White Swan Hotel

White Swan Hotel descritpion

In the center of Alnwick, this 300-year-old coaching inn is a short walk from Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Its restaurant’s decor was salvaged from the Titanic’s sister ship.
The White Swan Hotel is a 40-minute drive from Newcastle and the Metro Center. Alnmouth Station and the northeast coast are a 10-minute drive away and parking is free.
The Olympic Suite restaurant offers a dining menu and has stained glass windows from the RMS ship. Hardy’s offers a more informal experience with its bar and bistro menu.
The bedrooms all have a private bathroom with a hairdryer and bathroom amenities. Guests can also enjoy a sitting area and tea/coffee making facilities in each room.

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Facilities of White Swan Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles)

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not possible).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for White Swan Hotel

Review 1：Breakfast service was very slow, good choice and great when it finally arrived but it did take over an hour. Think perhaps they were short staffed in the kitchen that morning?

Review 2：Helpful staff, keen to help. Olympic dining room very grand.

Review 3：I was expecting a five star experience for the money paid. It was all very overpriced, the towels didn't smell very fresh or clean, the tea/coffee tray and kettle were all of very poor quality. Hotel's daily itinerary was incorrect also as it indicated the castle gardens were open - They weren't... Until 1st Feb!!!

Review 4：Breakfast menu was lovely. WIFI always helpful.

Review 5：Everything was 5*.

Review 6：The BAMBURGH Suite was excellent the staff were extremely professional. The restaurant food was outstanding. Mark, restaurant manager was brilliant. We will definitely return.

Review 7：A noisy fan from the kitchens was irritating and we were unable to settle.

Review 8：The staff were friendly the hotel extremely clean. It was no trouble to show us an alternative room when we had a problem and needed to change room. Breakfast was gorgeous with plenty of choice. Really lovely stay.

Review 9：Not really a bad experience but the bathroom bin hadn't been emptied between guests. The pillows were hard and the specialist bread requested didn't appear until the second morning.

Review 10：The hotel was good and the location great.

Review 11：Our room didn't appear to have been hoovered for some time.There was nothing to complain about but nothing special either and we felt it was very overpriced.

Review 12：The location was excellent for Alnwick gardens and our room comfortable and quiet. Kippers at breakfast were good.

Review 13：Bathroom door was really dirty. Amended after telling maid. Bathroom air vent did not work, - (No window). Dusty overhead bed lights.

Review 14：The convenience of meeting up with family. The dinning room and the steamship ambiance.

Review 15：Breakfast could have been more generous and more varied. Restaurant was closed for evening meal which we would have liked to have had in the Olympic dining room instead of just breakfast in there. Tired and drab decor in bedroom which lacked personality. Small tweaks would make a big difference

Review 16：Great location in centre of Alnwick with pubs and restaurants on hand and walking distance to castle and gardens. Loved eating in the Olympic restaurant - beautiful. Staff friendly.

Review 17：Room allocations were mixed up (double bed provided for groom and best man), Single beds provided for married couples, shower heads not connected to wall in some of the rooms and the rate for the rooms and breakfasts did not represent value for money. More concerning is that one member woke up with what appeared to be bed bug bits on her torso.

Review 18：Location of the hotel is ideal for walks into the town and distance to the Alnwick Gardens which is where we were getting married.

Review 19：There was nothing to dislike about the hotel.

Review 20：The central location of the hotel in Alnwick. The decor and the fittings in the Olympic dining room. The range and variety of the breakfast menu offerings.

Review 21：In loft room was bit chilly. Bathroom radiator never came on but didnt spoil our stay and could have asked sum1 to look at it!

Review 22：Beautiful hotel.knowledgable staff. Re the olympic room.

Review 23：The hotel is in the perfect location for exploring Northumberland as well as lovely Alnwick. The staff were courteous and friendly. The breakfast was delicious with plenty of choice and served in the glorious Olympic Room, very grand.

Review 24：Room was a little small. Bathroom extractor fan needed replacement. Poor distribution of power sockets

Review 25：Convenient and reasonably well-appointed hotel. Nice bar area

Review 26：Service at breakfast was terrible. We were seated straight away but half an our later our food/drink order had not been taken. We had to get the waitresses attention. We finally got our food 1 1/4 hours after being seated!! Not good enough!

Review 27：Lovely spacious room, very comfy bed. Loved the connection with the Olymia ship - the dining room was amazing.

Review 28：There were not enough wait staff during breakfast, and as the hotel was busy this meant some guests were waiting up to an hour for their food.

