Hotel Indigo Opens in Historic Durham, England

WHY IT RATES: The Hotel Indigo Durham is just a stone's throw from many of historic Durham's top sites - the cathedral, the castle and the university. The hotel meanwhile, occupies a historic building that was once part of Durham University.—Mia Taylor, TravelPulse Senior Writer.

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Hotel Indigo Durham, an IHG hotel, has opened in the center of Durham, promising guests a stay which is truly immersed in the culture and heritage of this historic city.

Famous for its eponymous university, Durham is laden with historic pubs, listed buildings, cozy cafes and spellbinding churches, surrounded by rolling countryside and quiet villages.

Durham may be quaint, but the university’s Botanic Gardens, complete with woodland and tropical plants, the River Wear and the city’s striking scenery provide visitors a retreat into peace and tranquillity or the perfect opportunity to get outdoors.

A stone’s throw from the city’s cathedral and castle – which together make up the city’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – the hotel is also within easy walking distance from Durham train station. Nestled alongside the church and cathedral is Durham University, completing the city’s famous trinity which underpins its identity and history.

Occupying the Grade II-listed ‘Old Shire Hall,’ the building was once a university building itself and acted as its administrative headquarters; it was an office to the university’s vice-chancellor until 2012.

Taking its design cues from both the charming neighborhood and the building itself, all 83 boutique bedrooms feature ornate details to reflect the rich ties to the city’s famous trinity - cathedral, castle and university. The hotel features three distinct room types, from academia-inspired featuring the university’s official color, purple, through to grand bedrooms with a sumptuous feel and tapestry detailing.

Guests can enjoy small bites and choose from a selection of fine wines or local craft beers on offer at the hotel’s bar, Rotunda, or they can choose to sit, relax and enjoy barista-style coffee and a selection of freshly made sandwiches and pastries at the hotel’s resident café, Tinderbox Espresso Bar.

For premium cocktails and a delicious dinner, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill offers guests signature steaks and timeless English and French classics, delivered with Marco’s unique flair.

“Durham is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities with a rich history and diverse culture,” said Paul Borg, General Manager of Hotel Indigo – Durham. “Hotel Indigo Durham embraces the city’s character through the hotel’s creative design and we look forward to welcoming local and international guests alike to explore the neighborhoods of Durham.”

“We want to ensure each city is reflected through the design of every Hotel Indigo property, making each one completely unique," Tom Rowntree, vice president of brand management – luxury and boutique brands, IHG, Europe added. "We are pleased that new and existing fans of Hotel Indigo are now able to explore one of the UK’s most historic and iconic cities with the arrival of Hotel Indigo Durham. I’m sure our guests will give this hotel ‘top marks’!.”

The Hotel Indigo brand is set to increase its footprint in 2018 with upcoming openings also including Hotel Indigo London – 1 Leicester Square, Hotel Indigo London – Aldgate, Hotel Indigo Milan – Corso Monforte and Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon.

Across Europe, there are currently 24 Hotel Indigo properties with 20 due to open over the next three to five years. A significant proportion of these are in the UK where the estate is set to double – there are currently 11 hotels with the same number due to open over the next three to five years in the UK alone.*

Hotel Indigo Durham is managed by Interstate Europe, a third-party hotel management company, which has 72 properties in its portfolio across the UK.

Rates start from £109 per night. For further information and to book direct for the best rate, please visit HotelIndigo.com.

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SOURCE: IHG press release