Leonardo Hotel Newcastle, located on Scotswood Road near the city centre, holds an aggregated guest score of 84 out of 100 from over 9,759 verified reviews on the Leonardo Hotels official site. This article synthesises ratings from Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and Trip.com to give you a balanced picture of what past guests actually experienced.
Last checked: 2026-08-24
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Property: Leonardo Hotel Newcastle (also known as Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside) · Guest Rating: Very Good (84/100) based on thousands of reviews · Breakfast: Buffet style, often included in room rates · Location: Central Newcastle, walking distance to city centre attractions · Parking: Parking available nearby (contact hotel for options)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-24.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, myhotelbreak, momondo.
No on-site visit, no staff interviews, no independent price verification beyond breakfast cost mentioned in related searches.
Guest rating snapshot
- 84 out of 100 (Very Good) based on 9,759 verified reviews (Leonardo Hotels official site)
- Service (Great), Location (Terrific), WiFi (Very good) per Leonardo Hotels review highlights (Leonardo Hotels official site)
- Rooms described as spacious, comfortable, clean and tidy, with comfortable beds (TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews)
- Buffet style, excellent selection, multiple trips allowed (guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor)
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property | Leonardo Hotel Newcastle (also known as Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside) |
| Guest Rating | Very Good (84/100) based on thousands of reviews |
| Breakfast | Buffet style, often included in room rates |
| Location | Central Newcastle, walking distance to city centre attractions |
| Parking | Parking available nearby (contact hotel for options) |
Is Leonardo a good hotel? A closer look at guest reviews
With an aggregated score of 84/100 from the brand itself and a 7.9/10 on Booking.com from over 5,200 reviews, the property lands in the “Very Good” range. On TripAdvisor, the overall rating is 3.8 out of 5, based on roughly 4,200 reviews, with about 1,580 marked Excellent and 1,300 Very Good. The pattern across platforms is consistent: guests praise the location and staff, but opinions on room condition and breakfast vary more widely.
Room comfort and cleanliness
Booking.com sub-scores show a comfort rating of 8.4 and cleanliness of 8.3 out of 10. Many guests describe the rooms as spacious and the beds as comfortable. However, a recurring criticism is that bathrooms and some furnishings feel dated. One reviewer on myhotelbreak noted: “Rooms & bathrooms are quite dated & in need of updating to better standard.” This sentiment appears in multiple reviews on momondo as well.
Service and amenities
Staff friendliness is a consistent highlight. Booking.com gives staff an 8.9, and TripAdvisor reviewers frequently use words like “helpful” and “friendly.” WiFi is rated Very Good on the official site and 8.3 on Booking.com. The hotel also offers a 24/7 front desk, as noted on Trip.com.
Areas needing improvement
Besides dated bathrooms, noise from traffic and stag/hen parties is mentioned in several reviews on momondo, especially in lower-floor city‑side rooms without air conditioning. Breakfast quality is polarising — some call it “delicious” while others report queues and items running out.
How far is Leonardo Hotel Newcastle from the city centre?
The hotel sits on Scotswood Road, near Saint James’ Boulevard, within a 10‑minute walk of Newcastle Central Station and the Utilita Arena. TripAdvisor guests rate the location “Terrific,” and the myhotelbreak summary notes it is “handy for trips into city centre, the Life Centre & Utilita Arena.”
Walking distance to main attractions
Most city‑centre attractions — including the historic Quayside, Grey Street, and the Gate entertainment complex — are within a 15‑minute walk. The hotel is also well‑placed for events at the Utilita Arena, which is a 5‑minute stroll away.
Nearest transport links
Newcastle Central Station (rail and metro) is about 0.3 miles from the hotel. The nearest metro stop is St James, serving the Yellow and Green lines. Bus stops on Scotswood Road connect to wider Tyne and Wear.
Does Leonardo Hotel Newcastle include breakfast?
Breakfast is offered as a buffet, and according to Booking.com reviews, it is often included in the room rate, though this can vary by booking channel and rate plan. The quality draws mixed feedback: some guests on myhotelbreak describe it as “delicious” and “10 out of 10,” while others complain about limited choice, cold food, and queues during peak times.
Breakfast buffet details
The buffet typically includes hot items (bacon, eggs, sausages), cereals, pastries, fruit, and beverages. Multiple trips are allowed, and the selection is generally considered adequate for a two‑night stay. However, during busy event periods, replenishment can lag.
Inclusion in room rates
Many online travel agencies list rates that include breakfast; others offer it as an add‑on. The average price mentioned on Trip.com is around GBP 114 per night, but this can rise significantly when events are on at the Utilita Arena.
Where to park near Leonardo Hotel Newcastle?
The hotel does not have its own on‑site car park. Instead, it offers discounted rates at the nearby Times Square multi‑storey car park, located about a 5‑minute walk away. A TripAdvisor reviewer from 2019 noted the arrangement was convenient but mentioned that carrying luggage from the car park to the hotel could be a hassle. Contact the hotel directly for current rates and validation details.
