I think I've found Newcastle's best hotel - and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe will agree

Because I live in the city, staying in one of its hotels isn’t something I’ve experienced before, so when the opportunity came to try out INNSiDE I thought why not spice up my Friday?

Having wandered the Quayside many, many times (and visited the Wetherspoons next door!), I knew of the hotel and its glowing reputation but after spending the night there, I was genuinely blown away by its offering and the quality of food at the onsite Gino D'Acampo Restaurant.

Simply, this gem is a must-visit, whatever the occasion or distance. Even with a generous 12pm check out, I never wanted to leave but absolutely plan to return in the near future.

Summer Solstice Wellness series

INNSiDE by Melia - part of Meliá Hotels International - launched a three day Summer Solstice Wellness series on the weekend commencing June 21 across hotels in Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool. It formed part of INNSiDE’s #StayCurious ethos, which promises to accommodate guests’ every need with considered comforts and locally inspired experiences.

INNSiDE arranged a guided 5km reconnection walk led by Exploring ETC in Thornley Woods in the Derwent Valley, a picturesque stroll in an ancient woodland with lots of local wildlife to spot. The social walk was a chance for people to switch off and reconnect with nature, whilst also connecting with like-minded locals and other travellers visiting the city. 

I’m told more walks are set to come in the future and I wouldn’t hesitate to join in again. In a world dominated by technology, switching off your phone every now and then is good for the mind. Aside from the wellness element, INNSiDE is also very keen to show off the local area's gems to guests

The hotel itself is home to a stylish fitness hub, complete with state-of-the-art gym equipment and Wexer technology, available for guest use 24-hours a day. With an unparalleled virtual class library that brings the world’s leading fitness brands and ambassadors direct to INNSiDE Newcastle, Wexer gym-tech offers hundreds of classes, from cardio and conditioning to mind & body, all from top instructors.

Dining at Gino D'Acampo Restaurant

After returning from the walk, I dined at the hotel’s in-house Gino D’Acampo restaurant, a menu inspired by his Italian heritage.

Going for three courses, I started with the arancini and it was four balls of pure goodness! For the main course, you are spoilt for choice from pasta to pizzas and meats but going slightly left-field, I went for the Italian style burger. As a self confessed beef burger connoisseur, it was different to any burger I’ve had before. I can’t quite explain how but I was, and I loved it.

There is, of course, always room for dessert so the Piatto Di Dolci it was. Served was a mini chocolate & hazelnut cheesecake with Ferrero Rocher and Tiramisu & Panna cotta with strawberries - hitting every taste bud possible.

All, that washed down with your favourite flavour of wine. For the record, rosé is my go-to.

The list of establishments to eat in Newcastle are endless but if you’re looking for some delicious, top quality Italian food, including the added bonus of a unique Quayside view, then Ginos will be right up your street.

As a hotel guest, you can add a breakfast option, something I’d highly recommend. It is a buffet of hot and cold items, as well as a varied range of pastries and continental food, plus a selection of hot and cold drinks.

Stunning views from the comfort of your own room

It would have been rude of me not to extend the night at some of the Quayside’s fabulous bars before retiring back to my Studio River View room.

And if I thought the views of the River Tyne were beautiful in daylight, then night time was a different level. I couldn’t bring myself to shut the curtains and instead fell asleep with the High Level Bridge, Tyne Bridge and the lit up Millennium Bridge in my eyeline.

Now I’m not usually a person to make big statements but INNSiDE Newcastle is a strong contender as the city’s best hotel.

As a Geordie, I loved everything about it. Its location (there’s beautiful scenery all around), the sheer quality of the rooms, coupled with its iconic views and the attention to detail through its murals displaying the city’s key landmarks made it a premium experience.

Let’s be honest, there’s a reason why Paris Saint-Germain, the now former club of football superstar Kylian Mbappe, selected it as their accommodation for the Champions League meeting at St James’ Park last year.

I’m sure Mbappe is chomping at the bit to return with Real Madrid!