As one of Newcastle’s most luxurious hotels, Malmaison offers guests and visitors an unparalleled experience with gorgeous rooms, amazing dining and top-class facilities. We speak to Malmaison’s cluster sales manager Kemoy Small about what makes the hotel so special.
Give us some headline stats… when did the hotel open, how many rooms do you have and how many guests have come through doors?
Malmaison opened in the former Co-operative Society Warehouse in 1998 on the Quayside with view of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. We have 122 luxurious bedrooms, spread over 7 floors. Being centrally located on the Quayside, footfall is strong. We get a lot of leisure clients, and Newcastle has so many events throughout the year that are a real draw for people to come to the city, so we’re certainly kept busy! The hotel is just 15 minutes' walk from the shops and clubs in the city centre so is well placed for being in the thick of the action.
What makes Malmaison so special in Newcastle?
Definitely the brand standards. The location is fantastic but it’s what we have to offer in terms of customer service, the food, the style, and décor that sets Malmaison apart – it’s completely different. Malmaison Newcastle offers a unique experience, with smart and stylish décor found across its rooms which create a truly romantic feel, combined with the vibrancy and bright lights of the Bar & Grill, it’s a different world to what’s outside. Beautiful spaces, breathtaking views and comfy beds are all part and parcel of our Geordie Gem.
The Malmaison brand is synonymous with luxury and comfort, what else is it known for?
Malmaison is always looking to stand out. From our customer service and signature décor to little in-room touches – we’ve championed things across the portfolio that have all come together to make the Malmaison experience a unique one for the guest. Malmaison is also dedicated to being eco-friendly. In Newcastle we have an eco-clean policy where if you stay 2 nights with us and you don’t want your room serviced, we send a donation to charity or offer a complimentary drink to the guest. Malmaison has also recently partnered with Freda to supply eco-period care products in all our guest bathrooms, helping guests make sustainable choices while also supporting them with an elevated amenity offering when they need it. Something that’s surprisingly not commonplace across the industry.
Tell us about the leisure spaces in the hotel
The bar has a laid-back vibe and was renovated a couple of years ago creating a bright yet informal space. On Friday afternoons we often have a DJ or a live band providing entertainment, so it’s the perfect spot to shake off the stresses of the working week and easing your way into the weekend. Our mixologists infuse ingredients to create the finest collection of bold and characterful cocktails, served alongside perfectly chilled Champagne, beers, and a curated wine list.
Our Newcastle Quayside Bar & Grill certainly isn’t your typical hotel restaurant. It’s a stylish fusion grill restaurant, offering a contemporary dining experience with classic and seasonal dishes. Our chefs are passionate about creating high-quality food packed with flavour, with a strong focus on prime grass-fed British beef, hand-cut and expertly matured for the fullest natural flavour. It’s popular for its marvellous views over the Tyne and as night sets in you can watch the colours revolve on the Millennium Bridge which creates an atmospheric backdrop for any kind of gathering or event. We’re currently offering a great value Prix Fixe menu with 2 courses from just £20.
Tell us about the private dining options the hotel offers
We have a private dining room adjacent to the Bar & Grill, in the heart of these social spaces and benefitting from the ambience. This private space is ideal if you want to keep things behind closed doors but still have all the benefits of a vibrant dining venue.
You reopened the spa in November, tell us about what people can expect
We have a sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms too, which is unique for a city centre hotel. Anyone can use the facilities, that’s one thing I like to champion – the spa is open to anyone, anytime and is not exclusive for overnight guests. Malmaison Spa offers a range of relaxing ESPA face and body treatments and day spa packages too and is a haven on the Quayside where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tell us about your wedding and conference facilities
We have 3 meeting rooms; the largest capacity is for 40. For larger events we tend to use the bar for its stylish informal space, it’s ideal for a drinks reception. The seventh floor is home to our suites including our Chateau Lounge which can be used for wedding ceremonies and private events too.
Your unique location means your rooms have spectacular views!
From our standards to deluxe rooms, we have amazing views of the River Tyne and the Millennium Bridge. The suites and junior suites have larger living space, but they all have amazing views!
You must get asked for some interesting things from your guests – what have been some of the most interesting requests?
We do have guests that have exacting standards that we’re able to meet. We partner with Fenwick, so if someone wants a specific pillowcase, we can source that for them. It’s all part of offering exemplary customer service.
As such a luxurious hotel, you must see some famous faces...
My lips are sealed on this front, but if there’s a big show or event in Newcastle, they’ve been known to stay at Malmaison Newcastle!
What do you think is the best thing about Newcastle?
I know it’s cliché, but it’s the people. Newcastle is fantastic for the history and heritage, and it has everything you need; from the coast to the nearby beaches, it’s also not far from the Lake District. It’s got an airport, brilliant shopping, fantastic restaurants, and some of the best businesses in the world based in the business parks. It’s just a great city to live and work in, and it’s a fantastic city overall to visit!
