Houndgate Townhouse

Hotels
10 (429 reviews)
11 Houndgate , Darlington , gb

Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
Lift / Elevator
Safety deposit box
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Excellent food
Convenient location
Clean and comfortable rooms
Cons:
No dedicated parking
Occasional noise from the kitchen vent

Categories

Cleanliness
10
General consensus on cleanliness was positive with mentions of clean rooms and comfortable accommodations.
Service
10
Multiple reviews praised the friendly and helpful staff, indicating an exceptional service experience.
Location
10
Frequently mentioned as convenient with easy access to town and various attractions.
Room Quality
10
Rooms were described as comfortable, spacious, and well-decorated.
Amenities
10
Amenities like a restaurant and lift access were appreciated, despite some noise issues.
Value for Money
10
Overall value was considered good, especially for the excellent food and service received.
Food and Beverage
10
Breakfast and dinner quality were highlighted positively across multiple reviews.
Overall Experience
10
Most reviews indicate a very high level of satisfaction with special mentions of repeat visits.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 05:45

Property Description

Luxurious En Suite Accommodation
Step back in time to the 1770s at Houndgate Townhouse, where luxury meets history in central Darlington. The elegant rooms boast super king-size or four-poster beds, high-quality en suite facilities, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers for the ultimate relaxation.

Gastronomic Delights
Indulge your taste buds at the on-site restaurant offering a diverse menu of delectable dishes, from brunch to afternoon tea. The bar complements the experience with a selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Convenient Location
Located just a stone's throw away from Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and a short drive from the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Houndgate Townhouse makes for the perfect base to explore the region's rich history and natural beauty.

Experience luxury, history, and culinary delights at Houndgate Townhouse. Book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Groups

    No special conditions apply for groups.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children from 3 years old to 14 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

10
Based on 429 reviews
Cleanliness: 10
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 10
Amenities: 10
Value for Money: 10
Food and Beverage: 10
Overall Experience: 10
M
Matthew solo_traveller is
8
Quality and comfort in the centre of Darlington
Pros:

We had to book at the last minute and were delighted to find this place right in the centre of Darlington. We got the last room and it was huge and luxuriously appointed with a massive bathroom and walk-in shower. It was fully wheelchair accessible without compromising on the luxury (though we didn't need this, so we cannot comment authoritatively). The restaurant is actually a top-notch fish restaurant with a superb wine list. The breakfast menu was one of the best I have seen. The staff were friendly and helpful, despite us having to change our plans several times. If you want quality and comfort with a central location, this is the place!

Cons:

We only have quibbles here. We were unlucky enough to be visiting during the heatwave. The room is high up with four windows and it has a large fan, so it wasn't disastrous; but there is no denying that air-conditioning would have improved our comfort considerably.

There were intermittent water pressure problems, though they never prevented us from using the facilities and enjoying the huge shower.

There were plenty of plugs but only for one side of the bed.

But these were all minor issues and we would gladly book here again!

2026-06-28 via Nuitee
N
Nick solo_traveller gb
5
Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

2026-06-11 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth solo_traveller gb
10
Pros:

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

Cons:

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

2026-05-27 via Nuitee
P
Peter solo_traveller us
9
Pros:

A lovely hotel in Darlington for many years

2026-05-26 via Nuitee
B
Barbara solo_traveller gb
10
would definately recommend
Pros:

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

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
J
JelliedEe1 Solo travel
10
Superb Hotel & Restaurant; exceptional staff and service...
Pros:

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.

2026-05-14 via Tripadvisor
H
Harjit couple gb
10
Pros:

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

Cons:

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

2026-05-10 via Nuitee
I
Ian solo_traveller gb
9
2026-05-07 via Nuitee
T
Thierry family_with_children nl
10
Pros:

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

2026-04-28 via Nuitee
P
Philip couple gb
10
A visit to the "Hopetown" museum with an unexpected bonus a stay at the "Houndgate Townhouse"
Pros:

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.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-23 via Nuitee
D
David couple us
10
Family history meets casual elegance
Pros:

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!

2026-04-15 via Nuitee
P
paish solo_traveller gb
9
2026-04-02 via Nuitee
C
Clare solo_traveller gb
9
Great food, great stay, very polite staff
Pros:

Very easy all staff were knowledgeable

Cons:

4 times card details had been rejected when done on line . When I arrived the same details were put in on the card machine with no issues.

