Note: 3 is average
Value for money: 4.5/5 – Got a discounted price
Services: 3.5/5 – Staff were generally friendly
Bedroom: 3.5/5 – Adequate size, nothing to complain
Sleep quality: 3.5/5 – Different types of pillows were provided; air-conditioning unit may be noisy for some; some doors banging at night
Bathroom: 3/5 – Bathtub was a plus; showerhead was rather old so it did not provide a smooth water flow
Breakfast: 3/5 – Average experience, although one morning, some of the dishes were not replenished
Facilities and amenities: 3.5/5 – Its location was the best feature of the hotel; swimming pool was cold; no gym
Pros
- Located in the centre of Newcastle
- Reasonable price when we were there
Cons
- Minor inconveniences and inconsistencies
We recently stayed four nights at Mercure Newcastle. The hotel provided a functional base for our trip, with a great location and generally pleasant service. The main standout feature of Mercure Newcastle was its location. Situated conveniently near the Marketown Shopping Centre, the Newcastle Train Station, and the tram line, the hotel offered easy access to both essential amenities and public transport. The proximity to shops and eateries was a definite plus, allowing us to grab meals and essentials without needing to venture far. Newcastle Museum was only slightly more than 1 km away and could be easily reached by walking or the tram. Around 2 km away was the Queens Wharf, providing access for us to go to Stockton by ferry.
We arrived at the hotel by car. Parking at available at the hotel for $16 a day. Throughout our stay, we managed to find parking, although one night there were only very few parking spaces left. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff near the two self-check-in kiosks. Check-in and check-out could be done through these kiosks efficiently. If help was needed, I noticed that the front desk staff was always available.
Our Superior Twin room was on the second floor. Although perhaps the furnishings and fixtures were rather dated, but the room was functional. Besides the two double beds, there were a table and a small couch. A welcome note and gifts, comprising a bottle of water, a bottle of red wine, and a bag of jalapeno cheddar chips (which were surprisingly yummy), were placed on the table. The welcome gifts were generous. Looking out through the window, I only could see the hotel’s carpark. The Wi-Fi was stable and adequately fast.
There were several pillows with a variety of thickness and firmness on the beds, providing good options depending on preferences. The split air conditioner was a bit noisy. It did not disturb our sleep though. In fact, it acted as a white noise for us. Some people may be annoyed by the noise. I could hear rather louds bangs when other neighbouring doors were closed in the evening and morning. They did not occur frequently so did not bother us much.
The bathroom, while serviceable, had an older showerhead that did not provide a smooth water flow. It also kept dripping water after use. This was a minor issue though.
There was a small issue during the cleaning of the room. They should have known that there were three people staying in the room. However, one day, only two towels were provided.
Breakfast was a standard Australian affair, with familiar options like eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, cereals, and some cold dishes. We could also order egg dishes directly from the kitchen. Some of the pastries were nice. While the variety was sufficient, the execution was inconsistent. On one morning, several dishes were left empty and not refilled, despite several guests still arriving for breakfast.
The hotel had a small outdoor swimming pool. The water was freezing cold, which was understandable given that it was winter. However, I think it would still be cold even in summer.
Mercure Newcastle offers a solid, if somewhat dated, accommodation option in a prime location. Despite several minor inconveniences, our stay was comfortable. Overall, it is a decent choice for travellers seeking convenience and basic comfort, especially those who prioritise location.