Review 29：The location of this properly was great; we were attending a wedding at Alnwick Castle nearby and the hotel is just round the corner from it. The rooms were clean and comfortable, with all the normal amenities.

Review 30：Breakfast - though there was plenty of it, it was not an elegant breakfast. You should source and advertise the food you use that is locally produced. The bacon was far too fatty and not well cooked and the sausages looked as if they had been deep fried. It was not inedible, but we had, had much better locally!

Review 31：Very friendly an helpful service with a smile.

Review 32：No Wi-Fi in bedroom, despite information booklet stating otherwise. Breakfast poor. No fruit and cooked breakfast was very meagre. Very different from the full buffet that the hotel used to offer.

Review 33：Excellent, town centre location.

Review 34：The black mould in the bathroom and the lack of space between furniture, as I bruised my leg twice squeezing past the bed and the unit during the night!

Review 35：The room was comfortable

Review 36：I didn't find the staff very welcoming. I booked in then went to look at the bistro and restaurant as we were advised to book early for a evening meal. We came back 8 minutes later to reception and I spoke to the same girl. She asked me if I was a resident and had I booked in! I must be very forgettable! The food at the bistro and at breakfast was disappointing. I don't have a big appetite but portions were so small I still felt hungry.

Review 37：The building especially the restaurant was very grand architecturally . It was also a good central location. The bed was clean and large and the bathroom clean and fairly well equipped

Review 38：Rooms could do with a freshen up style wise.

Review 39：The size of the family room was ideal - didn't feel cramped at all. Perfect location for Alnwick Castle, Gardens, shops and restaurants

Review 40：Mould on wall in bedroom. Queen bed was actually two single beds pushed together. Very little room around the bed. Bistro meals over-priced. No cocktail drinks available.

Review 41：In need of redecoration in corridors etc. up stairs. No lift. Evening meal was over priced for quality & quantity. Breakfast although quality was very good but to be served a single item of each for a full English breakfast i.e. one rasher of bacon was very mean

Review 42：Location was good Ground floor decor etc was good but poor on the first & second floor. Room was clean

Review 43：The hotel has built an extension - but a pity it is reached by an outdoor gravel path, not covered nor a solid path.

Review 44：Fine dining in a beautiful dining hall. Light meals also available.

Review 45：Not value for £137 b&b Room cold - fan heater had to be provided. Cracks in bedroom window, curtains hanging off. Bathroom door didn’t fit. Breakfast (coming in at £16.50) only had four simple cooked offerings - TWO unavailable - and at 8.45am All reported to reception. At checkout expressed reluctance to pay full tariff - duty manager full of excuses but only offered £20 discount - for breakfast, not condition of accommodation. Have stayed here satisfactorily before, wouldn’t stay again.

Review 46：Location excellent Most frontline staff OK

Review 47：Alnwick is a lovely, interesting place to visit. The hotel is central, easy parking, easy walking distance to shops & restaurants. Friendly staff and a good all round hotel.

Review 48：The purpose of our visit to Alnwick was to visit the castle, so we were surprised to find we were staying in this hidden gem of a hotel that had so much history to offer.

Review 49：Found the beds were a bit uncomfortable. Furnishings were a bit grubby although the room was very clean.

Review 50：Location was good. staff were excellent. Plenty of tea,coffee and toiletries provided.

Review 51：We started in a tiny double room but moved to a much better one, however the bed was much smaller than I've come to expect in both rooms and not particularly comfortable. Breakfast was all right - one sausage, one very skinny rasher, half a dozen tinned mushrooms, a tomato and a hash brown. Unable to eat in the hotel until 8.30 on the Friday because of a party booking, however nothing to indicate this to guests prior to the night. Lot's of little niggles which wouldn't have bothered me at all in a £70 room, but when we were paying £140 a night it wasn't great and at no point did I feel particularly welcome or special.

Review 52：Great location in the heart of Alnwick Free car parking Evening reception staff and manager gave us a pleasant greeting.

Review 53：Lovely restaurant and choice of food for the set menu. Our room was small but comfortable and had everything we needed. Great location and would definitely stay again.

Review 54：The rooms are very dated and old and certain items were broken such as the sink. The bed was two singles pushed together making it very uncomfortable to sleep on as it sagged in the middle. It was very hot in the room and due to old windows they wouldn't open much and there was not air conditioning to compensate.

Review 55：The location is ideal and great for easy access to Alnwick. The staff were pleasant.

Review 56：Convenient location; attractive interior decoration; and good parking. The dinner was very good, with attentive service in a spacious, well-appointed dining-room. The breakfast was also good.

Review 57：Miserly and uninspiring breakfast. Strange pricing policy - first night cost £30 more than the second night!

