Newcastle's Hidden Quayside Gem: The Oakstays Stylish Escape!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of that's less a pristine hotel analysis and more a messy, glorious, real-life experience. Forget perfectly polished, this is the unfiltered truth, with all its glorious quirks and imperfections. And trust me, after spending a week there, I've got plenty to say.
First Impressions & The "Gotta Get There" Stuff
So, you're eyeing ? Good choice. From the jump, it's got that "I'm-here-to-pamper-you" vibe. My arrival, which was shockingly smooth – shoutout to the contactless check-in!, felt like stepping into a cool oasis from the… well, whatever chaos I'd left behind.
- Accessibility: (This is HUGE, right?) I saw the elevator, which is excellent, and ramps made me happy. But, I did see some tight spots… and I could tell it wasn't designed by someone who truly understood wheelchair accessibility. So, it is there, but maybe not super-friendly. Gotta be real about that.
- Getting around: No problem with Airport Transfer, and I loved the free car park but that wasn't a major issue for me.
- Check-in/out [express & private]: Smooth as butter. Zero complaints.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary? (Mostly!)
Let's talk bedrooms. My room? Huge. REALLY huge. Like… I could have hosted a small dance party in there.
- Absolutely loved:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Okay, okay, maybe I'm addicted to the internet. But it was fast and reliable, which, after a day of fighting with spotty connection in the city, was a godsend.
- Blackout curtains: SLEEP. Glorious, uninterrupted sleep. I needed it.
- Bathtub: Bubbles. Books. Bliss.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus. Dehydration is not a good look.
- Extra long bed I could actually spread out. Heaven.
- Minor annoyances (because perfection doesn't exist):
- The "reading light" was a little… dim. But hey, I adapted.
- The soundproofing wasn't completely soundproof. I'm a light sleeper, so sometimes I heard noise, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.
- The important stuff: Air conditioning? Check. Cleanliness? Spotless. (And seriously, the fact that they offer the option to not have your room sanitized daily if you're worried about using harsh chemicals during your stay is a brilliant offer for me!)
Food, Glorious Food (and Booze!)
Alright, foodies, listen up. This is where things get really interesting. The dining options at are vast. I did try almost everything.
- Breakfast (Buffet) - A Love/Hate Relationship: The buffet was epic. I did appreciate the Asian breakfirst. There were fresh fruits, pastries that were like clouds of sugar, pancakes… I mean, I could go on, but my waistline wouldn't appreciate it. The downside? Sometimes it felt a little… impersonal. Like eating in a food hall. But hey, the food was good!
- Restaurants:
- The Asian Cuisine Restaurant: Seriously, the chef here is a magician. The flavor combinations were unreal. The presentation was beautiful. ( I ordered Chicken)
- The Western Cuisine Restaurant: This was a bit of a let-down. The food was okay, but nothing special. I think I expected a bit more.
- Poolside Bar: Cocktails by the pool? Yes, please! I spent a good portion of my trip there. The bartenders are fantastic, and even though I'm not a fan of the heat, I enjoyed my time.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Perfect for those moments when you just want to be a hermit in a bathrobe and pig out on late-night snacks. Also, breakfast takeaway service is a great option.
- Snack bar & Coffee shop: Convenient. Always appreciated.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Excellent options. So I was covered.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, & Beyond
- Spa: OMG. I spent hours here. The massage was heavenly. The sauna and steamroom are a must-do. The foot bath! Pure bliss. This is where they got me. This is what sold it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor] & Pool with view: Stunning. Seriously, the view from the pool is something else. I spent most of my time there. You should too.
- Fitness center: I'm not a gym person, but it's there, well-equipped, and clean, if you're into that kind of thing.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: Did both. Definitely worth it.
The Nitty-Gritty: Safety, Hygiene, and Tech
- Cleanliness and safety: They take this seriously. Staff trained in safety protocol, daily disinfection, and more than a meter distance between people. I saw that they had their own COVID protocols.
- Internet: Wi-Fi was excellent. They offer Internet access [LAN] but I did not use it.
Services, Conveniences, and Quirks
- Concierge: Super helpful, always smiling.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Perfect for keeping my clothes clean.
- Convenience store: Useful for grabbing essentials.
- Meeting/banquet facilities seemed to be available. I am not sure about the meetings though.
- Babysitting service & Family/child friendly: I don't need that, but good to know for families.
- Additional toilet: It would be a plus, but my room did not have one.
- Smoking area: Good.
The Verdict: Should You Book ?
YES!
Seriously. Despite a few nitpicks, is a fantastic experience, and worth every penny. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. The spa, the pool, the food… I'm already plotting my return trip.
Final emotional rant: The staff was amazing. The location was perfect. The room was great. The spa was my happy place. I don't travel often, but I will definitely be back. This hotel gets a huge thumbs up from me!
Escape to Paradise: Lovers' Sunset Studio in Banting, Malaysia
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's trip itinerary. This is my trip itinerary, the one I've lovingly crafted (and by crafted, I mean frantically cobbled together) for my jaunt to that stylish Quayside Gem in Newcastle. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it… and maybe a large glass of wine.
