Houndgate Townhouse

Houndgate Townhouse descritpion

Thought to date back to the 1770s, Houndgate Townhouse provides an elegant setting for luxurious en suite accommodation in central Darlington. With a restaurant, bar and lounge, it also offers free Wi-Fi and room service.
Rooms feature super king-size or four-poster beds and high-quality en suite facilities with bathrobes, slippers and toiletries provided. Each room has a TV, radio, hairdryer and safe.
The Houndgate Townhouse restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu of tempting dishes, including brunch and afternoon tea. The bar serves cocktails, wines and spirits, and tea, coffee and cake during the day.
Darlington lies around 24 miles south of the vibrant university city of Durham, and 37 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Around 30 minutes east of the Yorkshire Dales, the area’s attractions include the impressive Raby Castle, built in the 14th century and 25 minutes’ drive from Darlington.

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The staff speaks English——Houndgate Townhouse's staff speaks:French,English
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Facilities of Houndgate Townhouse

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and charges apply.

Services ：Room Service | 24-Hour Front Desk | Daily Housekeeping

Languages Spoken ：French | English

Reviews for Houndgate Townhouse

Review 1：staff in the bar and at breakfast didn't seem to be experienced, waited for ever for our drinks to arrive, cancelled 2nd round as it took way to long. Breakfast was not busy but service was poor on all three days although food was good.

Review 2：loved the room, very comfortable and clean, great location.

Review 3：I wish it wasn't in Darlington!

Review 4：Staff were superb from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. Really personal service, and they go above and beyond. Room was beautiful, bed was huge and really comfortable and I didn't want to leave!

Review 5：The staff could not have been more helpful, they made our stay so comfortable and enjoyable, my sister and myself stayed in room 5 (as she got married on Sat 2nd Jan) then the married couple stayed in room 2 on their wedding night. We cannot praise the staff, location, food and service. Thank you all :)

Review 6：The water in the bath was tepid ? Faulty thermostat .. We reported it

Review 7：Beautifully situated with very nice atmosphere . We were sorry not to be able eat on the evening( deep clean going on ) but breakfast was super - proper bread and porridge with lovely platter of fresh fruit

Review 8：Spotlessly clean, beautiful décor and impeccable service from the young and friendly team - they could not do enough for us and took the trouble to anticipate our needs. Very impressive.

Review 9：Lack of parking Very noisy at night Very cold bathroom No place to hang dresses and coats No clock No in room tea maker Deliveries coming thru dining room at breakfast No lounging chairs any where

Review 10：Lovely decor and fittings Good breakfast, service a bit slow Friendly staff

Review 11：No tea making facility, but staff happy to bring tea and coffee to your room 24/7

Review 12：Excellent accommodation, staff brilliant, Breakfast all freshly cooked and a good choice - location very handy for both train station and town. First class stay.

Review 13：Because the hotel had no parking it meant we had to park in the council car park and carry our luggage to the hotel. We had to ensure we had a ticket on the car by 0800 hours when charges started.

Review 14：Room was a nice size and was clean and tidy and was a short walk to the city centre. The staff was friendly and attentive.

Review 15：I don't have a bad word to say...

Review 16：From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, The Houndgate felt like home. The location is perfect, rooms are amazing, the staff are wonderful and the food and drink - just divine. The hotel has been designed with precision to celebrate the history of the building's previous lives and Darlington. We'll be back sooner rather than later.

Review 17：Very poor coffee just like coloured water had no taste, food just alright. asked for bacon and egg sandwich on white bread and got brown bread instead.

Review 18：Nice décor and room very comfortable

Review 19：The only down side is that there isn't tea and coffee facilities in the room, which is surprising as there was water, fluffy robes and extras you wouldn't expect.

Review 20：Top quality fixtures and fittings, lovely atmosphere, fantastic bed and bathroom. Great location and great breakfast. Definitely worth a return trip.

Review 21：The only thing we could complain about was the noise outside was very loud as the windows are very thin.

Review 22：Everything from the food to the decor was amazing.

Review 23：I only booked one night and arrived quite late. The staff could not have been more helpful, friendly and welcoming My room was spotless, modern and comfortable Great shower Breakfast was included in the price and was fresh and home made A little gem of a hotel!

Review 24：The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. The hotel remodel was fun and quirky. The information book great fun and full of historical information. Rooms very comfortable. Breakfast was excellent with lots of choice. I would stay again in an instant! Great job folks!

