Stayed last w/e to take in a Newcastle home game at St. James's park - very convenient, clean and all the usual amenities one would expect from an Express.
The place was full of stag/hen/celebration groups ( expect the same situation on both Friday and saturday nights ) - if you are after a peaceful break with your family, try to avoid staying here. Large groups of mainly single sexed party animals, well behaved prior to going out ( if a little noisy ), but they will come back at all hours, and they have little respect for other residents. Breakfast the following mornings are a bunfight, with several individuals drinking alcohol in the lobby - not an ideal picture first thing.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express earlier this month after reading the reviews on this site and being unable to book into Travel Inns where I usually stay when travelling on business.

I was a little disappointed to find that the rate I was charged for a twin room (this was all that was available as the hotel was almost fully booked)was nearly £20 more than quoted on their website.

I was pleased with the look of the hotel when I arrived, shiny and brand new and the reception area was welcoming. On the whole, however, I found the staff at the check in a bit robotic and not particularly friendly.

The room, as other reviewers have said, is exactly like those shown in the pictures on the hotel's website. However, I would caution against booking a twin room if you are intending to share. The room was very small for two people and the only modification made to the facilities and furniture to accommodate two people was another (single) bed and an extra set of towels. The rest was as would have been the case in a single room.

The room was pretty clean, though I noted quite a bit of dust, and neutrally decorated to the point of dull but I'd rather that than a load of chintz.

The bathroom was incredibly well designed and the shower, unlike most in this country, was very good. Shower gel and soap are provided and there is the usual feeble hotel hairdryer. I think the bathroom could have been cleaner though, the taps weren't very shiny and the glass shelf was very dusty. The shower tray in particular was very limescaley and while not a serious problem is one which an £84 a night hotel should be able to resolve.

However, the most disappointing thing about my stay at the hotel was the air conditioning, or lack of it! As any one who has been to Newcastle in early spring will know, it is a not a city known for its tropical climate. Which is why I was puzzled to find my room so incredibly hot even after I had adjusted the much advertised air-conditioning. At 2 in the morning after tossing and turning for hours trying not to over-heat I resorted to turning off the noisy air-con and opening the window, only to be kept awake by traffic noise.

I was also concerned to note that, despite booking a non-smoking room I found 2 ashtrays in my room and had my senses assaulted by the smell of fags blowing under the door.

The continental breakfast (included in the price, but really, it ought to be) was fine although the airport departure lounge like restaurant with the tv blasting and uncleared tables where ever I looked left a lot to be desired.

While this is not the worst hotel I have ever stayed in, neither is it the best and considering it is certainly the most expensive I have paid for I find that rather disappointing. As far as I'm concerned £84 should buy you darn near perfect not a room so hot, noisy and cigarette smelling that you wake in the morning feeling like you've spent the night in an all-night bar in Brazil.