Cheaper doesn’t always have to mean compromising on quality – or your needs. When in Newcastle, finding cost-friendly accommodation can be easier to do, as this welcoming city in the Northeast of England doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket as much as its southern neighbours.
However, this isn’t to say that Newcastle doesn’t have as much to offer to locals and tourists alike. This industrial city stands on the River Tyne, with its centre possessing many noteworthy Victorian buildings and streets, as well as large shopping centres.
Newcastle is also famously home to the historic Tyne Bridges, the Millenium Bridge, the idyllic Quayside District, Newcastle’s “New Castle” (from where the city gets its name), and some must-see museums and galleries.
Those who enjoy nightlife won’t be disappointed either, as Newcastle comes alive after dark, with ample pubs, clubs, restaurants, and bars – and there’s nothing quite like a bar-person with a Geordie accent serving you a shot of vodka.
Have we convinced you that Newcastle has got to be the next city you hit?
Then keep reading for 5 tips that will share how you can book cheaper serviced accommodation in this part of England (and save your money for days and nights out instead).
1.Realise that Serviced Apartments are Better Value for Money than Hotels
Most people believe that serviced apartments cost an extortionate amount of money compared to hotels, when in fact, the opposite is true.
On average, serviced apartment rates go 30 – 50% lower than hotels – with the rates going even lower, the longer you stay.
Not only are chain hotel rates higher, but they come with many additional charges, such as laundry, room service, and so on. With a serviced apartment, you have the luxury of ample space (without needing to live out of your suitcase) and are far more likely to save a few pounds during your stay, too.
So, if you’re looking to book accommodation in Newcastle and have value for money in mind – steer clear of the pricey hotels!
2.Book Accommodation Close to Your Desired Amenities
There’s a lot to enjoy in Newcastle, so it helps to plan your visit a little in advance. This will help cut down on transportation costs and save your valuable time.
For example, if you know that you’re going to be eating out a lot and exploring the pub and bar scene, Jesmond is an excellent choice of location. This upscale suburb of Newcastle is dotted with chic cocktail bars (Osborne Road is a must), eclectic dining, and late-night burger joints.
Jesmond is also great for business and family travellers, as the neighbourhoods boast quiet Victorian streets, beautiful woodlands – and even a petting zoo – as well as leafy Jesmond Dene Park (home to the grand hotel). Luke Stays offers some fantastic serviced apartment options in Jesmond itself, so you can check in and get straight to enjoying the perks of the city – without spending all your spare cash on long Uber rides.
3. Travel and Visit Newcastle with a Group
Naturally, sharing the costs of a serviced apartment with family, friends, and business colleagues works out much cheaper than booking numerous hotel rooms.
Another great thing about travelling in a group is that activities like eating “at home” seem a lot more enjoyable too – where you and your guests can make the most of a serviced apartment’s kitchen and cooking facilities; and chip in with the ingredients and dinner preps. This will save you a fortune on eating out every night (especially if you’re staying in Newcastle for a longer time), or at least give you a more cost-friendly way of fuelling yourselves, before you hit the bars.
4. Book Direct
While booking via OTAs (online travel agents) such as Airbnb and Booking.com may seem like the “common” choice, you are guaranteed to save a lot of money if you book directly with the accommodation providers instead.
Nearly every serviced accommodation provider in the world prefers more direct bookings, because of the ludicrous commission fees that are demanded from the likes of Airbnb. Not only this, but booking via an OTA strips the accommodation provider of their ability to monitor your guest experience – meaning that if something goes awry during your visit, they have no way of rectifying the issue with you directly, nor building any kind of a personal relationship with you.
For these reasons (which to be honest, are just the tip of the iceberg) direct bookings are massively favoured by the serviced accommodation industry. So, you will almost always find their “book direct rates” to be substantially cheaper compared to the prices listed on other platforms. This is because these lower rates are offered as a “reward” for guests who choose against booking with an OTA.
So, during your value-for-money accommodation search in Newcastle, you can use OTAs such as Airbnb and Booking.com to whittle down your choices; but always remember to book directly with your chosen accommodation provider instead. You can even give the hosts a call and speak to them in person to make a booking – and if you’re lucky, they might throw a little something extra in!
Serviced accommodation companies in Newcastle such as Luke Stays are known to give guests extra perks and rewards (such as StayCover and early check-ins for free) if they choose to book direct.
5. Choose Your Booking Dates Wisely
Serviced apartment rates tend to fluctuate more so than hotel rates, and this can really work in your favour.
If you have the capacity to, try and book your accommodation a little in advance as this is when you’re likely to get a reasonable deal (even if you’re booking during peak seasons). Term holiday periods, Christmas time, and summer are always the busiest in lively Newcastle; but a little planning beforehand can really take the edge off the steep costs.
It’s useful to know that October to March time is usually the quietest in the serviced accommodation industry, so this is an excellent time for you to travel and explore Newcastle. The city is gorgeous during the Autumn and Winter months; and with such an array of indoor activities, you definitely won’t regret booking away from the peak season.
So, no matter what your budget is like – it’s always a good time to visit Newcastle and enjoy its many sights and attractions. For serviced apartment options that won’t cost you a fortune, swing over to the listings in the Luke Stays’ portfolio, or get in touch with a member of our friendly team.
