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.

After spending one night room only at the City Rooms I felt compelled to write this review. This establishment is a pub with bedrooms above on the first floor. Our party of six had two rooms reserved both of which have been recently renovated to a high standard. The penthouse suite sleeps four people and in addition has a fully equipped kitchen area comprising of sink, fridge, microwave, oven crockery, plus tea/coffee facilities. A single bed and a single sofa-bed are situated just off the kitchen area with the second room which is a double bed situated on the same floor. There is a shared bathroom, full bath with overhead shower and complimentary toiletries which was a really nice touch! Room 9 a double bedded room is down one flight of stairs and this room has also undergone a recent renovation, it also has an awesome bathroom with complimentary toiletries. This pub/hotel is centrally located so it may be a little noisy for those travellers looking for somewhere quiet to stay. After researching hotels in the same area the City Rooms became our first choice based on value for money. On behalf of my party I would like to say a big thank you to Gillian who made us feel very welcome and who couldn’t do enough for us. We will most certainly be returning.

Thanks for such a brilliant stay. You guys are the best in Durham. Anybody visiting Durham you need to go to The City Bar. You really are the best in town. For people like me working away from home it's decent to find such a warm welcome.

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.