All the rooms on this list are doubles with private bathrooms for less than £100 per night. Keep a few things in mind when choosing a cheap room:
- Breakfast may not be included
- There may be a fee or a slow connection for wi-fi
- Factor in travel costs to attractions
- Beware of super cheap offers which may be almost impossible to pin down.
1. Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham
The Radisson Blu is a sleek, modern hotel that brought a much needed touch of affordable quality to the Durham hotel scene. Located beside the River Wear, about ten minutes from the train station and not far from the university, the hotel offers good views of the city, castle and cathedral. Rooms are contemporary with free internet access. The hotel has a two bars, an Italian Restaurant and a health club with sauna, Jacuzzi and 15 meter, indoor pool.
2. Clifton House Hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne
Clifton House is a large Victorian mansion in a quiet, residential area not far from the city center. Lounges and public rooms are very grand, with high ceilings and beautiful period furnishings. Rooms, on the other hand, are pretty basic - though clean and comfortable. Most rooms have ensuite bathrooms but some, confusingly known as "standard" rooms, have shared bathrooms. So if you are not keen to share, be sure to ask for an ensuite room when booking.
3. Jesmond Hotel in Newcastle
Jesmond is a quiet, suburban area of Newscastle.The hotel isn't much of a looker but you can't tell a book by it's cover and rooms are comfortably furnished in a contemporary style. A stylish restaurant serving modern British food is attached. Not far from the city center, this hotel is also handy for Hadrian's Wall Path walkers. Rooms do not have Internet access and bathrooms look a bit 1970s domestic but the price is right for a stopover.
4. Premier Inn Newcastle Millennium Bridge
Newcastle has several Premier Inns, some in converted city-center buildings, others, like this one, in new buildings. Expect the chain's usually standard of unexciting but reliable accommodations, comfortable beds and reasonably priced, onsite restaurants. Despite the name, don't expect to overlook Newcastle's exciting Millennium Bridge - but the Newcastle/Gateshead Quays are in walking distance.
5. Ramside Hall in Carrville near Durham
This country house-style hotel, just outside of Durham, is surrounded by it's own 27-hole golf course, arranged in three 9-hole circuits. Standard rooms are comfortable and homey looking. All the hotel's bathrooms are being refurbished in 2011. This is the sort of hotel that has facilities for weddings, stag parties and hen nights. So, noise could be an issue from time to time.
6. Annie's Guest House in South Shields
South Shields on Tyneside is a North Sea beach resort where the sea is more for looking at than splashing in. It's where the Great North Run finishes and it makes a good base for exploring the northeast's Roman and Viking history. There's easy access to Gateshead and Newcastle via the Tyne & Wear Metro system. Annie's Guest House is a friendly bed and breakfast in a residential neighborhood. Rooms and bathrooms are clean and homey. Generous, old fashioned breakfasts are included the rates.
7. Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Center
The efficient, courteous staff is frequently mentioned as a reason for staying at this Newcastle branch of the international Holiday Inn Express brand. Otherwise, the hotel, a 10 to 15 minute walk from main shopping areas and St. James Park football stadium, provides few surprises. It's clean and contemporary though internet access is old fashioned and expensive. WiFi is not available in-room and for some rooms it's the clunky television based Internet that's offered. Breakfast is pretty average, so if it's not included with your room, take a walk and try out a local cafe or a city center Starbucks. This hotel is on a busy city street.
8. Little Haven Hotel in South Shields
Ask for a room on the beach side to enjoy the best of what this hotel has to offer. The Little Haven is a purpose-built hotel, well kept but without a great deal of character. The contemporary blond wood furnishings, circa 1970s flowered bedspreads and slightly domestic bathrooms could be, frankly, anywhere. But the hotel sits right at the end of South Shields wide golden beach, overlooking the entrance to the Tyne. The hotel restaurant and bar is in a huge glass conservatory with even better sea views. And the shipping that passes, from freighters to ocean liners, provides plenty of free entertainment.
9. The Sunningdale in Bamburgh Northumberland
Bamburgh is a Northumberland coastal village dominated by the privately-owned Bamburgh Castle, once home to the kings of Northumbria. The castle, and the village overlook Holy Island and Lindisfarne as well as the National Trust sanctuary of the Farne Islands. The Sunningdale is a family run guest house that's clean, simple and cheap with friendly owners and affordable family rooms.
10. The Olde Ship in Seahouses Northumberland
The busy little North Sea fishing port of Seahouses is where you catch the National Trust boat for a day trip out to the Farne Islands, one of Europe's largest grey seal colonies and 7th century home of St. Cuthbert. The Olde Shipe is a very old fashioned pub, dating from the mid 18th century. Both standard rooms in the old building and "executive rooms" in a nearby annex are well within the budget. Accommodation is basic but full of local character. Don't forget to stop in at the tiny, atmospheric pub.
