Well doesn't look like I'm going, no hotels/b and bs apartments available anywhere in Newcastle, Whitley Bay, Sunderland, tynemouth north or South Shields, Gateshead for less than £770 for one night for two rooms.
For goodness sake take it back to Manchester RFL!!!

Durham and Sunderland Travelodges are still around £50 for Saturday night.

Looked again and Sunderland travelodge was quoting £89 that's with no cancellation. £99 with cancellation Available. Problem we have is we need family rooms.
Managed to get a very nice Hilton in Sunderland for £80 with free cancellation that's on the metro line. It's a joke that the same day as it's announced you struggle to get a room.
Bring back Manchester on the bank holiday!

I understand what you're saying, and I might be waaay off the mark, but wasn't the point of Magic Weekend to try and grow the sport in areas which RFL isn't so popular? The Etihad was quality tbf, but in the medium to long term we could do with a North East team to grow the sport. Personally, I'd have them popping Newcastle Thunder into the schedule as well...

Nobody likes being ripped off, fans will probably vote with their feet and make it a day trip. l always go for 2,3 days, but thats mainly because l,m visiting UK, but l will stay out of town to avoid the hike in prices. last year went on the Giants trip(Emma and Richard) stayed near Bishop Auckland, good deal, drank in Newcastle at the Irish Community , normal prices, near to stadium.
Paying high prices at central hotels only encourages them