The City Hotel

Really well kept lovely room. All provided for a great overnight stay. Warm and cosy too on a cold windy night. Over a busy bustling pub which we really heard nothing just saw on check in. Nice friendly lady took us promptly to the room despite being busy at the bar. Central to many restaurants and the cathedral as we had come for the illumination festival there. I would definitely recommend wholeheartedly this reasonably priced and well looked after place. And their efficient and smiling staff. Hope to visit again and definitely would mention to friends to stay.

I like The City, I’ve visited fairly regularly for a few years now and I like the atmosphere and it’s done out nicely and the Prosecco is a good price. It has one big problem though - it keeps closing early. The last few times we’ve tried to go and it’s been closed or we’ve been told it’s last orders at 2200 because ‘there’s no one in’, even when we are sat there with our drinks. The barmaid tried one time to chuck us out early and our lift wasn’t there so we wouldn’t leave till our lift arrived but she still closed as soon as we left. Last night my friend and I wanted to go to The City and we walked past the window, we saw people inside having a drink. Oh good, we thought. They’re open. We scarcely got in the door (in fact we only got half through the door) and the barmaid said ‘we’re closed! There’s only 5 people in so it’s not worth staying open’ !!! So those 5 customers must have felt properly insulted - they’re not worth staying open for. This was at 2115 on a Thursday night on a bank holiday weekend. I am absolutely incensed at the stupidity of this policy. So the barmaid (who is not the owner btw) is turning away more custom because she can’t be bothered to take the money. If you keep closing early, no wonder you have no customers, people soon get fed up of turning up when you should be open and finding you closed, or enjoying a drink and being told you’re not worth keeping the pub open for. And FYI there were plenty of potential customers about - they were all next door in The Half Moon, they were full! They must love the barmaid at The City. I wonder does the boss know that this is now standard practice at The City? He’s probably wondering why his takings have dropped. Have a look in The Half Moon, they’re in there.

Great friendly staff, clean welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices. Nothing seemed too much trouble for the team and they actively tried to help you get the best deals. Collector cards for drinks was a very welcome bonus. Definitely worth a visit.

1 night stay in the penthouse for lumiere weekend with friends. Fantastic accommodation close to everything. Gillian was wonderful and really helpful, Balloons and a birthday card were supplied in the room as it was my sisters birthday, really lovely and appreciated. Gillian went out of her way to make us feel welcome and explained everything to us on arrival, even got us into our room early. We stayed Friday night and weren't really bothered by too much noise, although ear plugs are provided as rooms are above the bar. The bar is great, good selection of drinks and they have a stamp card scheme, for residents it's buy 3 get 1 free. Live music on Friday night's, although unfortunately the singer wasn't able to attend due to parking issues with the lumiere event on. No breakfast option but lots of options close by, we went to chapters for breakfast which is a few minutes walk across the bridge(delicious) the room was more like a small apartment with a small kitchen with cooker/hob and fridge. Large double bedroom, single bed and sofa bed in living room. Bathroom with shower over bath, it was massive considering we were only expecting a room. Everything was spotless, no dishcloth though so couldn't wash our chips. Fantastic value for money and wouldn't hesitate to book again! Thank you to all at the city rooms!

Stayed at this hotel for a two-night break in Durham with my partner. Staff were really welcoming & friendly. We had a double room with a ensuite which was clean & comfortable. Little extras like chocolates & sweets, tea, coffee and biscuits were appreciated. Enjoyed a few drinks in the bar downstairs too. Great location to explore Durham, only a short walk to the centre and train station. Would definitely stay here again if returning to Durham.

Smartly decorated and clean rooms. Easy walking distance to durham historic centre. Bar noise until closing time, but these are rooms above a pub, so it's expected. Parking on public pay and display on nearby streets.expect o pay about £5 per day. Plenty of nearby eateries, but no food available at three hotel.