Royal Station Hotel

Newcastle's hotels don't come better located than this Grade I– and II–listed Victorian beauty attached to Central Station. Above the chandeliered lobby, the 144 unfussy rooms include cheaper, broom-cupboard-size 'small doubles' (from £65); there's a small indoor pool. Staff couldn't be friendlier or more helpful. Arrive early – the 20 free on-street car spaces are first-come, first-served.