of pastries, fruit, porridge, yoghurt, juice and coffee!
My stay at Roomzzz Newcastle City
Getting to Roomzzz aparthotel
After work on Friday, myself and the housemate James got on the train from London Kings Cross up to Newcastle.
At 2 hours 50 mins, it was just like flying somewhere for a quick city break but without the faff of the airport!!
With Roomzzz Newcastle City being just 5 minutes walk from the train station, we arrived just after 8pm and proceeded to the main desk.
Checking in and COVID-19 measures
Given the new guidelines for coronavirus, the check in was thorough but still friendly! The receptionist was wearing a mask and there were very clear markings about where to stand.
We were asked to wear masks whilst in the shared areas and to only use the lift with who we were staying with.
There was hand sanitiser provided and in general, I found the space to be really clean and felt comfortable that they were on top of it all.
The studio
We were staying in one of the new Smart Studios which come with an ensuite bathroom, fully fitted kitchenette, sofa, king size bed and workspace.
On arrival, we were met with this sticker – another nod to to the precautions they’re taking that, as a total bonus, made us feel like we were playing Deal or No Deal.
My first impression was at how clean and modern it all was – and how fresh and new!!
As the light was starting to fade, I decided to take photos in the daylight just before we checked out instead so feel free to critique my bed making skills!!
Whilst I expected the functional apartment aspects of an apartment – the kitchen, the desk and the amenities – I wasn’t expecting to feel like I’d also stepped into a really nice hotel as well!
I think they’ve really nailed that partnership between apartment and hotel and being on the 7th floor with an incredible view over the Tyne certainly didn’t hurt matters either!
I also really liked the touch of having The White Company products in the bathrooms – it gave it that nice ‘treat hotel’ feel and with USB points next to each side of the bed and also a plug next to the mirror, it felt like they’d really thought through the room design.
Lastly, the wifi was really easy to access and fast. We were also able to cast from our phones onto the TV which was a nice extra touch.
The breakfast at Roomzzz Newcastle City
Included with all bookings is a ‘Grab & Go Breakfast’ available between 6:30am – 10:30am.
It included pastries, porridge, fruit, yoghurts, juice, tea and coffee. Bags are provided for you to take them on your way out but they also encourage you to bring down your own mugs to cut down on waste if you’re enjoying breakfast back in your room.
Overall, this offering blows my mind a little. Whilst I haven’t got onto the price yet (spoiler, it’s very well priced), I can’t believe that it’s a freebie. Yes, it’s nothing fancy but breakfast at a hotel can cost so much money and here Roomzzz are just giving it away for free!!
Okay, so our croissants were a little undercooked on the first morning (they were glorious, golden and still warm on the second) but how could you even knock them for that? IT’S FREE.
Notable extras
As everyone has their own kitchenette, there’s also an essentials store where you can purchase items to have in your own room.
I liked the touch of having items well known in the area such as the Jesmona Old Fashioned Black Bullets which to those not in the know are traditional mint sweets from Jesmond!
And, I’ve left the best to last.
Honestly, I’m about to start a petition that all other hotels and apartments get on board with.
Lockers in reception for your items !
So, instead of leaving your items in a room with the lofty ‘we can’t be held responsible for your things’ warning that most hotels give, you get your own locker with a code that you choose.
Genius.
What’s more, there’s even a plug in each so if you need to leave something on charge whilst you’re exploring the city, you can.
Double genius.
The cost
Okay, so the all important moment.
How much does it cost to stay?
Well, at the moment there’s a 25% off for all bookings up to 11th September 2020 and from a quick peruse that means you can book the slightly smaller studio, the Neo Studio, from just £47 a night.
£47 A NIGHT.
I can also find a rate for the Smart Studio that we stayed in for just £52 a night but you’ll need to book quick – these rates tend to be midweek and booked at least a week in advance.
This sale is happening across all of Roomzzz aparthotels:
You can find out more about the offer here.
My final thoughts on Roomzzz Newcastle City
I had an amazing weekend in Newcastle and Roomzzz served as the perfect base. Close to so the station and in walking distance to so many of the cities main attractions, we didn’t have to spend a penny on taxis. Result!
I also think they’ve gone above and beyond to cater for the budget traveller who’s wanting to get out and explore without having to spend a fortune.
So yes, I was invited by Roomzzz to check it out but I would absolutely be willing to part with my own cash to stay here in the future.
If you think this review sounds just a little too positive then… Well, I don’t know what to say. Apart from a slightly pale croissant, I honestly couldn’t fault it!!
Nice one, Roomzzz!
Come and follow my travels as they happen!
