Thoroughly intent in squeezing the last drops out of the weekend, my wife Lisa and I screeched down to Durham for an overnight stay which will live long in the memory.
Durham remains the Quintessential British University city, a maze of cobbled streets, buoyant nightlife and riverbanks so picturesque it makes you want to pick up a paintbrush.
Also, “Not far, but far enough” from our base at Northern Insight HQ in Newcastle, the city is a solid choice for the weekend staycation.
Occupying an enviable location on the banks of the river, the Radisson Blu is undisputedly one of the best hotels in the area, combining easy city centre access with the best features of a more rural retreat, such as in-house spa and destination restaurant.
A recent £5 million refurbishment has elevated its guest experience yet further and proved the perfect time to revisit for a recharge of the batteries.
Central to the new-look Radisson is its extensive ground-floor transformation, comprising swanky hotel reception, cuttingedge conference facilities and a stylish new bar area overlooking Durham Cathedral and Castle.
While I’m sure this bright and airy space will assume even greater splendour during the Summer months, it still really emitted that “wow factor” on our arrival in the bleak midwinter.
Few hotels boast so many UNESCO world heritage on the doorstep with the city’s world famous attractions within walking distance, so, with this in mind, we ditched the bags to survey all downtown Durham had to offer.
Returning to the hotel, we were equally impressed by the high quality of our newlyrenovated guest suite.
The hotel comprises 207 bedrooms in total, each resplendent with that trademark Radisson contemporary design and technology.
Wrapped up in a warm glow and cleancarpet smell, Room 416 proved a haven of comfort and convenience, well equipped with Flat Screen TVs, plush armchairs and boutique toiletries. Most impressively, it even featured a hi-tec Nespresso coffee machine and panoramic views of the river.
After a quick blast in the walk-in shower and a change for dinner, we arrived at the hotel’s new, in-house eatery Jozef’s.
An all-new dining concept, Jozef’s Riverside Bar and Restaurant, raises a glass to Count J?zef Boruwalski, a polish-born musician who famously retired to Durham during the twilight of his years in the early 19th century.
This interestingly offbeat restaurant eponym is echoed by the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and eclectic selection of drinks.
After kicking off with a brace of creative cocktails, Lisa and I kicked off with Tomato and Basil Soup and Roasted Beetroot Salad.
For the main event, Lisa enjoyed the roast chicken breast atop creamed cabbage, bacon and her favourite dauphinoise potato while I waded into the pan-roasted fillet of bream with king prawns in a chilli and lemongrass broth.
Both dishes boasted a wondrous depth of flavour, piqued further by an excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
The following morning, after a full eight (!) hours sleep, we were refreshed enough to venture down to the spa for a morning tune up. Here with the latest resistance and cardio equipment, we worked up a strong appetite for a salubrious breakfast back in the hotel’s riverside restaurant.
We left both highly impressed by a venue not content to rest on its laurels. The revamped Radisson Blu Hotel offers a range of versatile spaces to cater to diverse needs.
Its upgraded main events space has received rave reviews for its flexibility and impressive ambience. It is the perfect venue for conferences, corporate events, weddings and private celebrations.
A safe choice, then, for any business or leisure traveller.
For more information, visit www.radissonbludurham.com