Location is good as a base for visiting different places. Swimming pool is good. Freya on reception welcomed us well and even gave us a free drink as it was our anniversary. The staff in the restaurant were helpful even when the coffee machine broke down.

Room 214 is really too small for a king sized bed. It left not enough room to even swing the proverbial cat! The bathroom design is poor, as the soap dispenser is along way from the sink and the lighting provides little above the sink when shaving. Toilet seat is very low and would create problems for someone with knee issues. Breakfast pastries were very doughy, not light and fluffy.

We booked an Executive Room and were allocated room 206 on second - top - floor. Very spacious and well away from the lift which is what was requested. Huge very comfortable bed, with equally comfortable pillows. All very clean and well maintained by housekeeping. Very many thanks to Marius Pectu and his team. Breakfast if booked in advance is good value. We paid £8..00 each or £16.00 for 2 for 2 cooked breakfasts, which is a saving of £6.50 on the on the day price. Cooked breakfast is brilliant. Full English plus croissants, toast, ham, cheese, fruit, tea, coffee, juice, etc. Fratello’s restaurant is very good.

Bathroom, whilst clean is ‘tired’ and parts need a good lick of paint. 12.5% service charge in ‘Fratellos’s’ restaurant added to the bill rather than leaving it to the client to add a tip of choice. Ours would have been 10%.

We loved the breakfast, and the lovely friendly female staff who looked after us during breakfast. The food was very good, especially the Hash Browns!!

The Reception area was clean and tidy on arrival, but the gentleman on reception wasn't overly welcoming. We tried to enter into conversation but only received factual answers without a smile, not very welcoming! When we went to check out we had the same experience! In any job, especially hospitality, front of house need to have staff who will make you feel welcome with a huge smile ...... don't give the guest what they expect, give them more than they dreamed of!

For being a budget hotel, I was very impressed with the Holiday Inn Darlington. I arrived at the hotel at 10pm and was worried about checking in so late. I was glad to see the reception was 24 hours and was greeted by a lovely upbeat lady called Lisa. The bar downstairs was still pretty lively when I arrived but I grabbed a sandwich and went up to my room. A lovely touch was the smart TV. I find that in a lot of budget hotels you have limited channels but I was pleased to have access to Netflix and youtube. The room was clean and the products provided in the the bathroom were surprisingly great. I would definitely stay at this hotel again. It was a total bargain!

Once more we returned to Scotch Corner as the convenient stop off point on the long way home from the Highlands of Scotland. It proved slightly further than anticipated. The staff however welcomed us cheerily, congratulated us husband on his 274 miles on his 5 legs of the LEJOG. They also allowed his expensive bike to be stored overnight in our room which alleviated our qualms so it was not left on the bike rack. The car park has proved very safe with CCTV, well lit and the constant flow of guests and leisure centre users giving the safe vibe an A*. Breakfast was a high standard and Gluten free readily available, clearly labelled and no evidence of cross contamination - always important in keeping husband healthy. Again the staff were on the ball, clearing used p,ages and getting GF order to our table. So just ask and it is given. A high successful last stay on our prolonged time away.

The bathroom extractor fan was very noisy but we reported the fault at reception and they were going to send maintenance.( could not be done during our stay) It was like a drill noise but when we switched off the light there was no noise as the extractor fan shut down which did not inconvenience us further. It proved just a niggle not a major issue.

We booked this hotel as it was half way to were we were going and didnt want to drive 6 hrs straight after a work shift. To be honest wasnt expecting it to be that great for the price paid but it was a brilliant place to stay we had booked an executive room it was a lovely big room a very large bed very clean and the bathroom was spacious and exceptionally clean as was the room. Breakfast was help yourself and plenty to choose from for all dietary requirements. Staff were lovely helpful and friendly and explained what you needed to know on check in. No problem parking as the car park is big didnt get chance to use the pool as time wasnt permitting for us all in all we will be staying again!

Great location to stop over.

Room wasn't, quite as good as the one we stayed in last time on the upper floors. After paying full price for the room for the night,thought the price for a small bottle of prosseco and a pint of beer costing £18.25,was bit stingy . Won't be buying any more in there. No one serving behind the breakfast bar,although the girls who where there where working very hard. Plus you need a new coffee machine,one you had there was a bit temperamental. Stayed there a few times ,may have second thoughts about it again.

We really enjoyed our stay, especially the excellent service. Nothing felt like too much effort, and the staff were attentive and accommodating. The chef went out of their way to offer gluten-free toast and sausages for my husband, which was a really thoughtful touch. Breakfast was spot on, and the room was comfortable, making it great value for the price.

The only downside was that the room felt a little cold, and although there was air con, it didn’t seem to be working. We only realised too late that the portable radiator in the room was there to help. The bathroom floor was also freezing, but luckily, I had brought slippers. Despite this, we had a great stay and would definitely return!

Pleasant stay. Easy access for pickup and drop off with the taxis. The room was comfortable. The walk to the fitness/pool building was surprising, I suppose was ok as can be considered as a short walk for fresh air in all seasons.

The toilet paper looked cheap, it felt thin and cheap for a hotel like the Holiday Inn. There were not enough coffee sticks for coffees in the morning as we were 2 in the room and staying for 2 nights (yes, I could have for more). Thank goodness I brought my own coffee. The breakfast bill was paid twice as i paid on Thursday morning when checking-out as my daughter had paid the day we arrived. Needs to be looked into so this situation doesn't happen to others.

A brilliant locational stop for us going up north to Scotland. Staff excellent. Gluten free catered for at both evening meal and breakfast. Delighted our expensive cycle could be accommodated in the room. Nothing not to like and helped us get a full day in Scotland before our hotel there and before starting more of the LEJOG

Nothing except there was only one large towel in the room. But not a deal breaker and I forgot to ask for one! Did have. Light bulb replaced.