The Hotel
Jesmond Dene House is one of those hotels that you may have never heard of, but ask around and you’ll quickly notice its (very good) reputation has spread throughout the country. Jesmond Dene House hotel is a 19th century arts & crafts building which offers 40 good-sized rooms and is the perfect venue for both weddings and large events. It was only until recently when in 2005 that this building was converted in to a hotel, from a residential school. The hotel sits next to Jesmond Dene park, which is a vast, lush green area boasting both nature and history walks across its dedicated path – on a summer’s day the hotel looks picture perfect with such a beautiful backdrop against it. When you visit this hotel you’ll probably not want to leave, but the centre of Newcastle is only a short walk/drive away and exploring the city is certainly worth the trip. If you like shopping then you’re in for a real treat. The hotel also has a great restaurant on site and offers a very competitive afternoon tea experience which is loved by the locals – although book early to avoid disappointment! If a relaxing break is what you’re after without having to leave the house (Jesmond Dene House) then this place just may be for you – it has everything you need all under one roof.
The Rooms
We stayed in deluxe room (I think) at the New House part of the hotel which was equipped with a large double sized double bed, flat screen TV, wardrobe, coffee & tea making facilities, fresh fruit, two-seater area for relaxing, plus a single-seater well equipped desk for writing – one thing I always love seeing in the room. The bathroom was everything I expected – and more. Classicly designed, our bathroom came with an extra-large tub for soaking, heated floor and fluffy bathrobes & slippers. There is an excellent selection of luxury toiletries from Arran Armomatics of Scotland which I really loved too. If you’re a devout bath soaker like myself then book this room and take this top tip – fill up the bath with the gorgeous lavender bath soak, open the tiny window which sits at bath level and fill the bath with hot steamy water. If it’s chilly enough outside you could almost be sitting in a hot-tub – I convinced myself of that at least anyway (along with a glass of locally sourced beer). There is a great mini-bar in the room which is mostly well-priced but do read the menu before divulging. A basic half bottle of wine was around £12-15. Complimentary wireless Internet access was fast but a bit patchy in the garden and breakfast room, otherwise it was fine.
The Spa/Gym/Health & Fitness
There is no spa, gym or health & fitness facilities on site.
The Food & Drink
The restaurant here at Jesmond Dene House holds an impressive three AA Rosettes and is where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. During the lunch and dinner service the restaurant is headed up by Michael Penaluna who with the help of the kitchen, has created modern British classics, with a creative and contemporary approach. The dining room is split between two areas – the classic and romantic former Music Room and the bright & airy garden room which in the summer opens out on to a large terrace. Breakfast here at Jesmond Dene House is one of the best I’ve ever had in all honestly. The continental selection at hotels are never very exciting, but here it’s full of local produce, excellent quality hams and selection of cheese and fresh fruit juices. They even had poached pears which I was rather impressed with. A hot menu is also available serving a lovely full English and the smoked salmon with poached eggs being a real highlight. You can read the full review of the restaurant HERE.
The Verdict
A had an excellent stay here at Jesmond Dene House. When visiting Newcastle there really isn’t any other alternative in the area that can quite give as much as this hotel can. It’s in a great location, the building is stunning and the rooms very cosy. Not to mention a fantastic restaurant on site and lush gardens. In terms of improvements there wasn’t really many they could make (apart from installing an on-site spa) but perhaps they could keep a dedicated area for drinks only, as the popularity of afternoon tea reservations meant we had to sit in the rather chilly garden when all we wanted to do was drink wine and relax with a paper. If a gastronomic evening and a shop till you drop experience is what you’re after then I’ve no doubt Jesmond Dene House will be the perfect venue for you – because it was for me.
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 2EY
Tel: 0191 212 3000
