Riverside Stays in Newcastle upon Tyne: Boutique Hotels by the Tyne

There is something unforgettable about staying right by the River Tyne. Every time I visit Newcastle upon Tyne, I feel the pull of the water, the bridges glowing at night, the Quayside buzzing with life. A hotel here doesn’t just give me a place to rest — it frames the whole trip with a sense of connection to the city’s heart.

When I wake up to see the Sage Gateshead gleaming across the water or stroll outside my hotel straight into the Quayside Market, I know I’ve chosen the right place. Boutique hotels along the Tyne offer more than convenience. They bring design, character, and service that makes the stay personal. They transform a city visit into a riverside retreat.

Over the years, I’ve stayed in and explored many hotels along the Quayside. Some charmed me with their industrial history converted into luxury. Others impressed me with sleek, modern interiors or quiet, apartment-style stays perfect for longer visits. Each of these places offered a different mood, but all shared one thing in common: that irresistible connection to the river.

Here, I want to share my personal experiences with five boutique hotels along the Tyne that stood out. I’ll describe what makes each unique, how it felt to stay there, and how best to book them without breaking the bank.

1. Malmaison Newcastle

Location: Quayside, 104 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX

I still remember the first time I arrived at Malmaison, suitcase in hand and sky turning golden above the Tyne. The building itself, a former warehouse, has an unmistakable industrial presence. But stepping inside was like entering a chic, atmospheric world designed for comfort.

Overview & Experience:
The interiors at Malmaison are stylish and dramatic — dark tones, bold artwork, moody lighting. My river-view room gave me floor-to-ceiling windows that opened up to the Millennium Bridge. At night, the reflections in the water looked almost surreal. I sat by the window with a coffee, simply watching the bridge tilt for passing boats, and it felt like the city was unfolding just for me.

Dining at the brasserie was another highlight. One evening, I treated myself to a perfectly cooked steak and a rich glass of red. With soft jazz in the background and the Quayside lights shimmering through the windows, it was one of those moments where everything aligned.

Facilities & Advantages:

Spacious river-view rooms
On-site brasserie with seasonal menus
Excellent location on the Quayside
Stylish design blending history with boutique comfort

Guest Reviews:
Other travellers often praise the attentive but relaxed staff. One review I read captured it perfectly: “It’s like staying in the middle of the Quayside without ever leaving the comfort of your room.”

Price & Booking:
Rooms start around £120 per night, with river-view upgrades at £160–£200. Booking through Booking.com or Hotels.com often includes free breakfast. On Expedia.co.uk, I’ve seen discounted bundles when pairing flights and accommodation.

Booking Tips:
Midweek stays are cheaper, and Malmaison’s own newsletter sometimes shares discount codes. If you want the river view, book early — those rooms disappear first.

2. Hotel du Vin & Bistro Newcastle

Location: Allan House, City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2BE

My second riverside gem was Hotel du Vin, set inside a beautifully restored Edwardian building. Walking up to the entrance, I felt like I was stepping into history — yet inside, it was warm, inviting, and full of modern touches.

Overview & Experience:
Hotel du Vin is all about understated luxury. My room had high ceilings, a freestanding roll-top bath, and plush bedding. The décor struck a balance between classic elegance and contemporary comfort. The moment that sealed it for me was sinking into that bath after a long day of exploring the Quayside — with a view of the bridges outside the window.

The bistro is another reason I love this place. Seasonal menus celebrate British and French influences, and breakfast here feels indulgent. Croissants, smoked salmon, fresh fruit — I lingered longer than usual just to enjoy the atmosphere.

Facilities & Advantages:

Boutique rooms with freestanding baths
On-site bistro with acclaimed dining
Riverside views and quiet location
Perfect for couples or solo travellers seeking peace

Guest Reviews:
Families and couples often mention how cosy and romantic the atmosphere feels. One guest summed it up: “It feels like an escape while still being in the heart of the city.”

Price & Booking:
Rooms range from £140–£220 per night, depending on size and season. The best deals I’ve found were on Booking.com and Expedia.co.uk, which occasionally offer breakfast-inclusive rates.

Booking Tips:
Sign up for Hotel du Vin’s loyalty program. I’ve used it to get free room upgrades and dining vouchers. For peak weekends, book at least a month in advance.

3. INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle

Location: Riverfront, 5 Thornton Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3SA

If Malmaison and Hotel du Vin celebrate history, INNSiDE is unapologetically modern. The glass exterior sparkles along the river, and the interiors are sleek, minimal, and filled with light.

