I discovered this gem about 2 years ago and we have stayed here many times. If we are staying in Newcastle for a whole week on business I always book the Kensington House Aparthotel. Everything you need for a comfortable stay is here. Great cooking facilities. Sky television. Free parking. Near to Jesmond shops which has a Waitrose and Tesco for supplies. The staff here are helpful and leave you alone if that is what you prefer. Excellent for the metro which is just around the corner. Free WiFi would make this place perfect!

The Aparthotel looks great from the outside and has a very nice foyer but the apartment we had was not so great. On the plus side it was clean and we could get into the apartment early on the day of our arrival. The staff also pre-ordered a taxi on the day we left. The apartment, however, was below ground and had one window to the outside world. We were there in summer and it was hot. The apartment my wife and I had, had two bedrooms but the second bedroom was locked - I guess this was fair enough, we didn't need it, it just seemed an unnecessary and unusual thing to do. The bedroom we had did have doors that opened onto a small patio, though we weren't given a key to the door. When I asked reception for a key they did give me one but it didn't work and the whole request seemed such a hassle for them I couldn't be bothered asking again.

We stayed 3 nights and the towels weren't changed. There was no where to dry the towels, as the towel drying rack did not work. When we asked for clean towels they were given, but not before the staff member delivering the towels asked to make sure the towel drying rack was indeed broken, which it was. The shower had gaffer tape on the bottom of the screen and the drains smelt (on our first day plumbers arrived to do some work, but there was a lingering smell). Some breakfast provisions were left for us but this included opened packets of croissants in the freezer. Staying here was part of a 10 week tour and this was one of the few places we stayed that didn't meet expectations. There are quite a few steps up into the hotel and for us quite a few steps down to the room, this could be a problem if you have any inability to carry bags. WiFi was available in the room but for an extra charge.

The area the hotel is located in, is a very pleasant area. There is a Waitrose supermarket, chemist and banks, a few blocks away but within walking distance and quite a lot of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. We would recommend the Cherry Tree Restaurant also in Osbourne Rd.

Excellent location with parking. Gorgeous beds and bedlinen. Beautifully decorated -very modern and well equipped kitchen. There are croissants and danish pastries in the freezer for breakfast, cereal, milk in fridge - nice touch. Only niggles - £5.00 for 24 hours WiFi and if on top floor there is no lift, thus 4 flights of stairs to climb! Friendly, helpful staff.

This is the third year I have stayed at Kensington House and the place never fails to disappoint. The standard of accommodation is excellent and the staff always friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The apartments are spacious and modern with fully equipped kitchens. There are also basics supplied - we arrived to find a 4 pint of milk, Orange Juice and Water in the Fridge. There were also croissants in the freezer with condiments provided and some packs of cereal. The location is ideal for the metro station at Jesmond (just a two minute walk around the corner) although to walk into the City Centre is only 10 minutes. Parking is convenient at the front/rear of the aparthotel. We stayed the weekend of the Great North Run and despite the hotel being completely full, the service and standard remained as high as ever.
Sufficed to say we have already booked in for next year!!