Crowne Plaza, Newcastle

Though just a few minutes' walk from the city centre, it's enough distance for the Crowne Plaza to escape the noisy nightlife crowds.

Stephenson Quarter has plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars - or you can go for a walk along the Tyne.
By car: over 5 hours from London and 3 hours from Manchester. Parking costs £12 per day.
By train: London Kings Cross to Newcastle takes around 3 hours. The hotel is a 4-minute taxi ride (or 7-minute walk) from the station. thetrainline.com

With several conference rooms, the hotel is popular with business travellers, but families and couples also enjoy its comfortable rooms, great facilities and convenient location. The dramatic night-time scenes of the Northeast hung in each room were commissioned especially for the hotel from award-winning local photographer Alex Telfer.

The sixth-floor Club Lounge provides a quiet and comfortable space for working, with fast wi-fi and complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Fitness centre
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

There are some corner rooms and suites which are extra light and airy. Little touches make the rooms that much more comfortable and functional - from illuminated mirrors to angled bedside reading lights.

Standard Room, Superior Room, Family Room, Club Room, Executive Suite, Junior Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, bottled water, minibar, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Gin Bar highlights premium gins made in the north east, mixed into both classic and creative cocktails. For a real treat book an afternoon tea at Hawthorns - the dainty sandwiches and indulgent pastries usually feature locally sourced ingredients.

Hawthorns Restaurant: brasserie, small plates and classic mains. All-day dining, open daily.
The Gin Bar: relaxed and intimate. Local ales, gin-based cocktails, bar snacks and light bites.