The staff were very friendly and helpful. A special mention must be made for Amy, who, despite juggling various jobs at the same time, still had time to talk, cooked a lovely breakfast, and even helped us down with our luggage when it was time to leave. The room was small but comfortable, and the facilities perfectly adequate for our needs. We had two single beds. These were quite low and we struggled a bit to get out of them in the mornings, but this was due to our mobility not being good, not the beds' fault. Once in them, they were very comfortable. The location was perfect as just outside was a bus stop that took us into Durham city centre. Very convenient as we don't drive. Although this is a pub, you couldn't hear anything from below once you were in your room. My wife and I would definitely stay here again.

The only slight thing was the number of stairs you had to climb as we were in room 2, which was on the second floor. We both struggled at times, especially after being out for the day. Again however, this was more due to our mobility problems as we both struggle to get round at times, not the pub's fault.

A (even stereo)typical English B&B inside a Pub, from the fact that you enter through the pub and all the regular customers look at you. The room was rather simple, and the bathroom (although belonging to the room) was outside the room itself. But all the charm associated with traditional English pubs is there as well, including an amazing Full English Breakfast served on wonderful English china, and the old wood decorations in the pub and B&B could tell stories. Also, a great value for the money.

The location is a bit out of the way, but the bus stop (taking you to the central bus station, which is near the train station), is right in front of the B&B. Otherwise, see above.

Spotless throughout. My bedroom was much bigger than what a hotel would offer! It was so warm and cosy. I didn’t have breakfast but the menu looked lovely and the price extremely reasonable. I felt very safe as a lone female, staying at The Shoes. The owners are lovely and welcoming and also the lady who does the housekeeping. I was only staying for 2 nights and didn’t expect my room to be cleaned. But she kindly offered. You wouldn’t get this service in a hotel. This is my 3rd visit and won’t be my last! My son is a university student, and I’d recommend this simple but lovely accommodation for those visiting their kids.

Nothing!

The breakfast was substantial, very good and served in a most friendly manner. The room was better than I had imagined, with a small but private bathroom. Supermarket next door, whose parking area was shared with The Shoes. Easy access. No noise from the pub late night. An excellent choice in friendly and comfortable surroundings.

The ideal distance to the town centre was countered by its being a stiff climb back up to The Shoes - not suitable for the less able bodied, although parking at Prince Bishops Place can provide a good base from which to see the city.

The staff were so lovely, received a warm welcome from the staff upon arrival and at breakfast the following morning. The room was very spacious with the ability to open the windows and a good sized bathroom. The shower had great pressure. Lovely Breakfast with a Full English served (a la carte) and cereals, yoghurts, orange juice available from the buffet.

Previous Tenants rubbish was not emptied sadly from the bathroom. Location was a struggle whilst coming from Durham city centre, the hill is very big, although buses are available from right outside the property and would take 5 mins into the city. Beds were fairly standard but did the job for a single person.

Very clean, comfortable, tea and coffee facilities. Great shower with good controls. Spacious and sizeable storage. Frequent bus service to City 20yds away.

Bedside table lamp not plugged in but when I sorted it, flex a bit short leaving toggle switch behind the side table. Not a problem for me but could be for someone not so savvy! No decaf coffee-minor niggle. Stayed here a few times pre pandemic but booking through the agency missed the Breakfast button (they do a good one!) However Durham City itself has handy breakfast outlets but believe parking can be nightmare!

Very friendly staff; the hotel is very clean and comfortable with pleasant decor, and dinner in the restaurant was delicious. Fabulous location in wonderful scenery.

Sadly, as is not uncommon, the walls seemed very thin. Conversation at normal level on one side was perfectly audible, while on the other a man was talking and laughing very loudly until almost midnight. It would be nice if the piped music could perhaps be switched off in one of the communal rooms downstairs, so guests could have a quiet place to e.g. sit and read.

Very cosy home from home experience. Yet it had the quietness and privacy I needed. Warm clean rooms. Good facilities, and staff available if I needed them. The cleaning lady even offered to clean my room after the first night, which was very kind even though I didn’t need it. There is a little walk to town which was fine for me. My son, a student lives in the other side of town near viaducts, so we’d both walk in to town and meet there. If you don’t want to walk, there are regular buses. Also a breakfast is available at shoes but I didn’t have it. Reviews show though that it’s very good and great value. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe at the shoes and would recommend it to anyone in a similar position. It’s such good value and much more restful than the more expensive corporate hotels. Save money on accommodation and use that bit extra for a nice meal in one of the many Durham restaurants!!😋

Nothing!

We had a super stay, the staff were all lovely & couldn’t do enough for us. Billy’s breakfasts set us up for all day! Marvellous, generous traditional full English- fantastic! We hope to go back again. Thank you.

It is right on a main road & my partner had to close the window because of the noise of the traffic. However, we wanted somewhere close to the city centre & it took us about 30 mins to walk in from here - along the river. A beautiful leisurely stroll along the river; down hill on the way in with a steep up hill on the way home. I would not recommend this walk to anyone with mobility issues. There again, we never took a bus & there looked to be plenty thundering by.

The Shoes is a local landmark — a typical British B&B with rooms above a pub. My room was cozy, clean, and perfect for a short stay. It was within walking distance of the city center, making it ideal for my two-day visit.

The beds were extremely soft — it felt like I was sleeping on a water mattress! Unfortunately, the welcome wasn’t very friendly. When I asked for a nearby cafe to have breakfast, they didn’t make much effort to help. I ended up finding one just around the block using Google Maps.