Review 58：Great location to visit Alnick castle and gardens. Friendly staff

Review 59：We had the dinner bed and breakfast special for 2 nights, although the menu gave a certain level of expectation in the detailed description on both nights the food did not live up to what we thought we were going to get. We were disappointed both nights the duck my wife had was still quacking and serving soup in a tea cup so it remained very hot was another strange idea. On the whole nice hotel but would recommend finding somewhere else to eat !.

Review 60：Location and the town were good. We had a suite which was nice but a little over priced in comparison to other hotels we stayed in.

Review 61：if anything the room was a little on the small side.

Review 62：staff very helpful, dining room magnificent. great location for the castle with added bonus of car park.

Review 63：Very loud noises from take away across road from closing time until 3am. Recommend getting room away from road until hotel sorts out sound proofing.

Review 64：Excellent site in centre of town. Good breakfast and ok family room.

Review 65：The hotel has a beautiful restaurant but sadly the rest of the experience did not come upto the same standard. Food poor, no heating for several periods and poor standard of furnishings such as stains on dining chairs and holes in carpets.

Review 66：The staff were generally pleasant but some were obviously not pulling their weight.

Review 67：Asked to be moved if possible as the room we were originally allocated was quite small, and felt gloomy. On ground floor facing main street. Parking inadequate for this well known hotel.

Review 68：Staff extremely understanding when asked if we could possibly move room. Dining room beautiful.

Review 69：One waitress needs to learn the difference between herbal teas and Tetley. Eventually after several times of asking I had to settle for hot water and my own tea bag. The room had some severe traffic noise late at night and early in the morning as the window didn't close.

Review 70：Both restaurants had a great choice of food and it was well prepared however there could have been more fresh fruit at breakfast instead of the dried variety on offer. The décor in the Olympic restaurant was very pleasing. The location of the hotel was central to all the main attractions in the town and within easy reach of Seahouses, Farne Island, Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and the many memorials to Grace Darling

Review 71：Don't usually have time to respond to surveys but Apart from"Mark" the Duty Manager, who worked tirelessly - seeminglly tocompensate for his dismal Reception and Restaurant Staff and"Anthony" to whom we complained on our departure, the rest ofthe staff were sullen, disinterested and rude. Despite wanting to eat inthe Olympic Restaurant for 10yrs, booking 6 mths before our visit andtelephoning en-route from Newcastle to confirm The Olympic Rest.Reservation, we were told we did not have a table and they could not fitus in ! After a "heated exchange of views" with the blonde"F&B Supervisor", we found Mark who seated us. We thenwatched in amazement as only 16 covers were served in the whole of Frinight - leaving over 30 seats empty ! Food was over cooked. Crockery& cutlery was dirty. Arriving 2 mins after breakfast deadline onSaturday morning, they wanted to refuse us entry. On Monday morning, thewaiter smirked at the fact that "breakfast has finished" (wewere 5 mins late after spending much money in their bar the nightbefore) Ran out of kipperst on Monday ! We were with a group of car-enthusiast who all had problems and we decided this was simply "TheFawlty Towers of The North". Everywhere else we went in ourweek's visit, we were greated warmly and handsomely. The surroundingcountryside is magnificent and the hotel is in a prime position for thewonderful Alnwick Castle but only visit The White Swan to photograph theformer S.S. Olympic dining room interior and/or for breakfast.Better still find somewhere in Crasker for the breakfast! The placecould be magnificent but ruined by their staff. Bizarre in such a warm,friendly & beautiful part of the U.K. On our second day we tried tode-camp to The Plough but they were full. There is also a small"boutique hotel" next to The Plough, that our firends reallyenjoyed (also full). What a disappointment !

Review 72：Craster kippers ! Free car park (needed, as fined if try to park outsidehotel). Free wi-fi. Proximity to Alnwick Castle. Mark and Anthony theDuty Managers and Tammy, the "new" Receptionisit.

Review 73：Not a thing

Review 74：The whole place had style and great history about the White star line and the Titanic the restaurant was decoratedwith the panels and glass windows HMS Olympic

Review 75：Not a serious issue but our twin room had one small wardrobe and no drawer units. Fine for a couple of nights but would struggle if we stayed for a week.

Review 76：Comfortable beds. Lots of hot water. Good food.

Review 77：no heating in bathroom, bathroom window broken

Review 78：Centrally located close to visitor attractions. Wonderful dining room salvaged from the sister ship of the titanic

Review 79：Very mediocre hotel.

Review 80：Location was excellent, Alnwick was A very nice place. Enjoyed going round the castles which was basically What we went to see.

