A historic hotel at the heart of Newcastle has unveiled the results of a £1.2m (US$1.6m, €1.3m) refurbishment.

The Grade II-listed Grey Street Hotel, which is owned by the Malhotra Group, has retained many of its historically features such as its art nouveau tiling and mosaic flooring.

The hotel has remained open throughout the 18-month phased refurbishment.

Development has included refurbishment of its 49 bedrooms, an extension, a revamped main conference room, a smaller meeting room, and a new spa. 

Each bedroom has a feature wall bearing a large-scale image of a Tyneside landmark - including the neighbouring Theatre Royal - or figure, such as Earl Grey, from whom the street and hotel take their name.

The hotel’s layout has changed with the relocation of the entrance and the creation of All About You, an urban spa.

For corporate customers, the hotel’s main conference room, the Monument Suite, has been extended to hold up to 100 people, while a smaller meeting room, The Snug, can accommodate six people.

Atul Malhotra, Malhotra Group operations director, said: “This development goes way beyond cosmetic.

“We’ve taken an entirely fresh look at the space to widen its appeal to residents and non-residents alike and to ensure it is as attractive to the city’s business community and spa-goers as it is to those visiting from outside the region.

“Our challenge has been in providing the standard of luxury and comfort today’s hotel visitors expect, while respecting the building’s historical and architectural significance and I am confident we have achieved this.”