I always prefer to stay at independent boutique hotels because they inevitably have more character, and Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle had been on my wish list since I moved to the North East. When you find out that a hotel is a listed building, your expectations soar – and this historic hotel certainly didn’t let me down.
Jesmond Dene House hotel review
What makes Jesmond Dene House special?
Just a stone’s throw from Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife, Jesmond Dene House feels like a countryside retreat. It’s located in the grounds of Jesmond Dene itself, which is a wonderful place for a stroll. There’s a Japanese themed terrace outside the hotel, and at breakfast we were able to choose a table with a view outside. Sadly the weather didn’t allow for alfresco dining, but I’d live to sit out there with a G&T when the sun is shining!
The wooden paneling around the building hints at past grandeur: the Georgian house belonged to Sir Andrew Noble, who was a partner in a huge shipping and armaments company. He expanded the building over the years as he grew more wealthy, adding a west wing, billiard room, Gothic porch, Great Hall and more bedrooms.
Wandering through these rooms, I could almost hear the clinking of glasses and hushed scandals of days gone by. I later learned that Noble entertained royalty there. If it’s good enough for a Japanese Prince and Arthur Conan Doyle, it’s good enough for me!
The artwork displayed around the hotel is on loan from Northumbria University Art Gallery.
When the Lord and his wife passed away, the building became a WW2 Civil Defence establishment and tunnels still exist under the house! I sometimes find old buildings like this a bit spooky, but it definitely wasn’t hard to fall asleep at Jesmond Dene House.
It’s in the detail
Our Deluxe room on the first floor of Jesmond Dene House was super cosy, with a huge, comfy bed, modern wallpaper and a sitting area where we could look out on to the gardens. For me, it’s the little extras that make a hotel memorable and Jesmond Dene House catered to my need for a fashion fix with the latest copies of Vogue and GQ Magazine, plus my caffeine addiction with their very own roast coffee. We had to be at the Northern Blog Awards for 7pm so unfortunately there wasn’t time to sample the hotel restaurant, though I’ve heard great things.
The bathroom was seriously impressive, and the His n’ Hers sinks made getting ready for the awards easy. We were in a bit of a rush but there’s always time for a few selfies!
After a few cocktails at Bonbar, where the awards ceremony was held, we raced back to the hotel, ran a huge bubble bath and relaxed in a foamy bliss, thanks to the Arran Aromatics products that the hotel provides. Wrapped up in fluffy white towels, I practically fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Breakfast at Jesmond Dene House
I hate getting out of bed, but breakfast at Jesmond Dene was worth getting up for. The Continental buffet is one of the best I’ve come across so far, with various homemade bread, pastries, cereals, fruit, and real honeycomb. Still not satisfied? Well, I was, but I’m greedy so I went back and piled my plate with local cheeses, smoked salmon and other tasty cured meats, washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice. It costs £14.50 to go Continental, and there are a nice selection of cooked dishes available for £3.50 more.
If you’re in Newcastle for a visit or live in the North East and want to treat someone to a romantic getaway, I can highly recommend Jesmond Dene House. It was a pleasure to stay there and while this whole ‘being a top travel blogger’ thing is turning me into a slight hotel snob (sorry not sorry), Jesmond Dene has nothing to worry about.
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North East Family Fun says
I definitely think that JDH is the best hotel in Newcastle. We stayed for a friend’s wedding earlier this year and have stayed a few times in the past for special occasions – every visit has been superb. Did you know you can order breakfast in bed? OMG it is TO DIE FOR and such a treat – you definitely need to do this next time.
I also love that the hotel has it’s own cat (well it’s not the hotel’s but it has a little kennel by the hotel door). Our children love to say hi and then play in the gardens.
I’ve never visited JDH at Christmas time but have heard amazing things so I think I’m going to pop into the lounge for coffee and cake or a sandwich this December.
Lovely review and well done again for reaching the NEblogger award finals – such an achievement 😀
Arianna says
IT LOOKS LIKE A FAIRY TALE. Thank you so so so so much for the photos and information that you have shared with us all! The room, the garden, the bathroom (AAAA!!! The bathrooom!) and the food, they all look great!!
I am sorry about your nomination, but I am so sure that next time you will be the one kicking everyone´s asses <3
Katie Bryson says
What a lovely post… I’ve had dinner at JDH and absolutely adored it, so I imagine staying the night is an equally incredible experience. I love the location… it feels like a country retreat, yet you’re so close to the city centre it’s perfect!
Jessica says
What a wonderful stay! All are so inviting: the food, the bed, the location and the whole homy feeling. Thanks for introducing Jesmond Dene House. Hopefully can stay there as well soon. 🙂
Chloe - New Girl In Toon says
We are completely obsessed with Jesmond Dene House! Just after I moved from London I had quite a bit of money in my pocket from my last London wage so decided to treat Simon as a surprise and we booked into a super fancy suite at JDH for the night. It was the best room I have ever stayed in and we still talk about it now all these years later. One day we will stay again .. it has to be done!
The Monkeyfooted Mummy says
I love love love JDH we’ve not stayed overnight yet but I’m hoping to take the family as a new year treat. It’s such a beautiful location and I too love the little cat!
Himanshu says
A nice review. Are they all your photographs. If yes, congratulations for awesome clicks.
Bambinoliv says
The room looks good but that breakfast….oh my! My boyfriend is a personal trainer and did a shift at Jesmond Dene House in the kitchen to scrub up his cooking skills nad he said it’s a military operation in there!
Trisha Velarmino says
Looks like a very nice hotel to stay in! And yes… the cocktails. xx
Mar says
Nice! Almost as if a prince was going to come down and swipe you away! Love a bit of history and heritage
Doreen Pendgracs says
Congrats on your nomination! It’s really cool to be acknowledged for our talent as bloggers.
Looks like the Jesmond Dene House is a great place to stay. I’ll bookmark for a future trip!
Chris says
What a classic gem of a place.
Just trying to picture Conan-Doyle in a tweed suit puffing on a pipe now…
Justine says
I don’t like the bathroom tiles but the food looks superb!
Evan Kristine says
Looks like a place fit for a queen!
Jennifer says
What an absolutely beautiful hotel! No. More like a home. It looks nothing like a hotel actually.
Gemma Two Scots Abroad says
Me too! Especially ones with breakfast fit for a queen!
Sanket D. says
OMG, the house looks so awesome. Ancient, rustic and beautiful. I really want in.