Durham

The Travel Inn rooms really serve quite basic requirements and are the cheapest to be found near the city of Durham. The reasonably comfortable double bed takes up the majority of the room space. Next to this is a sofa which can be converted into an extra single bed for another person if required. Our view overlooking a small car park was nothing spectacular but you get what you pay for and at least the window did let in plenty of light. There is a small adjoining bathroom that provided the minimum space for washbasin, toilet and shower cubicle - a very claustrophobic space with a door that did not close properly. However, all the room amenities were spotlessly clean. There was a small CRT television in the room, a hair dryer and coffee/tea-making machine - all were in good working order.

The staff at the hotel reception were warm, friendly and welcoming at all times. They always seemed willing to help. The reception area however is quite small and although there are a couple of armchairs and coffee making facilities, it's not a place you would want to hang around in. There is a non-smoking pub/bar in a separate building nearby where you can take breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Pub is well maintained and clean with a relaxed atmosphere.

Breakfast at the Pub offers either a traditional English or more continental style. There is a good range of sandwiches for lunch with the choice of several types of bread. It's not cheap but the servings are quite large, especially the breakfast. All the cuisine on offer was of very good quality, the salads seemed fresh and the soups were particularly tasty. The staff provided a friendly service but sometimes the wait did seem excessive. During one afternoon we had to wait for half an hour just for a tuna sandwich. The usual range of beverages that you might expect at any typical English pub were on offer.

The Travel Inn is situated about a 5 to 10 minute drive from the city centre of Durham. It's situated off a main highway and is not a suitable walking distance to the centre so you do need a vehicle of some sort to stay at this hotel. The surroundings are quite tranquil and quiet despite the nearby highway. There are plenty of trees nearby and a well maintained garden near the entrance. Without a car it might be difficult to get a bus to the centre as there was no stop immediately nearby.