Farnley Tower  

This is a private hotel essentially offering bed and breakfast but with an exceptional gourmet restaurant attached. The room we were in was spacious, comfortable, warm and with incredible views over the castle, the cathedral and the town itself. The breakfasts are superbly cooked. The restaurant is unique. My wife was raised in a British Embassy where her father was Ambassador and her former husband was a chef of considerable reputation yet all she kept saying was "I've never had a meal like this". And believe me she meant it as a compliment. The hotel is also dog friendly with grounds large enough and safe enough for exercise. All this in almost the centre of Durham. Exceptional.

Well, it's pretty hard to find on a cold black night and when you get there in the rain the exterior of this great Victorian edifice is gloomy and Dickensian, raising pangs of trepidation. However, the warmth of the greeting dispels this and somehow you never notice it again. It must be a beautiful place on a warm summer night. The uniquness of the restaurant is such that you wouldn't want to eat there every night largely because you'd worry you might damage the memory of the pleasure of first eating there. Snacks are available as an alternative but if you were staying for a while you'd need to go out for dinner some nights. The management happily provide recommendations.

Ambience and luxury decoration.

Bed uncomfortable and no filter coffee in the morning (advertised filter coffee). Instant awful!

The location of this hotel was conveniently close to the city centre to visit the attractions, E.G. shops, restaurants, castle/ university and cathedral. I liked the period building, as it gave the hotel 'character', unlike some modern buildings which can often feel quite soulless. The room was spacious, clean and nicely furnished. Both full English and Continental breakfasts were well prepared and tasty. Last, but by no means least, the staff were friendly, caring and polite. We enjoyed our stay very much.

Very friendly Hotel. Loved the look and feel of hotel. We were visiting family so didnt get to eat at the restaurant. Maybe next time. Lovely views of castle and cathedral.

It was a hotel with some nice period features and pleasant views from the breakfast room. The bedroom was nice and warm and I was able to ajust the heat on the heaters. There was plenty of hot water for baths and showers. The bedroom was a good size and the beds were comfortable. The staff were helpful and friendly

In my opinion the hotel is not 4 star, which is was rated as on Booking.com, 3 star would be nearer the mark. Our room was billed as ' superior twin room' Superior it was not. My room had a view of the fire escape and a bleak concrete yard. The tv was small and old. The furniture was all imitation plastic wood and the trim around the bath was a bit grey and tatty in places. The coffee at breakfast was diabolical and the food, while plentiful was tasteless. It tasted as if it were supermarket 'value' basics.

Friendly homely hotel with fantastic breakfast frshly cooked to order

Nice atmosphere, pleasant staff. Very spacious room with good decor and very clean. I was travelling alone but felt perfectly comfortable. Good breakfast. Pleasant walk down to centre of Durham - bit harder coming back up!

Only thing I did not like was no proper curtain or blind at the very lovely large bathroom window! However I mentioned this on leaving and there is ususally a curtain present.

Very friendly, accommodating hotel. Good views and very quiet location.

I've stayed at Farnley Tower for at least half a dozen occasions over the last four years. I always look for accommodation there before else where. The staff are very obliging and I feel the hotel has a warm friendly atmosphere. I love the building with it's wonderful stain glass windows, Victorian tiled entrance hall and high ceilings. The rooms are large and comfortable. Having breakfast in the dinning room with it's wonderful vista of the city is an added bonus. It might be an idea to offer complimentary shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom especially as a hair dryer is provided and I and one other in my party forgot to pack shampoo. On this recent occasion I and my party were offered tea whilst we waited for our Taxi to arrive and take us to the station for the train. I thought that was a nice touch and everyone in my party commented on it. That may have been a little thing but to us it meant a lot as it's the little things that matter as much as the more obvious comforts.

The price and the fact that it was warm (would have been greatly appreciated if it was cold outside)

Room 2 was quite scruffy, particularly the carpet and shower room (dont think it had been hoovered for a while). Shower head sprayed everywhere and would not fix to the wall when on. We got soaked trying to shut it off! Also the room was boiling with 3 radiators and only one window that opened, the others were painted shut. Breakfast wasnt brilliant but amazing that it was included in price

Room large and clean; staff friendly; wide range of facilities; excellent value.

Only stayed the one night so not a lot to tell. Welcome was very friendly,view from the room overlooking the city was lovely.

A very warm welcome from staff who could not do enough for us. An immaculate, beautiful room with great view. Breakfast was lovely with lots of choice. Would highly recommend hotel.