Alternative parking options include the NCP car parks on Grainger Street and Dean Street, both within a 10‑minute walk. On‑street parking is limited and mostly restricted.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Property name | Leonardo Hotel Newcastle (city centre) |
| Address | Scotswood Road / Saint James’ Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Star rating | 4-star |
| Official aggregated score | 84/100 (Very Good) from 9,759 reviews |
| Check-in / Check-out | 16:00 / 11:00 (24/7 front desk) |
| Average price (from) | GBP 114 per night |
Pros and cons based on guest reviews
Pros
- Excellent central location, walkable to train station and arena (TripAdvisor)
- Friendly and helpful staff (Booking.com staff score 8.9)
- Good value for money when not during event surges (Trip.com)
- Spacious, comfortable rooms with good beds (Booking.com comfort 8.4)
- Breakfast buffet often praised when well‑stocked
Cons
- Dated bathrooms and some rooms need refurbishment (momondo)
- Noise from traffic and stag/hen parties (momondo reviews)
- No on‑site parking (discounted nearby multi‑storey) (TripAdvisor)
- Breakfast quality inconsistent (myhotelbreak reviews)
- Prices spike during Utilita Arena events
Best for which travellers?
- Families – Spacious rooms and a central location make it easy to explore Newcastle with children. The breakfast buffet (when consistent) is a plus. However, the lack of on‑site parking may be a hurdle for families with a car.
- Couples – The walkable city centre and proximity to restaurants and nightlife suit couples on a city break. The room comfort scores are generally high, but be aware of potential noise from party groups.
- Solo travelers – The 24/7 front desk, central location, and good WiFi make it a reliable base for solo visitors. Multiple reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor note that staff are particularly helpful to solo guests.
Pricing band
Leonardo Hotel Newcastle sits in the mid‑range segment for Newcastle city centre. The average rate of around GBP 114 per night (as reported on Trip.com) is competitive for a 4‑star hotel in this location. However, prices can surge to 200+ GBP when major events are held at the Utilita Arena, the Life Centre, or St James’ Park. For budget‑conscious travellers, booking well in advance or avoiding event weekends can secure better value.
Location and getting there
As detailed above, the hotel is a short walk from Newcastle Central Station, making it ideal for rail travellers. By car, the hotel is accessible via the A186 and A167. The nearest airport is Newcastle International, about 7 miles away; a taxi takes roughly 20 minutes, and the metro (from Central Station) connects directly to the airport.
Alternatives in the set
Leonardo Hotels operates a second property in the area: Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside, located on South Shore Road in Gateshead. This sister property is rated similarly on Trip.com (4.1/5) and is often praised for spacious rooms and views of the River Tyne. It tends to be quieter and may suit guests who prefer a less central, more scenic location. The city‑centre property is better for walkability to train station and Utilita Arena.
Our pick: Who should book Leonardo Hotel Newcastle?
For first‑time visitors and budget‑conscious travelers who prioritise location over modern decor, the city‑centre Leonardo Hotel Newcastle offers a reliable central base with strong staff and location scores. Couples seeking a central base will appreciate the walkability, but should be prepared for possible noise and variable breakfast quality. If you value quieter rooms and river views, consider the Quayside property instead.
““A clean, comfortable hotel, fairly near the town centre. The staff we encountered were lovely. Breakfast was delicious. A good stay.””
– Anonymous guest review, myhotelbreak reviewer
““Hotel located close to Newcastle train station. Handy for trips into city centre, the Life Centre & Utilita Arena too. Staff very helpful & friendly. Rooms & bathrooms are quite dated & in need of updating to better standard.””
– Anonymous guest review, myhotelbreak reviewer
tripadvisor.com, expedia.co.uk, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com
Frequently asked questions
How many Leonardo Hotels are in Newcastle?
There are two Leonardo Hotels in the Newcastle area: Leonardo Hotel Newcastle (city centre) and Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside (Gateshead). Both are operated by the Leonardo Hotels brand.
Is Leonardo Hotel Newcastle the same as Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside?
No, they are separate properties. The city‑centre hotel is on Scotswood Road, close to the train station and Utilita Arena. The Quayside property is on South Shore Road in Gateshead, overlooking the River Tyne, and is independently reviewed.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00. The front desk is open 24/7 for late arrivals. (Trip.com)
What is the Tripadvisor rating for Leonardo Hotel Newcastle?
TripAdvisor lists an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on approximately 4,200 reviews, with the majority of guests rating the property Excellent or Very Good.
What is the Booking.com score for Leonardo Hotel Newcastle?
Booking.com shows a guest score of 7.9 out of 10 from over 5,200 verified reviews, with strong sub-scores of 8.9 for staff and 9.0 for location.