Ravensworth Arms Hotel by Greene King Inns

We'd visited the property before but only to dine. We were very impressed so decided to stay here for a long weekend. The booking-in process was very easy and we were shown to our room straight away. The room looked exactly as it had been described and had a great view over the neighbouring nature reserve and the Angel of the North. It is just 4 miles south of the Metro Centre and only half a mile from the A1 but it is blissfully quiet. The breakfast was excellent as was the dinner on the Friday evening.

If I had a small gripe it was that property is starting to look a little tired and in need of refurbishment. There was peeling paint on the window sill in the bedroom and bathroom needed a refresh. that said everything was clean and tidy and the four-poster bed, as well as being impressive, was very comfortable. There was cask beer available but the bar staff need training on how to pull a decent pint. Didn't get one pulled properly all weekend.

Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Room two was very small in comparison with the other rooms. Curtains were hanging off. The fire alarm went off 3 times when we were there. Windows were thin could hear alot of noise.

That the rooms were outside which was a bonus because we had a pushchair and saved us walking up the stairs, everything was great!!

Everything was perfect apart from the bathroom, it let the room down abit but unless your a snob I don’t suppose it matters, Iv showered in a lot worse so it doesn’t matter