Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Book it if you want a 4-star base with a pool, spa and gym about 10 minutes on foot from Durham Cathedral, and you accept paying more than our other two Durham picks. Travellers who only need a clean bed should look at the cheaper options first.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This hotel makes most sense for people who will use the facilities. The property lists a gym, a spa, a pool, a restaurant, a terrace and family rooms. For a couple planning a weekend with a swim and a spa session, or a family that wants space and a pool, that list does real work.
It suits walkers too. The cathedral is close, and guests describe a short walk to town.
Skip it if price leads your decision. At reference prices it cost more per night than both our Budget and our Luxury picks in Durham, and both of those scored slightly higher with guests.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits on Frankland Lane. Guests rate the location 9.3 out of 10, and they describe a central riverside setting with views of the cathedral.
Durham Cathedral is about 0.8 km away, roughly 10 minutes on foot. Langley Park in County Durham is about 6.3 km away, around 79 minutes on foot, and Brancepeth Castle is about 7 km away, around 88 minutes. Both are far, so plan on public transport or a taxi for those.
All walking times are straight-line estimates and have not been checked on the ground. Expect real routes to take a little longer.
What guests say
The score is 8.6 out of 10 from 5,540 reviews, a big sample. Guests single out the location and the staff, whom they describe as friendly, welcoming and efficient.
The main complaint is breakfast. Guests like the range, which covers continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on a buffet. But they say the hot food is often tepid. If a hot breakfast matters to you, go early or ask at the desk how it is served.
Price and what you get against our other Durham picks
Reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults put the Radisson at €208.66 per night. The sample median was €148.05. These are not live quotes, so check today's price for your dates.
Our Budget pick, Super 8 by Wyndham Durham, came in at €88.13 per night with a guest score of 8.9 and 3 stars. Our Luxury pick, Hotel Indigo - Durham by IHG, came in at €181.85 with 8.8 and 4 stars. So this Best Value pick was the most expensive of the three at reference prices, by about €27 a night over the Indigo and €120 over the Super 8.
What the extra buys is the leisure side: pool, spa, gym and a terrace, plus a restaurant and air conditioning. If you will not use those, the gap is hard to justify.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 6 eligible hotels in Durham. The Best Value slot weighs guest score, review volume and the reference price together, so it is not a cheapest-room award.
This hotel tied for third on review score but has 5,540 reviews behind it, a 9.3 location score and the widest facility list among our picks. That combination earned the place. Price is the clear weak point.
Before you book
Room size, noise, renovation condition, breakfast inclusion and cancellation terms have not been assessed. Check each on the booking page.
Confirm opening hours and any fees for the pool, spa and gym on your dates, since availability is not guaranteed. Check whether breakfast is in your rate. And compare today's prices against Hotel Indigo and Super 8 before you decide.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How far is Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham from the cathedral?
Durham Cathedral is about 0.8 km away, roughly 10 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. Guests describe a short walk into town.
Does the hotel have a pool and spa?
The property lists a pool, a spa and a gym. Opening times and any fees are not confirmed, so check them for your dates.
What is breakfast like?
The buffet covers continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Guests praise the variety but say hot food is often tepid.
How much does it cost per night?
The reference price seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults was €208.66 per night. Check today's price for your dates, as rates change.