An understated urban retreat, the Grey Street Hotel is Newcastle’s premier boutique property. Its interior is designed in a minimalist but warm style that contracts pleasingly with the neo-classical façade. The 49 contemporary guestrooms are wonderfully light and airy, with lots of attractive features such as high ceilings, large windows and exposed beams. They also feature award-winning hypnos beds, Egyptian 200 percale cotton bed linen and soothing nicherange toiletries, as well as black and white photography of the north east’s stunning landscape and architecture by celebrated local photographers. The hotel’s Living Room boasts cool vibes from the bar, (capacity of 250 in the top bar) and live music regularly playing in the sexy, sumptuous restaurant, which caters for 120. Cuisine ranges from leisurely New York style brunches to Continental-Asian dishes served with great wine. The restaurant is open until 11.00pm, so if you’re expecting to arrive around 8.30-9.00pm, you don’t have to rush. There’s also a hot and cold buffet breakfast available every morning.