Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel 4 stars

A weekend event with one of the steam locomotive charities I support brought me back to the Kings, for the first time in this Covid world. My wife was with me and our request for a room near the lift to minimise walking and stairs had been met. Menus were limited but we enjoyed simple bar food and a served breakfast. Above all the abiding memory is the warmth and friendliness of the staff - greeting me as a returning guest, noticing the little things and keeping us informed during our stay capped by an efficient check out into the cold autumn sunshine. Everything an hotel stay should be!

From being ignored by staff who were looking away from the desk, to having to ring 0 for someone 6ft away to realise we were there, to being put in 428, clearly last 'privilege' used with damp all down one wall. To the decorating in 365 not being quite right, the clear line around the headboard where they stopped painting, old lamp sockets not being changed so the new lamps are plugged into all the available sockets. To the steaks, the service and the atmosphere(or lack of it) in the bar. To the lack of interaction or a smile from passing staff. It was all slightly disappointing. Not enough to moan but not the luxury, romantic getaway we had envisioned when we booked.

Excellent hotel in centre of town, the town has improved immensely, friendly and helpful staff, had a great weekend, room was clean and had everything I needed, could not want for anything more, will definitely stay again.

I have stayed here before but this is the first time under COVID-19 restrictions. The hotel is making the best of a difficult situation. I was disappointed that the restaurant was closed and the usual excellent kipper breakfast was not available but the breakfast bags left outside my room were thoughtful in their contents, healthy, and nutritious. Just a shame that they forgot to deliver one morning. Staff were friendly but no one was wearing masks, neither staff nor guests.

great location only downside is limited carparking at the hotel. staff are great and the rooms always clean and welcoming. Breakfast currently due to Covid is take away but well presented and good range of foods.

Did not Stay as you cancelled after I drove 270 miles to nurse a terminally ill woman.

A better stay than the last time. Over all the room was better. Lovely welcoming staff. Great hotel and great location.

Free parking in a city centre - always good these days. Good efficient check in. Nice room. Good restaurant service

Very loud, abusive and inconsiderate group of youths who were staying in next room. Tap was seriously leaking and hot water setting was at scalding. Very dangerous. No bar open after 10pm the whole weekend. Impossible to get an alcoholic drink after that. When asked, I was told they had not had anything to do so had decided to close the bar. I am disabled and get about on my mobility scooter. On one occasion I was stuck in lift - it refused to move. Not happy at all and will need some persuading if I am to go back there after 20 years of loyal patronage.

The overall feeling I had was that of confirmation of diminishing service over the last 2 years I have been staying at the Kings hotel.

Labyrinthine set-up, mediocre rooms and a location I wouldn't feel safe in out at night on my own... Staff were great though!

Easy to find and well situated for our needs

hotel room was perfect everything we needed was there lovely stay

went to a concert iat the Hippodrome Darlington and this hotel was a few minutes away. The bedroom was pleasant and quiet and the bed was comfortable.Prior to the event we had a good meal at the hotel. It was good and te waitng staff were attentive, but not overwhelming. After a good nights sleep had very good breakfast. All I expected from a hotel in the Accor group.

Only problem was the shower which leaked onto the floor as it was designed without a door. Small fault in an otherwise lovely stay.