Hotel Indigo Durham, a Modern Hotel Dotted with Historical Relics, in My Second Hometown

Linda Chou
2 days ago
4 min read

Having studied in the UK, I therefore consider Durham, where the university is located, is my second home. Since the buildings of the prestigious Durham University are widely scattered throughout the city, I always think of it as a university town. However, this little-known town has increased its tourist value because it is home to two World Heritage sites: Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral.

Durham, a small municipality located in northeast England, is home to Durham University, a vibrant city that welcomes international students every year, making it a charming little town. I unexpectedly returned to Durham, England, to attend the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Ustinov College. When choosing accommodations, I prioritized convenience to and from the university and Durham Castle, where the event was held. The Hotel Indigo I stayed at is part of the IHG hotel group and is just a few minutes' walk from the city center and key attractions such as Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, a World Heritage site.

Cross the Elvet Bridge to reach the city center, where there are many shops, restaurants and cafes.

A Victorian-style Hotel Filled with Historical Sites

Hotel Indigo Durham is a Victorian-style building located on the site of the former Durham University building, Old County Hall.

When I studied in Durham, I was so busy in studies that I had never visited this hotel. Return to Durham this year and I chose to stay at the Hotel Indigo. I was surprised that Durham has such a modern hotel which located in a historic building.

The four-story hotel is dotted with UNESCO World Heritage sites. Walking through its corridors and staircases is like stepping back in time and admiring a historic monument. The hotel's lounges, meeting rooms, and restaurants retain traditional Victorian styling while incorporating contemporary elements.

Cool sofas are carefully placed in front of the elegant stained-glass windows. The lounge's beams and ceilings are decorated with historic carved beams . The pendant lighting and modern high-legged bar stools create a luxurious and modern atmosphere.

The lounge's beams and ceilings are decorated with historic carvings and paintings, which are fascinating.

Many corners of the hotel showcase historical features. The large stained glass windows exude an ancient charm, evoking a nostalgic feeling.

Industrial-style Guest Rooms with Modern Amenities

The hotel's guest rooms are designed in an industrial style. The rooms are spacious and bright, with high windows bringing in sunlight.

There is a desk and a lounge chair by the window. After a day's travel, I always relaxed myself on the chair and had a cup of tea.

Coffee machine, tea and various drinks in the refrigerator are all free.

The bathroom facilities are very spacious and the equipment is new, which greatly improves the comfort of my stay.

Every time I traveled to Europe, I always found it was difficult to figure out how to use the shower switches in hotel bathrooms, sometimes I even had to require the hotel staff to demonstrate how to use them. However, the design of this hotel's bathrorom is very thoughtful. The bathroom switches clearly indicate which switch corresponds to the ceiling shower and the handheld shower seperately. The water temperature adjustment switches are also separate, making them easy to understand and use.

A Satisfying Breakfast Can Help You Relieve Stress

and Improve Your Mood.

Breakfast was served at Marco Pierre White, a spacious space with high ceilings, where sunlight streamed in through stained glass windows.

An all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with bread, fruit, nuts, ham, yogurt and other items arranged in separate areas.

The Main Course was Delicious and Made the Breakfast Rich

This hotel's breakfast is characterized by its wide selection of à la carte main dishes. I tried ordering a different main dish each day. The eggs Benedict I ordered on the first day were so delicious that I repeated it three times during my five-day stay. The main course and the buffet made a delicious and balanced breakfast.

To share a different main course with everyone, I tried a healthier avocado egg toast. Adding lemon and chili not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish, making it more memorable than the usual avocado egg toast.

I really hope I can order whatever I want and enjoy such a rich and wonderful breakfast every day.

Finally, I ordered the English breakfast, a must-try when visiting the UK. This traditional British breakfast, steeped in history, is a must-try for tourists visiting the country. While everyone's tastes may differ, the English breakfast is incredibly nutritious and well worth a try.

Friendly and Efficient Service Breathes New Life

into this Historic Hotel

Although housed in a former university building, this hotel has been meticulously renovated and transformed into a modern hotel. The guest rooms, restaurant, and public areas have been renovated to seamlessly blend classic and modern elements. Even the most inconspicuous corners are lovingly decorated with flowers, and an antique quill pen still adorns the desk near the front desk, demonstrating the vitality of this historic Victorian building as it moves through history and into the future. The friendly, courteous, and efficient service provided a glimpse into the human touch of Durham, my adopted hometown.