Review 25：Staff were lovely. Lots of extra's such as putting a ticket on our car for us in the morning. Free paper and coffee and tea! Very friendly and clean place!

Review 26：Staff were wonderful especially lady from Northallerton I think her name was Rebecca, who was in charge.What a superb person. Patient, charming, totally efficient, helpful, smiling and friendly. We would employ her any time! Room was lovely, linen and towels beautiful, bed so comfortable. Bathroom large and perfect. Everything spotlessly clean. Early morning coffee served in room was first class. Breakfast was excellent. We look forward to going back.

Review 27：Parking was a pay & display around the corner which was full the day I arrived so I had to park a 5 minute walk away. It's easier/cheaper to pay for the parking online as you can pay for 24 hours rather than having to keep topping up at machines. (You need to get the car park number from the pay & display info boards). No tea & coffee making in rooms but staff did offer drinks to be brought up to room.

Review 28：The staff were all super friendly and helpful. Great central location and beautiful rooms. Cocktails in the bar were delicious.

Review 29：Nothing at all with the hotel, just a pub near by with loud music, wasn't bad enough to use the earplugs supplied though.

Review 30：The staff were very friendly, as we had an early checkout they laid on bacon sandwiches and a cup of tea for the train home which was a nice touch. I would use this hotel again because it had a nice atmosphere and smart decor.

Review 31：Minor point. Would have expected tea, coffee and biscuits in the room, rather than ordering via the bar, with no biscuits. Some noise overnight from karaoke bar, explains the ear plugs.

Review 32：The staff were all very attentive and friendly. The room was very tastefully decorated and comfortable.

Review 33：Nothing

Review 34：We used this hotel in Darlington as we had got married the day before and having a party back in our town the night after, check in was straightforward and our room was lovely, we arrived back from our party very late and the night porter was awesome, so friendly and helpful, made us cuppa's and helped to carry to our room. Breakfast was also served to our room and was perfect, great value for money/

Review 35：The wardrobe in our room just isn't long enough to hang dresses in.

Review 36：The chef and staff couldn't be more helpful when it came to my dietry requirements. The chef devised a 3 course menu just for me.

Review 37：Bath in the bedroom is quite strange. Parking is a pain but staff try to make for it.

Review 38：Disable facilities are superb. We will come again with our heavily disabled friend

Review 39：There are no hot drinks making facilities in the rooms. You can phone down for tea and coffee but I felt uncomfortable doing so when I had just woken up.

Review 40：Staff were very helpful, my husband is allergic to feathers and the pillows and duvet were duck down. Without any issues, they quickly changed both.

Review 41：There are only a few minor grumbled we had. My husband found it a little noisy on the Saturday night, but ear plugs were provided. It was very hot during the weekend and the room struggled to cool down as the sash windows only opened a little way and it was a shame there wasn't free parking - we stayed on Sat and Sun nights but the nearby car park wasn't too expensive - and the night porter paid the fee first thing in the morning for us so we could lie in.

Review 42：The staff were wonderful, very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. The hotel was beautiful, stylish and immaculate and the superking size bed was amazingly comfortable. But the best bit for me were the little touches that set it apart from any other hotel, the cute little booklet with facts about the hotel and the things in it, tea and coffee brought to our room day or night and as a lovely little personal touch there's was a card waiting for us on arrival as we had mentioned it was our anniversary when booking! Fantastic hotel, would recommend to everyone.

Review 43：my only gripe if you can call it that is I think it would be better for all concerned to put kettle in the room for people to make own drink at leisure

Review 44：staff very friendly food excellent

Review 45：My daughter and I loved your place from the moment our friends took usfrom the rail station...(she had been married in the "bar"many years earlier...) .first taste of a great history experience.Gluten free menu/magnificent chef and a great staff, not to mentionamazing comfort! Tasteful and beautiful decor, a real shower, and in thevery best room in the hotel! In three weeks of uk travel, thisaccommodation remained our favorite among four and five star hotels weused. We will definitely stay there if and when we return. Thank you!

Review 46：We really enjoyed our stay at the Houndgate Townhouse. Great service & rooms. The bed was excellent. We left a belt behind and they posted it back to us the next day - great customer service!

Review 47：Rooms need aircon. That's the only issue.

Review 48：Loved the personal greeting. The escort to the room by Joe, the manager, with a brief historical synopsis. Great staff, amazing food! Top drawer cleanliness and a casual effortless style. Bloody brilliant!