2026-03-24 via Nuitee
J
Julie solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Clean tidy,very welcoming and the staff and food was amazing

Cons:

N/a

2026-03-22 via Nuitee
T
Tony couple gb
10
Really recommend this place
Pros:

Location and helpful service

Cons:

Slow lift

2026-03-12 via Nuitee
J
Jo couple gb
10
2026-03-08 via Nuitee
D
Diane solo_traveller gb
9
2026-03-07 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth couple gb
8
Luxury, boutique hotel with crazy comfy beds!!
Pros:

The staff were wonderful; they couldn't do enough to help. There was a young woman serving on Sunday breakfast who was so friendly & chatty, a real credit to the hotel. Everyone from housekeeping to the manager & the kitchen team spoke to us. The four poster bed was incredibly comfortable, the roll topped bath in the bedroom was great because it filled quickly & stayed warm. A real luxury. The room was really warm in the depths of January! The decor was absolutely beautiful and it was all spotlessly clean. Large bottles of still & sparking water, robes & slippers (you need them; the beautiful stone floor in the en-suite is cold!) even ear plugs & a lovely DAB radio. Plenty of sockets to charge your tech, hair dryer, lots of mirrors & decent wifi so you could work from here if you are on business. Nice toiletries that smelt lovely, and lots of fluffy towels. Amazing choice at breakfast.
We ate there the first night & my husband had the fish platter which was fantastic. The Sunday lunches looked incredible; we ate elsewhere due to a family event, but wished we'd had the Sunday lunch here! We will be back for it.
We would definitely stay again!

Cons:

It's quite noisy, if you have a room at the front of the property it's a very busy road, traffic & boy racers until midnight on the Saturday night & of course only single glazed as an old property. Also if you are on the 2nd floor you are right above the bar & restaurant & the music feels like it's in the room with you & you can even hear the diners. So if you want a quiet evening & a bath be aware of this. They provide foam ear plugs, but I would suggest taking your own if you can't manage the foam ones. I think they could do with investing in secondary glazing & a thicker carpets in the rooms above the bar. Was disappointed by the lack of selection of teas & milk in the rooms, for such a high end hotel. Only one tea bag each a night & no decaf or herbal tea. They were more than happy to provide a jug of oat milk when we asked, but it was just UHT cartons in the room. When I rang in advance to ask if there was a fridge in the room for insulin, I was told they might be able to put it in the fridge downstairs. As far as I know, It is a legal requirement to provide fridge space for insulin & breast milk etc, I think it would be worth them investing in little fridges for the rooms & then they could provide a little bottle of fresh milk for teas & coffees. So if you have medication that needs to stay cool take a cooler with you.
The TV is small & not on a bracket so you can't watch it in bed; but you can watch it from the bath. We took a big iPad, so I would suggest that if you watch TV on a break away.
The food was good, the fish platter was very good, but I was disappointed that my steak surf & turf came with frozen catering chips. For the price & the fine-dining image they are portraying, I would expect home made fries. So that was a bit disappointing. But the steak was excellent so I am probably being too picky!

2026-03-05 via Nuitee
H
Helen couple gb
10
Exceptional gem of a hotel with staff who go above and beyond
Pros:

10 min walk from railway station, we were welcomed quickly and efficiently despite staff being busy on Friday night. Room on third floor but lift available. Room overlooking front was beautiful. Large bed, very clean and nice touches like sparkling and.still water and coffee bags. Dinner was amazing. Very quiet room at night. Exceptional breakfast. Stayed 2 nights and felt very relaxed. The staff were all so hard working and super efficient. Seemed to be working at night and there in the morning.

Cons:

NA

2026-03-02 via Nuitee
J
Jonathan3366 Friends getaway Darlington, County Durham, England
10
Sixtieth Birthday celebration
Pros:

My lovely wife has spoilt me to a night away and a foodies fairytale of excellence and exquisite wine.
A Birthday treat that was like no other!
Made feel at home as soon as we walked in. Drinks at the bar served by lovely staff and so knowledgeable.
As a chef of forty years under my belt it was such a pleasure to listen to their wine recommendations. A real treat!
The room we had was second to none but 5 star standard. Amazing. A lovely touch from the team, a bottle of Fizz awaiting us as we unpacked.
For me my meal was simply an epicurean delight, Oysters to start which were divine.
Followed by a very comforting surf and turf steak and huge red prawns. Delicious!
Accompanied by a superb bottle of Fleurie. Along with great friends for company, the whole team at Saltfish are simply amazing. So helpful and super efficient!
A massive thank you to you all for making my Birthday so special.
Also….. The best Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini ever!!!
Thank you👌👌👨‍🍳

2026-02-28 via Tripadvisor