If you are staying in Newcastle, avoid the Fountain lodge - very expensive and very poor service. Try the Littlehaven in South Shields, its a lot better but slightly more expensive !
Also, the best services if you are coming up the A1 are at the Durham turnoff, about 30 miles from Newcastle, after Scotch Corner.
Also, if you are coming up an the A1 is busy, try the A19 it'll get you there a lot quicker (usually!) andis a dual carriageway from Jct 47 (or 48 can't remember) off the A1.
