Manor House Hotel (Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom)

Several guests were impressed with this 15th century English manor house and former stables, its history reflected in original features found within several parts of the building. Visitors were equally charmed with their well-appointed, spotless bedrooms, which can be upgraded to enjoy an elegant four-poster bed.

Many guests enjoyed the meal served from the in-house restaurant, described as delicious and being as well presented as a dish one would expect to find at a top rated establishment. The Sunday lunch offering was also repeatedly praised, with roast beef cooked to perfection, and melting in the mouth.

Guests described having an ample selection of outdoor garden and seating areas to enjoy, in which they could soak up some fresh air and country peace and quiet. At the back of the hotel, there is also a pleasant walk through some fields and over a river, allowing guests to appreciate some of Durham County's countryside.

Several guests were disappointed with the spa and pool area, described as much smaller than the website photos led on. Even repeat loyal guests said the spa was due for a facelift. Some were also let down with news that the steam room and jacuzzi were out of service, which many found to be unacceptable given that previous reviews had these areas broken down for several weeks in a row.

While free access to Wi-Fi is advertised on this inn's website, several guests were disappointed to find that they could not get connected from their bedrooms.

Several guests seemed to have trouble locating a member of staff when they needed it, with an apparent absence of a consistent staffer behind reception. Guests had to ring a bell, and were often served by whatever spare member of staff happened to be around at the time.