Review 81：Underside of plate noticeably dirty on two occasions and three dirty cereal bowls less than properly cleaned on second morning of stay. Did not complain to staff as it probably wasn't their fault but cleanliness of crockery needs addressing.

Review 82：Staff were cheerful and helpful.

Review 83：Bedroom and ensuite shabby, shower and TV did not work properly. Night porter very unfriendly.

Review 84：Liked the location and the lobby areas and lunch was good.

Review 85：Full marks to all members of staff. Reception staff were extremely welcoming and helpful. They also offered help with luggage if we needed it. Staff at breakfast were very attentive and helpful.

Review 86：young staff were trying hard but clueless. It was a busy evening with a wedding place in the function room but this should not affect the running of the rest of the hotel.

Review 87：Very noisy outside until early hours as across the road from pizza takeaway. No hot water one morning so cold showers all round :( Hairdryer not safe to use and then on our return one day the hairdryer had gone together with the shower cap! Bathroom a bit unclean and dated.

Review 88：Central location good...

Review 89：Excellent location right in the center of town. 24-hour checkin and front desk. Clean, modern facilities and gracious staff. Guests should be aware there are stairs, no elevator, but the staff will gladly assist.

Review 90：Efficiency of staff in particular the head waiter who also seems to be on reception. He was extremely polite, welcoming and efficient The dining room was full and his service with so many people to serve was excellent

Review 91：very helpful staff and resolved any problems immediately and duty manager in particular Mark went out of his way to assist us with our change of room request, he worked hard and was very attentive and WHITE SWAN are very lucky to have him. Staff were very good with our young grandson and all in all a great stay for our 40th wedding anniversary, we will be back

Review 92：We found that the hotel was struggling to achieve what it sort to deliver. We dined twice in the Hardy's Bistro and found that the menu was restrictive and in some instances over priced. Specifically the Caesar Salad portion size was minute for the cost. Breakfast was interesting! Busy at weekends found the staff too stretched and extra staff would have made sense. Actually placing an order was hard to get through to the waiting staff, they appeared to expect you to want every item on the list for a cooked breakfast. Baked beans are not included in the menu, but when ordering by exclusion they arrived. The cost of a cooked breakfast if not included within the room rate is vastly overpriced.

Review 93：Location of hotel central to everywhere we wanted to visit. Staff are very friendly and welcoming, doing all they can to meet guests requirements. We had to change rooms, 214 to 121, because 214 was at the front and has a large street light directly outside the window and is affected by street noise. The reception staff were very good at dealing with this and we changed rooms without a fuss.

Review 94：The main restaurant was rather over-priced for the quality of the food. Breakfast was wholesome but unimaginative - more variety in pastries and breads would be good.

Review 95：Excellent location within reasonable walking distance of the Castle. Room was comfortable and staff helpful though clearly not trained in restaurant service.

Review 96：Hotel had no lift which is not normally a problem, but as our room was up two flights of stairs and away from the main part of hotel, it would have been nice if a member of staff had offered to carry the case upstairs.

Review 97：Ornate decor in the dining room

Review 98：N.A.

Review 99：Did not expect that much due to the 3 star rating - very pleasantly surprised. The breakfast room/restaurant was stunning. The location is very good and central.

Review 100：Waited a long time for a table at breakfast and even longer to order then eventually receive drinks and a rack of toast (between six people!!).The buffet was basic and not very appealing consisting of cereal,dried fruit, a small amount of fresh fruit e.g. slices of orange,pineapple and melon which were in need of replenishing.The Northumbrian breakfast when it came looked lost on the dinner plate although it tasted ok.Staff did apologise for our wait but its unacceptable when there were children in the party

Review 101：clean rooms and bedding.Friendly staff

Review 102：Room was not as we purchased through booking.com.It was tiny with no more than 18" circulation space between the bed and furniture/wall. there was NO sitting area and DVD facility as stated on the booking detail. The double-bed was small.

Review 103：Excellent location

Review 104：Couldn't dine until 6.30. Not impressed by the menu in the Bistro and staff not very welcoming so we ate elsewhere,

Review 105：Convenient for the Castle. Pleasant town. Spacious family room. Lovely dining room

Review 106：Very noisy until early hours in front road. Pizza shop open til early hours. The only mirror was in the bathroom.

Review 107：The.position of this hotel is excellent. Easy walk to castle, gardens and shops

Review 108：Spur of the moment booking over the bank holiday week-end. Arrived Sunday afternoon and were greeted by very friendly and helpful staff. Very enjoyable stay. We've booked again to return in two weeks time!

