Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham

Third time now at this hotel and as on previous stays, great hotel in a great location for visiting Durham. Nice gym and pool/spa facilities and great breakfast. Very comfortable beds. Staff very helpful with any queries or issues. I am overly noise-sensitive and the low hum of the air conditioning unit bothered me, even when it was turned off. I doubt this would bother any other guests though and they very quickly got someone out to turn the whole thing off in the ceiling, for which I was grateful!

We needed a hotel to go to a funeral and stop over for a couple of extra days to be with the family. the location of the hotel is great with it being close to the city centre. We didn't choose a river view but the view from the rear was equally as good and the main northern rail line wasn't a problem as all trains were going slow due to Durham station being very close. We've stayed at several hotels in the area and the Raddisson is probbaly the best there. It's far enough away from the night life for it not to be intrusive.

The location was spot on with its own parking which is rare. We went to reception to register our parking and asked if it was possible to book in early. The lovely receptionist told us that we were “guests of the day” which upgraded us to a better room, overlooking the river, free parking, free breakfast (in bed or in the restaurant) late checkout and 10% of restaurant bookings!!! Simply sublime and completely unexpected as we had never heard of this before. Will definitely stay in this chain again.

The beds were supremely comfortable and we slept very well. Our upgraded room was great - Nespresso machine was welcome. Room 414 was quiet and peaceful. Water pressure was dreadful in sink but good in the shower. One thing - the shower gel on the wall is a bugger to use - after a few trial squirts - missed hand/didn’t come out/a tiny drop - I gave up and used my own. The pool however is not really suitable for a quick swim: the pool area is full of people on three hour Prosecco packages which means every lounger/chair is bagged with a towel. Also no tokens available at the entrance so you need a pound for the locker. I had neither and had to dump everything poolside on a grubby looking windowsill as the one available lounger in a corner was quickly bagged by the person next to it who transferred her enormous wine glass and mobile phone to it when she saw me coming!!!!! We didn’t bother with breakfast- £15 each and five of us - we went into town to a place called Clappers(?) and got four great breakfasts for around £20 (son went to Greggs). I felt for the price £123 breakfast should have been included. Car park is £14 for 24 hours. But a pleasant stay overall.

Our room was comfortable & clean with everything we needed. Staff were very friendly & helpful, the location was ideal & breakfast was extremely enjoyable - a lovely variety & high quality.