This beautiful old hotel, which is now part of the "Swallow" empire, looks sad and neglected. The carpets on the stairs are curled up in places and could easily trip up somebody with reduced eyesight or mobility. The bathroom is very old fashioned and in need of attention, the toilet seat was very loose and in fact dropped off during our stay.
The staff are friendly and very helpful, nothing is too much trouble.
Breakfast was a huge disapointment with no ham or cheese for the continental breakfast and re-heated curled up tomatoes and crusty baked beans but excellent freshly cooked poached eggs.
The hotel is on the main road so unless you are hard of hearing, I would ask for a room away from the road.
This attractive hotel is in an ideal postion for exploring Durham, and with some serious attention could be excellent.