Overview & Experience:
When I stayed here, I immediately noticed the sense of openness. My room had large windows overlooking the Tyne Bridge and Sage Gateshead, filling the space with natural light. The minimalist design made it feel uncluttered and refreshing.

The communal areas are just as impressive. The bar and lounge buzz in the evenings, and the terrace is perfect for sitting outside with a drink while watching the river flow past. I spent a quiet morning there with coffee, watching joggers pass along the Quayside, and it felt both energising and relaxing.

Facilities & Advantages:

Floor-to-ceiling river views
Modern design with eco-friendly touches
On-site restaurant and lounge terrace
Fitness centre available for guests

Guest Reviews:
Travellers rave about the modern interiors and location. One review said: “It feels like living in a gallery with the best view of Newcastle.”

Price & Booking:
Rates usually start at £110–£150 per night. Deals are common on Hotels.com and Expedia.co.uk. Sometimes the best price comes directly from Melia.com, which includes extra perks like free drinks on arrival.

Booking Tips:
Check for package deals on Booking.com, especially if you want to add breakfast. Weekday rates are cheaper, and higher-floor rooms book out quickly.

4. Vermont Aparthotel

Location: Quayside, Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF

Sometimes, a longer stay calls for more independence. That’s when I turned to Vermont Aparthotel. Tucked into the Quayside, it offers serviced apartments rather than traditional hotel rooms.

Overview & Experience:
My apartment here felt like a home away from home. It had a full kitchen, spacious living area, and large windows overlooking the Tyne. I loved being able to cook simple meals with fresh ingredients from the Quayside Market and still enjoy all the boutique touches like luxury bedding and stylish décor.

The location couldn’t be better. I stepped out directly onto the Quayside and was within walking distance of Newcastle Castle, the Millennium Bridge, and endless cafés.

Facilities & Advantages:

Fully equipped kitchens for self-catering
Spacious living areas for families or long stays
Boutique design with riverside views
Central Quayside location

Guest Reviews:
Reviews highlight the convenience and space. One family mentioned: “Perfect balance of hotel comfort and apartment freedom.”

Price & Booking:
Apartments range from £130–£250 per night, depending on size. I booked through Booking.com, which had flexible cancellation. For longer stays, Airbnb UK sometimes offers discounts.

Booking Tips:
If staying more than three nights, inquire directly with the property — they sometimes give extended-stay discounts not available online.

5. The Vermont Hotel (Quayside Suites)

Location: Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ

Though not directly on the water, The Vermont Hotel’s Quayside suites provide some of the most striking views of the river and its bridges. I stayed here during a festive December trip, and the panoramic view from my suite made the whole experience magical.

Overview & Experience:
The Vermont combines traditional luxury with unbeatable location. My suite overlooked both the Tyne Bridge and the Swing Bridge, with the Quayside lights sparkling below. Inside, the design leaned classic — plush carpets, heavy drapes, a sense of timelessness.

Dining in the hotel’s restaurant was refined, but what I loved most was retreating to my suite’s window seat with a cup of tea, watching the city’s rhythm unfold outside.

Facilities & Advantages:

Quayside suites with panoramic views
On-site fine dining restaurant and rooftop bar
Classic interiors with boutique service
Short walk to both Quayside and city centre

Guest Reviews:
Guests often describe the views as “the best in Newcastle.” Another review read: “You don’t just stay here, you watch the city come alive beneath you.”

Price & Booking:
Standard rooms start around £100–£130, while Quayside suites cost £180–£250. Best rates are usually found on Expedia.co.uk or Booking.com.

Booking Tips:
Book directly via the Vermont Hotel website for complimentary perks like parking or late check-out. Holiday weekends sell out months in advance.

Practical Booking & Planning Advice

When booking boutique hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne, especially along the Tyne, timing is everything. Quayside rooms sell out quickly, particularly on weekends and during festivals. I always recommend searching across multiple platforms:

Booking.com for flexible cancellation and wide choice
Expedia.co.uk for flight + hotel bundles
Hotels.com for loyalty rewards (a free night after every 10)
Airbnb UK for apartment-style stays like Vermont Aparthotel

Prices vary significantly depending on the day of the week. Midweek stays are often 20–30% cheaper than Friday and Saturday nights. Signing up for hotel newsletters has also helped me unlock hidden discounts and perks like complimentary drinks or breakfast.