Day 1: Arrival and Accidental Art (aka, “Why Did I Pack So Many Cardigans?”)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Newcastle Airport (NCL): Ugh, flights. The very definition of "hurry up and wait." I swear, I've spent more time staring at airport carpets than gazing at actual art. Anyway, landed, survived the baggage carousel, and now… the mission: get to the Oakstays gem. Pray for easy taxi access. Also thinking I might be a little too overdressed for anything resembling a casual trip.
- 15:00 - Check-in & Settle in (hopefully without getting locked out): Finally! The promised sanctuary! The Quayside Gem. Okay, first impressions… it's… gorgeous. Seriously, pictures don't do it justice. The view is chef's kiss. I spent a good 15 minutes just staring out the window, the Tyne Bridge shimmering in the late afternoon light. This is why I traveled, just this scene alone.
- 16:00 - Exploring the Quayside (and getting lost almost immediately): Okay, so I thought I knew where I was going. I really did. Turns out, the Quayside is a glorious maze of cobbled streets and winding staircases. Ended up wandering into a random art gallery, and honestly, it was the best mistake of my life. Some seriously weird but wonderful stuff – felt like I might be able to pick up a quirky original. Ended up buying a print of a grumpy-looking seagull (perfect).
- 17:30 - Proper Pub Time @ The Broad Chare: Found it. Heard it's owned by the people who created The Cook House nearby. Need all the energy for the rest of the trip! Walked in, took a deep breath, looked around and saw myself, a little lost in the lights and the buzz, but I was in the perfect space.
- 19:00 - Dinner at a restaurant I'll try and remember the name of later (potentially involving chips): Right, the food hunt. Found a place. I'm starving. Praying it has chips. (Chips are a mandatory food group, don't @ me).
Day 2: Culture Shock & Culinary Adventures (and a near-miss with a pigeon)
- 09:00 - Breakfast (hopefully involving a full English): Okay, I need a proper breakfast. Fuel for the day. Preferably with all the greasy goodness a full English can provide. Fingers crossed there's a decent cafe nearby.
- 10:00 - Exploring the heart of Newcastle (and navigating the Great North Museum): Time for some proper sightseeing. Newcastle Castle? Check. The Cathedral? Check. The Great North Museum: Hancock? Double Check! I'm not sure why I haven't done more of these museums, the exhibitions I've seen have been amazing, but I'm ready to get lost in a museum for a few hours.
- 12:30 - Street Food Frenzy at Greedies: Okay, time to refuel. I've heard whispers of amazing street food in this area. Must. Find. It. I'm ready to face the crowds, the smells, and the potential for food-induced comas.
- 14:00 - Walking at the Quayside - and maybe getting lost again.
- 15:00 - The Biscuit Factory: I've heard such great things about this place. Looking forward to hopefully grabbing a few trinkets and unique gifts.
- 17:00 - The Tyneside Cinema - I've heard the films are amazing: I love films, and I should probably plan more around them. I'll see if there are any shows I'm wanting to watch.
- 19:00 - Dinner, maybe Italian or something: I should branch out, but I don't always to.
Day 3: Bridge Views, Bookshops and Ballads (aka, “When Did I Become a Tourist?”)
- 10:00 - A walk across the Tyne Bridge (and trying not to get knocked over by the wind): It's iconic, I assume I have to do it. Taking in the views from the top. Attempting to not look like a total tourist taking a million photos. Will probably fail.
- 11:00 - A Bookshop Scavenger Hunt: I have no idea where the best bookshops are, but I'm willing to wander (and ask for recommendations). Seeking out quirky, independent bookstores. Hoping to find a hidden gem (or at least a decent travel guide).
- 13:00 - Lunch: Maybe a cafe, maybe a pub. Just need to find something quick and easy.
- 14:00 - The Lit & Phil: Sounds very fancy. I might, you know, actually go.
- 16:00 - Ballads at the Theatre Royal: I have a fondness for old-timey music.
- 19:00 - Farewell Dinner (and a desperate attempt to find a souvenir): One last amazing meal. Then, the dreaded souvenir hunt. Finding something unique, something that actually reminds me of this adventure and doesn't end up gathering dust on a shelf. Wish me luck.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues)
- 09:00 - Last-minute breakfast / Coffee: Caffeinating heavily before the journey home. Saying goodbye to this lovely apartment, which has become my sanctuary.
- 10:00 - Final wander along Quayside (maybe for a final pint): One last stroll, one last glimpse of the Tyne Bridge, one last chance to soak it all in. Maybe an early pint at a pub overlooking the water? You know, just for the heck of it.
- 11:00 - Check Out, and get a taxi to the Airport: The end. The bittersweet reality of going home.
- 13:00 - NCL - Fly home: The flight, the baggage carousel, back to reality. But the memories? They'll stick around, I hope. And maybe I'll actually unpack my suitcase this time. (Probably not).
- Post-Trip Blues and planning for the next adventure: I am already in a bad mood, I hate saying goodbye. I'll probably be looking at other trips as soon as I get home.
