Houndgate Townhouse

Check-in was good, really friendly member of staff whomade me feel welcome. Sorry but I can't remember her name. The decor is high quality, stairs and communal areas were lovely, The room was very nice, everything looked high quality. it was very clean, nice thick carpet, excellent pillows and comfy bed. . I was looking forward to a great sleep.

Sorry In advance for the long post. I was initially concerned when told I was in the room above the bar, I asked if it was quiet as I'm a light sleeper and was assured that it won't be busy and any music is turned down at 10:00 p.m. The restaurant was busy early but I wasn't disturbed by any noise untiI I was woken up at 10.40. After 10 minutes wondering what all the noise was I had to get up and see what was going on. It's an open staircase, I look over the banister to find someone hoovering. I'm sorry but who the hell hoovers directly below the bedrooms at that time of night? I asked the chap why he was hoovering and he was told that's the only time he could do it. He said he would try and be quick then carried on even though it was obvious he had disturbed me! It isn't even a big space, It could have been done in 2 minutes anytime during the day, not the 20 minutes he spent doing it just before 11:00 at night. I went back to bed and lay there listening to him carry on hoovering the same small piece of carpet, then the next 5-10 minutes of random noise while I assume he put stuff away. Then unsurprisingly I couldn't sleep. After lying in bed, annoyed and unable to sleep, I thought I'd raise it when they asked me how I slept in the morning. No such luck. The guy who served breakfast didn't want to be there, it was quiet, only two other people having breakfast and they had already been served. He had no reason to be so grumpy as far as I could tell, no real greeting, no pleasantries whatsoever. After my breakfast I asked to check out, no enquiries as to how my stay was, he interrupted my checkout by going to make somebody a coffee, wandered around a bit, came back and gave me my invoice. I asked for a separate receipt for my evening meal from the night before and that was far too much trouble, he just pointed at my invoice saying it's on there. I explained I needed a separate receipt.

Everything the PLC is beautiful & the staff are very welcoming, pleasant,

Everything the PLC is beautiful & the staff are very welcoming, pleasant,

A lovely hotel in Darlington for many years

The location was perfect for my needs and the room was very comfortable. The staff were super helpful particulary the young girl that was on duty in the bar and restraunt

Cannot rate this place highly enough. Perfect location for travelling on business (or social/holidays) in the centre of Darlington just a short walk or cab from the station. Exceptionally decorated and maintained hotel, extremely comfortable rooms/beds, perfectly proportioned. They think of everything - room has space which can be used as a desk or vanity unity, excellent high speed wifi. All floors lift accessible. The bar is brilliant and the restaurant even better - exceptional food at every meal. They host events at times and I can see why; you could have a lovely party / (small-ish) wedding here and everyone would complement the food. Fresh fish, Oysters, vegetarian selection, high quality steaks. Fish is their speciality (Saltfish is the name of the restaurant). Very good selection of wine to suit all tastes and budgets but very, very good quality at all levels. Finally, the thing that really stands out is the service. Jack and his team are just brilliant. Accommodating and welcoming I cannot recommend this place enough. Have stayed twice on business and will be bringing my family back for a leisure break soon.

Right in the centre of Darlington. Car park situated behind the hotel, literally 2 min walk from hotel

Bit noisy in the night from traffic and revellers but hotel did provide earplugs

Best restaurant ever in the UK Amazing food and great staff !!

Our stay was remarkably good. The staff were helpful, friendly and unassuming. Our standard room was comfortable and reasonably sized and had all the right facilities. The ensuite well up to standard too. Dressing gowns, slippers, good toiletries, the full monte as they say. Good night sleep in a quiet neighbourhood but slap in the middle of town. However this is not all. The restaurant was well above standard, specialising in fish dishes but an extensive a la carte. The breakfast cooked and presented to perfection. We will return without a doubt to visit "Hopetown" and this great Hotel.

Nothing

The restaurant, Saltfish, was excellent. They had a rhubarb pavlova that quite simply stunned me. Breakfast was suitable and the tea, British. The host/owner offered very helpful suggestions on getting around and things to visit--Raby Cadtle. GO!