Rockliffe Hall, County Durham: hotel review

Mike Fletcher, 16 July 2010

Event planners' guide to Rockcliffe Hall

Hotel overview

Located on an 18th-century estate on the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire. Rockliffe Hall opened in November and is the region's second five-star luxury hotel.

First impressions

The first thing of note from the drive is the derelict facade of an old house. On closer inspection, this frontage is a habitat for bats so has been preserved. Within the hotel, there are several Grade II-listed features including a bell, which hangs over the spacious reception, and lead stained-glass windows.

Accommodation

The 61 rooms are split between the Old Hall, the new wing and the garden lodge apartments. All rooms and suites have wall-mounted TVs.

Meeting facilities

The property's eight meeting rooms feature a private outdoor terraced area. The Rockliffe suite can host up to 250 or 150 cabaret-style with a dancefloor.

Extras

Rockliffe claims to house the largest hydro pool in the UK in its spa, which offers a wide range of treatments. Dining options include The Waterhouse Bistro, serving a Mediterranean menu, while the Orangery has been transformed into a fine dining room, under the Michelin-starred Kenny Atkinson. The estate also has an 18-hole par-75 golf course in its 375 acres.

Delegate rates

Day delegate rate is £75, and the residential rate starts at £195.

Contact

Peter Llewellyn, 01325729985; peter.llewellyn@rockliffehall.com; www.rockliffehall.com

THE PRINGLES TEST

With each review C&IT looks at four commonly priced items

Pringles: Minibar - £2.50 on request
Club sandwich: Room service - £8.50
Gin & tonic: Hotel Bar - From £4.80
Taxi: To Darlington station - £10