Review 49：My friend and i stayed for one night in this hotel and had a fantastic time. The hotel itself was great and the entire place was absolutely spotless. The best thing though was the staff - they were all so nice and so friendly and made us feel really welcome for the duration of our stay.

Review 50：No Tea or Coffee making facilities in the room

Review 51：The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. The best full English breakfast I've had in a very long time

Review 52：Wif was patchy at times but worked. Only has eight rooms so booking again might take some time which is a nice headache to have.

Review 53：Breakfast was awesome best breakfast I have had in a hotel. Room was lovely and shower was great. I'll be booking it again.

Review 54：The hotel is a real gem, comfortable stylish and clean. It has the feel of a gentleman's home. With the period features picked out and beautifully decorated, but the facilities are up to date. My second visit.

Review 55：Complimentary tea and coffee trays to your room on request Sunny and light breakfast room Window seats in the bedrooms Central location in Darlington town centre Short walk from the rail station

Review 56：Did not have quality sleep due to noise coming from nightclub in adjoining street. Not sure what could be done about this. Also, room very hot and stuffy but could not open window due to noise from nightclub!

Review 57：Comfortable bed, good quality linen and furniture in the room. Breakfast of an excellent quality. Staff very efficient and friendly.

Review 58：Friday night noisy in street - I didn't spot the earplugs till next morning - so my fault! Lift a bit odd - got stuck inside twice!

Review 59：Lovely room Friendly helpful staff

Review 60：Unfortunately did not know until the day before when I rang to check the booking was ok did I find out that there was a Wedding on. This was quite noisy even though we were on the top floor. Finished promptly though.

Review 61：Room as described and pleasant breakfast / restaurant area. Included breakfast very nice.

Review 62：Great staff who were friendly yet professional. Lovely cocktails. Nice touches in the room such as water, earplugs (not that we needed them). Steak was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. A lot of attention to detail.

Review 63：Im over 6 foot and the bed in room 4 was very small,when I book next time will book room 3 as the bed in that room looked a lot bigger.

Review 64：The staff were lovely and very helpful.Location is superb as well for centre of Darlington. Breakfast was also very nice.

Review 65：Good location a short walk from the station. Hotel had some lovely design features, very clean, modern and comfortable. food was a real surprise; real gourmet affair. would definitely go back if in town for business again.

Review 66：Slight problem adjusting shower but that is really nitpicking. Couldn't really find anything to dislike about this hotel.

Review 67：Staff excellent - exceptional service without being servile Nothing was too much trouble . Food was excellent - had several things brought to room including superb gin & tonic. Dinner was excellent Room was spotless and extremely comfortable. Lovely little touches , such as milk served in little glass bottles, environmentaly friendly glass bottles of water in room ( a choice of sparkling and still) , beautifully tasteful china and glassware. Would return and recommend friends to do likewise. Although no coffee or tea making facilities in the room , they could be ordered as required and arrived beautifully presented and very quickly. Decor was also lovely. I run out of superlatives when describing this hotel.

Review 68：just a small thing but the room safe did not open when we tried to our belongings out the following morning before check-out which delayed us by 40 minutes.

Review 69：professional staff, very friendly. Clean, spacious well-equipped rooms. The fact there's only 8 bespoke rooms suits us too as it keeps the noise levels to a minimum.

Review 70：The only thing I didn't like was the noise. I stayed on a Friday night and there was a lot of noise until the early hours of Saturday morning from people running around outside shouting plus thumping music coming from somewhere up the road. Others staying at the back of the hotel also noticed the disturbance so it wasn't just because my room was at the front go the hotel overlooking the road.

Review 71：Everything about the hotel itself was really good. The only criticism I would make is that the TV only received the first 4 stations. I wouldn't normally be particularly bothered about that but due to the noise during the night, I would have liked to have a wider choice of something to watch to take my mind off it.

Review 72：A triviality: PLEASE persuade the (modern youth) reception staff to find an alternative to the expression "No problem" as acknowledgment of a routine request for trivial service. "Certainly", "indeed" or even "Yes sir" are more becoming for any establishment aspiring to quality.

Review 73：Comfort, location and breakfast.

Review 74：Loved the scale of the rooms, beautiful comfortable bed, crisp clean bedding, fluffy white dressing gowns and towels, quirky but comfortable. If you like clean this is the place for you - it is immaculate. Whoever is responsible for keeping this lovely hotel gleaming takes great pride in their job. Well done.

Review 75：Nothing!