There you have it. My (messy, imperfect, and probably overly optimistic) Newcastle itinerary. Wish me luck, folks. I'll need it. And I'm pretty sure I need more wine.
Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Jacuzzi with Stunning Mountain Views in Chiang Mai
` format. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
So, like, what's the deal with *life*? Seriously, what am I missing?
Ugh, don't even get me STARTED. Okay, first off, "the deal" is probably different for everyone. I personally thought I had it figured out in 2008, then 2012, then... well, you get the point. Honestly, the deal seems to be a constant state of "figuring it out." And just when you *think* you've got a handle on things, BAM! You spill coffee on your favorite shirt the day of an important meeting. Life Lesson: Always carry a Tide pen. (And maybe a spare shirt. And therapy. Probably therapy.) I think the "goal" isn't to *find* some magical meaning; it's to *create* one. But, like, no pressure, right?
Is it normal to feel like you're making it up as you go along? Because I definitely feel like I am.
ABSOLUTELY. A thousand times YES. I swear, the only reason I haven't completely fallen apart is because I perfected the art of "faking it 'til you make it" years ago. (And by "make it," I mean barely keep it together.) The other day, I was giving a presentation at work, and I literally had to close my eyes and pretend I knew what I was talking about. Turns out, everyone else felt the same way! We're all just flailing around in the dark, hoping we don’t trip and fall into a metaphorical ditch. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the flailing. Just… try not to trip.
What if I hate my job? Is it, like, illegal to quit? (Asking for a friend... definitely not me.)
Okay, firstly, no. It is *not* illegal to quit. Unless, you know, you're a brain surgeon in the middle of a delicate procedure, which, let's be honest, probably none of us are. Dealing with a soul-crushing job is rough. I was in a job once where my boss’s favorite pastime was to tell me my outfit was "too flashy." Too flashy?! I was wearing khakis and a polo! And that was the *good* part! (The bad part was the constant feeling of impending doom and the existential dread that seeped into every pore.) So yeah, if it's making you miserable, get out. Plan, save some money, and then RUN. Don't walk. RUN!
How do I deal with difficult coworkers? Please tell me there's a magic bullet.
Magic bullet? Ha! Honey, if there was a magic bullet for difficult coworkers, I'd be a millionaire and living on a private island, far, far away from all of them. Unfortunately, there's not. It's a constant negotiation of sanity and self-respect. My policy is generally to kill them with kindness and excessive passive aggression. (Just kidding... mostly.) Seriously though, set boundaries. Clearly communicate your expectations. Document everything. And on really, REALLY bad days? Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. Perhaps a therapist. Or, you know, both.
Why are breakups so painful? Is it just me?
Oh, sweetie, NO. It is absolutely NOT just you. Breakups are a special kind of hell. They're like ripping a band-aid off a soul that's been super-glued to someone else's soul. The pain is real. The feeling of "WTF just happened?" is real. I remember one breakup… oh, man. It was years ago. We'd been together for six months, which, in my mind at 22, was basically an eternity. He said he wanted to "explore other options." Translation: He met someone hotter. I spent three weeks wearing his hoodie, eating ice cream, and crying while watching Nicholas Sparks movies. (Don't judge! We all do it.) So, yeah, they hurt. Allow yourself to hurt. Let the sobs come. Then, eventually, get back up. It gets better. Eventually. Maybe.
Is it okay to feel jealous? Even if it's totally irrational?
Okay, let's be real. Being jealous is a human thing. It's not exactly *healthy*, but it's human. And yes, feeling jealous when it's totally irrational is also a thing. Like, I get irrationally jealous of *animals*. Cats, man. Living the life. Naps all day. Getting pampered. Never having to pay bills. The key is to acknowledge the feeling, then work to understand *why* you're feeling it. Is it insecurity? Fear? Are you comparing yourself to others? Then, you can start to address it. Or, you know, you can just cuddle your pet and stew in your irrationality. Sometimes that’s the best option.
How do I start eating healthier? I have tried, so many times...
Ugh, I FEEL you! The struggle is SO REAL. I have attempted the "healthy eating" journey more times than I've changed my mind about my hair. It’s a battlefield! And you know what? Diets, for the most part, DON'T WORK. Or, they work for a while, and then you fall face-first into a pizza. Which, by the way, is perfectly acceptable sometimes. Try small, sustainable changes. Don't go from zero to hero overnight. Add one vegetable to your plate. Drink more water. Find a healthy snack you actually *like*. And, for the love of all that is holy, forgive yourself when you slip up. It’s a journey, not a sprint (or a pizza-fueled sprint, in my case).
What if I'm just... tired? All the time?
Oh, honey, welcome to *everyone's* life. Seriously, I think chronic exhaustion is a global epidemic. First thing? Get yourself checked out by a doctor. Rule out the obvious things (thyroid issues, iron deficiency, etc.). Then, start to look at your lifestyle. Are you getting enough sleep? (Probably not.) Are you stressed? (Most likely.) Are you eating well? (Eh, maybe.) I know, I know, it’s basic. But sometimes the simple things are theLuxury Stay Blog
Oakstays Stylish Quayside Gem Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
Oakstays Stylish Quayside Gem Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