Review 109：Couldn't fined anything that I didn't like beautiful hotel beautiful food beautiful place to stay loads to do in the area .

Review 110：Stayed in the banburgh suite lovely room very comfortable/food is excellent .will stay here again.

Review 111：Parking can be a bit difficult due to the popularity of Alnwick and its surrounding tourist attractions, be prepared to drive around for a while but all the car parks at the back are free all day which was good

Review 112：Wonderful location Alnwick well worth a visit and the hotel right in the centre of town

Review 113：Bed was not that big! Also a little bathroom where they were determined that a bath was really needed. Perhaps better to remove the bath and have a shower as a stand alone ( most people shower these days), It was very awkward getting in and out of the bath to use the shower as this was right in front of the toilet. The location of the bath/shower meant the window couldn't be opened to freshen the bathroom.

Review 114：Very friendly staff throughout the hotel- from reception , breakfast staff, bar staff- they were all lovely. Thanks to both Katy and Georgia who were on duty during our stay and were very helpful at all times

Review 115：If booked on Managers deal, the evening menu was repetitive. Only one starter, main and sweet changed each day out of four choices in each section. Service could have been quicker in the evening.

Review 116：Friendliness of all staff. Food was very good. Location to local attractions.

Review 117：Well organised hotel. Breakfast food perfect. Staff totally professional and most helpful. Room clean and well equipped. The location is unbeatable. Thank you very much !

Review 118：Not enough kitchen / waitress staff for breakfast - couldn't cope with influx of late risers!

Review 119：Lovely helpful staff; great food and room or should I say "suite"!; perfect location for Alnwick Castle and Gardens

Review 120：Rooms a bit tired, although breakfast dining room is fantastic and has clearly been looked after / renovated.

Review 121：Lovely location in centre of Alnwick. Helpful staff.

Review 122：Requested cot for our room wasn't seen too, then told their would be an additional fee for that. Never been charged for this basic before. Used our own travel cot in the end. Waiting staff need some training. Friendly enough but how many times do you need to ask for a wine menu or where the missing side order is before you give up? Breakfast was pretty chaotic. Knowing table numbers would be a start. And no high chairs either in the bistro or dining room...

Review 123：Great location in a classic market town hotel.

Review 124：We've stayed at the white swan a few times .we're never disappointed .the bistro and the restaurant are exellent.the staff friendly and helpful

Review 125：There was a set meal at the Olympic suite which with four courses would have been more than we wanted and was very expensive. We ate in the Bistro on two nights and that was also expensive.

Review 126：The hotel is in an excellent location especially for visiting the castle and garden. The staff are all very friendly. We were given a quiet room as requested overlooking the garden at the back.

Review 127：Booked in, no rateraunt only bistro. Food very very expensive and not very ghood. Waiter service abismal. Staf at breakfast clueless had to wait thirty five minutes to be served and it wasnt buisy, they stood around chatting. We will not be going back.

Review 128：Rooms clean and tidy. Fresh towels daily. Rooms prepared whist at breakfast.

Review 129：Tiny bathroom and it should be made aware up front to guests that there is no lift at this hotel

Review 130：Location and superb historic dining room, where the dinner was good value

Review 131：Bed was too hot even after removing duvet from cover,as mattress too soft on top, and traffic noise outside prevented opening the window as we were in a front room.

Review 132：Wonderful local staff, very friendly but professional. Good off - street parking. Elegant dining - room and good size superior room. Furnishings very appropriate to type of hotel.

Review 133：Upon arrival we were informed that there was a wedding at the hotel, something we had realised as the reception was full. We were asked if we had intended to eat at the hotel that evening (we had) as the dining room was closed for the sole use of the wedding party. We were offered the bistro however all early bookings had already been taken and so we decided to eat elsewhere. There was also a wedding reception on the Saturday and due to the numbers from both days the breakfast service was abysmal, we had to wait for 25-30 minutes on both days after ordering breakfast. We also had to endure endless drunks in the corridor outside our room up until approx 2:30 am on both nights. It would have been courteous of the hotel to let us know of these wedding parties so we could have made an informed choice whether to go ahead with our booking. As this weekend had been a birthday present it was not the pleasant occasion we had hoped for.

Review 134：The location is great and the fantastic dining room is amazing

Review 135：Being excluded from the restaurant for a pre-booked function. Limited range of fruit options at breakfast.

Review 136：Comfortable, clean, good food with a stylish restaurant.

The Fine Print

There is no lift at the hotel.Please note that the dinner supplement is a 3-course table d'hôte dinner served mainly in the Olympic Suite and occasionally in Hardy's Bistro.