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If you're picky, this probably isn't the place for you but if you're more the straightforward, no-nonsense type, it ticks all the boxes that matter. My room was clean and tidy, the bed comfortable and the breakfast kept me sated until late afternoon. If you have dietary requirements, though, you'll have to speak up. I was simply asked what time I'd like breakfast. There was no mention of options, vegan needs etc. I simply finished my toast and cereal and a glorious full English was put in front of me. My only dietary requirement is 'generous portions', so this approach worked perfectly for me but it won't suit everyone. The gentleman serving breakfast was a man of few words. Not rude or stand-offish, just reserved. If you loathe morning people and small talk in equal measure like I do, you'll love him. And as for the night before, don't worry about being away from the city centre. There's a Sainsburys and Vietnamese restaurant within easy walking distance, so you won't starve. The final plus point for me was the price of £43. £40-£50 cheaper than more central alternatives in a city that seems to think it's Kensington. I would definitely stay at The Shoes again.

I rate this place very highly. A very warm welcome as soon as we entered. The room was very comfortably decorated. The bathroom was lovely and the quality of the towels and bed linen was good. The bed and pillows were very comfortable - even for my husband! The breakfast was excellent and the service was friendly. There was nothing more you could want. They even had delicious homemade jam! A really great experience all round.it is possible to walk into Durham centre from here too

This is a great value hotel. You pop across the car to spend what you want on breakfast in the health club. Ok some complained £2 for 2 Weatabix steep but you can have avocado and poached egg on toast very reasonable. The rooms are fine, nothing wrong with any that we had, premium or standard. All clean. The service was great, friendly and helpful. Having to keep having the key cards reprogrammed is a pain but we just did it every time we came in. Location is a bit out but that makes it quiet and there is a Sainsbury’s, pharmacy and Copland just 10 mins walk away.

This is a great place to stay! The staff are very kind and helpful, the rooms are wonderful - lots of power points in useful places! - and the location is lovely, close to the railway station, a short walk into the centre and some beautiful riverside walks. I’ll definitely be back.

I arrived to welcoming, super friendly receptionist and was instantly made to feel at home! Luckily, there were also able to offer me an upgrade on the day to the penthouse (which I would highly recommend booking - its fabulous!). After a 5 hour journey from London, the freestanding bath and delicious hot cooked breakfast in the morning were a great! Thanks to the brilliant chef, June and her lovely colleague Alex. You made this stay very special, relaxing and memorable. I felt fully recharged and rested! This boutique has a really homely feel to it and I would definitely stay again.

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!

Was not my first choice but booked this hotel for my graduation at Durham University since all other hotels are fully booked. The hotel is relatively old but clean and has all the amenities needed (including an iron and the ironing board). Nice and friendly staff at the reception, who kindly assisted with the printing of some documents. Good location because it is within walking distance from the Durham Cathedral and the campus

Second visit to this great hotel in an historic building. Reception staff are consistently excellent, friendly and helpful (apologies I am not sure of the girl who helped us out during our stay, but she was super professional). Restaurant staff are also super - front of house, and all the team superb. The rooms are spacious and very clean. The bar is fab and a great space to relax. Only one minor suggestion is to give the coffee bar staff some professional barista training - it’s a plus point for the hotel to have a good coffee bar.