Review 76：Decor, location, staff, food...the list is endless. I especially like that you had to ring for room service for refreshments - none of that instant coffee and uht nonesense even 5 star hotels subject you too.

Review 77：Single Glazing meant some noise penetrated room.

Review 78：The small size means the service is personal. The personally cooked breakfast means the food is perfect.

Review 79：Tiny cupboard of a room, which by the way was beautifully decorated and very clean. SHAME - otherwise stay was ok

Review 80：Room was very small with inadequate wardrobe facility even for an overnight stay. Room was so small there was no where to put anything ! However food was excellent and staff were lovely.

Review 81：The staff was not very friendly und even quite rude sometimes, except for a young guy who was extremely polite and helpful. Also, the toiletties in the bathroom weren`t renewed for days, until we have actually asked someone to bring new because we run out of everything.

Review 82：NOTHING

Review 83：Everything. The staff were amazing even the manager met us in Darlington as we got lost so I haven't got words to describe the staff but out of this world. The rooms were beautiful and immaculate. OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!

Review 84：Missed tea/coffee in room but it was available on request. Water in room but a wrestle to open bottles.

Review 85：My stay was very short but it was very comfortable, just like a private residence. Breakfast was excellent, I was tempted by the cooked breakfast, it was delicious and plentiful. The hotel is extremely clean and the bedroom was very comfortable. Wanted to stay here since it opened, moving away gave me the excuse.

Review 86：no car park of their own.but have use of public one behind hotel.

Review 87：stayed for one night.staff were friendly.hotel excellent.room 5 star.breakfast full English surperb'will use again

Review 88：Couldn't fault my stay.

Review 89：Everything. The staff were efficient and friendly, the service was excellent, the food delicious and with generous proportions. The hotel is small, more like a boutique hotel, with 8 bedrooms. The bedroom with ensuite was light, modern and comfortable. Centrally located within a stones throw of the town centre, with a large, reasonably priced NCP parking adjacent. £1 parking all day Sunday!

Review 90：Nothing.

Review 91：Excellent location and good carpark nearby. Nearest to a home from home stay I have had. Modern, comfortable bedroom and bathroom and great breakfast.

Review 92：Noise from traffic and people going and leaving nightclub/pub very noisy but after a while was able to drown out and get some sleep. No parking at hotel although had a council car park behind hotel had to get up early to pay for parking.

Review 93：Room was lovely, very clean, loved the bath in the room. Ensuite was lovely and spacious. Really good selection of toiletries. Really lovely friendly staff, we were also upgraded which was lovely.

Review 94：A bit of noise from road and surrounds (mid-week). The very prompt room service partly compensated for the absence of tea/coffee in the bedroom, but not wholly. Restaurant menu interesting - starter excellent, main course good, price OK. Excellent breakfast.

Review 95：Some quirky, interesting design and service features, great shower and bathroom facilities, very comfortable (in a Superior room), outstanding service from staff, and overall a brilliant and unexpected find. Will be coming back!

Review 96：Stayed just one night and booked via Bookings.com. Very pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome from the night porter (we were very late arriving). Lovely room & en-suite. Very comfortable and excellent breakfast. First Class.

Review 97：Overall the room was clean but unfortunately whilst having a shower the base very nearly overflowed and water only drained away when I removed the shower trap/plug which was covered in hair. I also had to remove a clump of hair to ensure the water went down. To be fair the staff dealt with this promptly when it was reported but plugs and drains should be cleaned out regularly.

Review 98：The room was lovely. Staff very helpful and friendly without being overpowering.

Review 99：Public car park and standard room rate. However, my car was not vandalised and I was lucky to find a discounted Internet rate. I look forward to my next visit.

Review 100：Convenience of location, peace and quiet, very large and comfortable room, excellent breakfast (cooked to order).

Review 101：Shouting outside in the street after pub closing, obviously not the hotel's fault but hindered sleep. And the piped music played downstairs in the bar which we could hear in our room.

Review 102：Beautifully decorated room that was comfortable and had everything you could need. Bar and restaurant really appealing and serving lovely drinks and food; all staff very smart and attentive.

Review 103：Light bulb missing in room Only one tooth mug in bathroom No kettle nor mugs in room Towel rail in bedroom did not work Incorrect Breakfast order delivered Sweet porridge

Review 104：Only slight downside, room two has the extractor fan outside and was quite Noisy, did switch off quite early at night, but fired up st 6 am. But did not detract from the stay

Review 105：As a single female traveller , I was made to feel very welcome and most importantly felt extremely safe in the hotel. Bedrooms were fabulous, had the fixed menu the first night, and something off the a la carte menu the second, both equally great. Had eggs benedict the first morning and a full English the second. Once again , very good. Great locations or working in the city centre.

