TRIED AND TESTED DURHAM HOT E L
Hotel Indigo, Durham
BAC KGROUND This is a conversion of the Grade II Listed Old Shire Hall, dating from 1896, by architects Howarth Litchfield. There are currently 24 Hotel Indigo properties across Europe, with another 20 set to open over the next five years or so.
WHERE IS IT ? On Old Elvet, which is a ten-minute walk from the historic centre of Durham. The hotel has on-site parking (£12 per day) and electric charging points for cars. If you are taking the LNER (main East Coast line), a taxi is recommended to get from the station to the hotel.
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WHAT ’S IT LIKE? Original period details from the Victorian building’s heyday have been retained or renovated, including the terracotta and brick exterior and the corridors lined with original Burmantofts faience tiles (manufactured in Leeds), stained glass windows depicting local industries, glorious parquet flooring and ornate staircases. The hotel reception is tucked on the lower
ground floor, while steps up to the original entrance take you straight into the rotunda, home to the bar and restaurant. This circular space is so striking that it’s worth a look even if you’re not staying or dining here. Modern, quirky furniture and accessories confirm that this is not your run-of-the mill city hotel.
ROOMS The 83 rooms have been designed around three different themes: Durham cathedral, the university buildings and the scientific research carried out there. The rooms are on four floors, and all but two of them have double beds (there are no twins). Rooms are different sizes but all have
generous proportions, with those on the ground floor, where our room is, having the highest ceilings. We stayed in a science- themed room, which was decorated with vintage prints of the periodic table and a replica of a microscope. Old railway advertisements of Durham add a local touch. There are deep original skirting boards;
walls are in pale grey and dark-grey furniture is modern minimalist, lifted with royal blue. Facililities include a coffee maker and a kettle with a selection of teas, plus a minibar fridge
NOVEMB ER 2018
circular room with triple-height ceilings and stained-glass windows. Grey velvet seating is largely in booth format, lending an intimate air to the space. This is where breakfast is served: a small
The hotel is a short ten-minute stroll from Durham castle and cathedral
with free bottled water and soft drinks. Rooms also have a Handy smartphone loaded with data to use during your stay. Wifi is free, and the TVs allow you, via Chromecast, to watch entertainment from your phone directly on the large screen. The spacious grey-tiled en suite features
a large walk-in power shower with simple controls – a temperature dial and a one- touch button, which you can switch on before you step into the shower.
FOOD AND DRINK The Marco Pierre Steakhouse & Grill and the hotel bar are in the rotunda, which was the old council debating chamber, and is a
buffet of cereals, juices, smoothies and fruit, supplemented with a menu of hot dishes including avocado on sourdough toast with smoked salmon, spinach and grilled halloumi. We also had an evening meal which was delicious, if a little heavy on meat. Main courses ranged in prices, with steaks most expensive and a filling steak-and-ale pie £15.50; starters were around £8 to £10. The only slightly incongruous note is the framed black-and-white pictures of Pierre White. As one of our party remarked, it made the room seem like a shrine to him. Afternoon tea is also available, and in the ornate Rotunda Bar, you can sample tapas sharing plates alongside exclusive wines and boutique beers.
MEE TING S The hotel has one meeting room – The Council Room, which can take 26 in a theatre layout.
LEISURE There is a small gym on the ground floor.
VERDIC T This magnificently converted building is a joy to walk around and a pleasure to stay in. The staff are friendly, and the location is excellent – it is quiet, being far enough away from the main streets and student haunts of Durham, but only a ten-minute stroll from the castle and cathedral. Tom Otley
BE ST FOR
Spending a weekend and feeling like you are a small part of history, or at least staying in it.
DON’ T MIS S
The wood panelling of the rotunda, and the stained glass and tilework of the corridors.
PR ICE Standard double room
£100 per night in November. C ONT AC T
9 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL; 800 98 80 220;
ihg.com
busine s s tr a v eller .com
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