The Morritt

The staff are always polite, friendly and helpful, and the food is lush. We also use the spa when we visit and can definitely recommend it. The facilities aren't large, so it doesn't get overly busy. We love this historic hotel, and its beautiful gardens are especially lovely in spring and summer. It's a great base for touring Weardale or North Yorkshire.

The location is perfect, which makes it a shame there are much better places to stay elsewhere. Our room was very dark, with uncomfortable beds and a frame that squeaked every time we moved. The TV had only basic channels, wasn't smart for extra logins, and part of the screen was blocked by the bedpost. There was hair in the bath, cobwebs around the room and above the mirror over the bath and the bed, and the coffee maker was dirty. No tea bags, and the toilet roll was nearly gone with no spare. Breakfast was cold porridge and overcooked eggs and salmon. The serving lady was friendly, the area was clean, and she heated the porridge when we asked. A staff member apologised on arrival after seeing the room problems, and sorted out the bath and tea issue, though she couldn't deal with the other things while in the room. At checkout on Wednesday morning, we got no apology or acknowledgement for our feedback. “I'll make a note,” she said, then walked away from reception while we were still standing there. We were calm and polite, and it was fair feedback, not personal. Even a basic sorry would have gone down better. The hotel has potential, but poor cleanliness and disappointing service let our stay down. I wouldn't recommend staying the night.

The staff and food were the best part of my stay. I was disappointed with the deluxe double, though. It felt dated, with worn, scratched furniture, and I was cold in bed under a thin, cheap duvet. The second-rate pillows didn't help, so I had to ask for an extra blanket. The bathroom was my main concern. It was dated and seemed to lack care in the details. The shampoo, conditioner and bath wash holder were disgusting, the sink took 30 minutes to drain, and the shower was grubby. There was damp and mildew too, which I wouldn't expect in a deluxe bedroom. I left sad and disappointed, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it.

Theresa deserves a special mention. From the moment we arrived, she made us feel so welcome. The whole staff were friendly and accommodating, and I can't praise them enough. They went above and beyond, even sorting out last-minute dietary requirements straight away and seemingly without any stress. We came down from Scotland for a family wedding, and the venue was stunning and very clean.