Review 106：The noise outside when clubs, bars closed were closing, not really the hotel's fault! Double glazing may help!

Review 107：The hotel was beautifully designed. The staff were very helpful and friendly and the chef even came in early to cook breakfast before The Great North Run! Fabulous!

Review 108：Due to lack of double glazing, the noise from outside was unacceptable, especially when the nightclubs turned out in the early hours. Although the building is listed, surely some form of secondary double glazing could have been installed. The very low water presure made showering very slow and not pleasant. The toilet always needed to be flushed twice to clear. The lack of tea making facilities in the room was a big disappointment. Unable to obtain any form of snack via room service.

Review 109：Helpful staff. Very clean. Nice decor. Large comfortable bed. Town location. Large bathroom.

Review 110：We could have done with a non-slip mat in the bath and perhaps a shaving/cosmetic magnifying mirror in the bathroom.

Review 111：The wonderful staff - helpful, friendly and very courteous. The cleanliness. Nothing was too much trouble. The facilities - orthopaedic pillow was found for me. Courtesy tea or coffee first thing in the morning, delivered to our door. The interior design - imaginative, stylish yet comfort was the primary concern. Excellent dining room with comprehensive breakfast and delicious evening meal options. Well stocked bar and comfortable bar.

Review 112：I ordered just bacon and egg for breakfast and it was completely over cooked....considering how good everything else was this was not in line with the quality of the hotel standards disappointed really. ...but would not stop me recommending as I'm sure it can't always be like that....

Review 113：Excellent location next to the registry office where I was to get married the next day...lovely spacious room bathroom was awesome...staff were very friendly nice touch of luxury all round....highly recommended. .

Review 114：Parking around the corner in a public car park, so make sure you have change and a brolly in case it is raining. Central location so a little noisy late at night, although it was a Saturday night…maybe ask for a room overlooking the rear.

Review 115：Very comfortable and stylish and good value for money. Central location, close to shops and restaurants.

Review 116：The two days we stayed here were amazing, it was a first class experience. The staff couldn't do enough for us, particularly Claire, Becca and Jane. I cannot recommend this hotel enough!

Review 117：Room hadn't been cleaned properly e.g. food from previous guest left in a draw, and staff although not unfriendly didn't make us feel very welcome e.g. Impersonal check-in and didn't ask how our stay was.

Review 118：Comfy bed, nice large bath, good toiletries and very good breakfast.

Review 119：Lovely decor, good clean room in a handy location for the town centre. The toiletries and tooth brush were a nice touch. Evening meal was very good, there was fixed price menu which would have been good value but the selections were a bit restrictive.

Review 120：No full length wardrobe No way to cool the room

Review 121：This place is like a sparkelling jewel in the somewhat mono-chrome crownthat is Darlington. The staff are out of this world, impeccable attitudeand manners - where did they find them?! The welcoming and extremelyapproachable manager Clare Robson, manages her team, and all otheraspects of this establishment, with flair and attention to detail. Themenu is innovative, and my choices were simply sublime. My room waslovely - the ensuite bathroom with its massive rain-shower area andlavish supply of toiletries and other goodies was a joy.

Review 122：The nightclubs pretty much next door, rubbish when ya trying to sleep. No car park spaces! Wanted to open window but noisey.

Review 123：The staff was lovely, our room was perfect clean and stylish. Full English was tasty and big. Can not fault the hotel it's self.

Review 124：Wi-fi not working. Avoid room 4, there is no air con and a noisy fan right outside the window

Review 125：Good staff and location, beautifully decorated. Had the fixed price dinner - excellent

Review 126：Parking is in the vast council car park behind the hotel, and they charge by the hour: £10 a day. (This is nothing to do with the hotel, however.)

Review 127：Comfortable, good sized room in recently created small hotel conveniently central and short walk to rail station. Dinner and breakfast in restaurant were good. Staff were pleasant.

Review 128：No tea/coffee facilities in room. Breakfast (full English) a disappointment - bacon was smoked streaky - rather than back rashers and served lukewarm. Wifi took about 3 hours to log on

Review 129：Comfort, cleanliness, spacious room

Review 130：Young staff very attentive and represented the townhouse well. Love the quirky features.