INNSiDE by Melia, Newcastle

The Triple A Food Tours are a great way to sample the best of Newcastle's foodie scene, owner Amy's enthusiasm is infectious.

The hotel is on the River Tyne with views of the Tyne Bridge, and within walking distance of the city centre's shops, bars and restaurants.
By car: the hotel is 5 hours 20 mins from London and 3 hours from Manchester.
By train: London Kings Cross to Newcastle takes around 3 hours. The hotel is a five-minute taxi ride from the station. thetrainline.com

Ideal for anyone who likes to travel with their pooch, as the riverside walk from the hotel is perfect for them. The popular open kitchen restaurant and bar is usually busy, in a good way; creating an upbeat, fun atmosphere.

If you hold your phone over the QR code of the artwork in your room, you'll get information about it and can purchase. Dogs can go in the lounge and bar and can stay in the bedrooms for an extra £10, dog treat and water bowl included.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Gym
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to flood into the spacious contemporary rooms dressed in cool, neutral tones. Quirky colourful additions pop, such as local lingo 'am clamming' - as in 'I'm hungry' - scrawled onto the mirrors, paintings and retro turquoise and red telephones by the beds.

Innside Room, Innside Twin Room, Innside River View, Innside Balcony Room, The Studio River View, Innside Studio Balcony, The Townhouse
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, TV, hairdryer, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

They have the largest selection of Franciacorta (sparkling wine from Lombardy, Italy) in the UK. The meatballs tasted authentically Italian and came in a nice rich tomato sauce with bruschetta.

Gino D'Acampo Quayside: Italian cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £12.50.