The food was exceptional. We had booked 7 nights bed and breakfast, but after dinner on the first night decided to eat at the Bowes Incline every night. The menu was sufficiently varied to allow different choices each night. The food wasn't overly fancy but it was really good food, good portions and exceptionally well cooked. The restaurant was always busy even though at the end of a no-through road (no passing custom). So the locals clearly know it is a great place to eat. Breakfasts were similarly good and we didn't need lunch on any day. All the staff were really friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. The bed was comfortable. The room was clean.

This isn't a criticism but a suggestion. The room was a good size but only had a chair one side of the bed. A second chair would fit the other side and would be a good idea in some rooms to allow couples to avoid having to sit on the bed which isn't as comfortable. The room doors don't close quietly, making it noisy if guests retire late or are up early.

The hotel and rooms are very modern comfortable with excellent breakfast. The highlight must be the pub & restaurant attached where the food is outstanding. Serving typical pub menu with generous portions. If you are staying at the hotel, don't even consider eating elsewhere and make sure you have your appetite. As the hotel is just off the A1, we stayed here as a base to visit Durham, Newcastle, Beamish, Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, Sea Houses and the Metro centre. Will definitely come again and explore other places in the vacinity. It's even a great overnight, stop if driving to Scotland from the south.

We have stayed here before and the room was faultless. This time we had a different room and one of the beds was squeeky and the TV wasn't great. This was a minor issue, but we would definitely come back.

Room and the rest of the hotel was clean and very pleasant. On ground floor overlooking grassed area (with rabbits). Food good and hot. There was a choice of red wine - the one we chose turned out to be really nice. Triple glazing removed 99% of the noise of the adjacent motorway. Parking plentiful. Staff helpful and pleasant. Toilet and shower new with good hot water and towel drying radiator.

We arrived at 17:45 after dawdling a bit at Beamish. Then told that the restaurant "finished at 6pm on a Sunday night". I cannot find where that was mentioned on Booking.com where under "is there a restaurant" it simply tells me that it will be open during our stay. We hurried in and ordered but it seems they continued to accept orders up to 18:30. Early closing would not have been a problem had we been forewarned. Why are shower trays made with a mirror-finish floor? Deadly if previous tenants had used hair conditioner. A small rubber "sucker" mat was provided but we had to use the foot towel to walk on to exit the shower which was much bigger than the sucker mat that was provided.

It was very comfortable, super quiet in the room, charming, friendly staff and absolutely gorgeous food in the restaurant. Super popular with locals as a place to eat which speaks volumes. Well run, understandable to pre order breakfast in this day and age - must help with running costs- no great hardship- I’d maybe add a description or photo to the pre order menu to help with the ‘custom breakfast ‘ box. Eggs were cooked to perfection both mornings. The only other thing that I’d change for the whole stay - not a complaint but always room to improve - given it’s 4 star status, would be a fridge in the room with fresh milk for the teas/coffees and also a coffee pod machine rather than sachets. Having said that, we’d definitely book and stay again.

Everything. Yes everything. The price was a bargain as it included breakfast. The full English was huge and perfectly cooked. The choice was extensive. Even Eggs Benedict. The room was large and recently refurbed. Enormous shower cubicle. We opted to eat in the restaurant and our two meals were delicious. And also huge. Like the room rate the meal cost was reasonable to the extreme. We paid twice the amount at a hotel two nights prior. We stay 50 to 60 nights per year in hotels and this place is in our top 3 for the last 12 months (or more!). We told the staff and we are telling you. This place is a gem. Family owned so none of the chain hotel bull. Oh. Nearly forget. The staff are great.

Absolutely Nothing.

The hotel has kerb appeal, it is nicely lit with lovely planting which amounts to a very good first impression. The hotel reception staff was very friendly, welcoming and efficient, another positive. On entering our room my 15yr old granddaughter said "wow, this is not too shabby" apparently this is a seal of approval:-) the room was spotless, the bathroom was fitted to a very high standard and the beds and pillows were very comfortable. We had dinner in the restaurant which was excellent as was breakfast. The staff were all very friendly and there was a lovely atmosphere. I will unhesitatingly return and recommend to all my friends and family.

There was nothing to dislike!

staff and food very nice ( dont pick the specials extreemely expensive..£20 for a bowl of noodles? ) good value early bird offer in the bar/ restaurant.extreemly clean, great size room and bathroom.good tv offering, free parking, very good location.room great value for two with breakgast included..i was solo but still good value

a very windy night ( which it can be in that location), lots of intermitent noise outside the window ( sounded like things being scraped around) but just trees outside, so now clue about that.another room were up all night! i heqrd talking, tv? whatever..they were still chattering at 3.30am and again at 6.30am..if i could have been bothered i would have persued the matter but with the clocks going back and some personal issues, i was knackered.maybe a sign on reception to say please be mindful of other guests?

What a hidden gem!! The hotel is lovely, staff were friendly and the adjoining restaurant was fantastic. This hotel is located right behind the A1 but you do not hear and traffic noise, and maybe a little far if your wanting to head into the city, but we just wanted a nice quiet night so it was ideal for us. We only stayed for one night before we were due to go away the next day. On arriving the staff were very friendly they advised us to book a table for the restaurant which we did and what can I say the food was fantastic. The portions were great and the food was homemade, and some of the pies I saw come out look so good I wish I had ordered one. The room was also inclusive of breakfast which also did not disappoint, full English and also a continental selection. I will definitely be recommending to family and friends and will be booking in the future.

My only issue... (and I'm only nit picking as I couldn't really find fault) is that in outlr room (6) there was a huge crack in the wall from behind the wardrobe to the window.

Stayed here for a long weekend whilst visiting Beamish Open Air Museum. The staff were very pleasant and friendly. Rooms were modern and bed very comfortable. As stated in other reviews you have to order breakfast the night before and give the time you want it, but this wasn't a problem. The result being that you got a hot and tasty plate of food almost immediately. I was a bit worried on arrival that the hotel was very close to the motorway but once inside no traffic noise could be heard. Definitely stay again if I am ever in the area.

Excellent from start to finish. Contacted the hotel before the stay and communication was prompt and clear. Room very well presented, clean, warm and a good size. Restaurant and bar also very well presented and the food was excellent (portions are quite big) and very reasonably priced. Last but not least, every member of the staff was polite, friendly and very welcoming! We will use again next time we stay in the area.

It's not really a didn't like, but hopefully more helpful to someone visiting the first time and arriving in the dark - the hotel is accessed by a small country lane, just keep going and the hotel is just after the riding school.