Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel, Darlington (Durham) ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel Room photo

Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

9-12 Priestgate, Darlington (Durham), United Kingdom, DL1 1NW

Near the Market Hall and Clock Tower

Very good

7.6

7.5

/10

2.5

3.7

Loved by Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel guests

Central location
Delicious food
Comfortable bed
Spacious room
Friendly staff

"The hotel room beautiful, the bed was so comfortable."

susan123312 from United Kingdom

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"Hotel is in a good location right in the middle of town."

cwilliams2904 from Scotland

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"Rooms are spacious and clean, and it's always good to have a walk in shower."

Fern

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Location

The Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel is housed in a Grade II listed building, meticulously constructed in 1893, located at 9 - 12 Priestgate in Darlington. Its strategic positioning grants easy access from the A1 and A66, linking seamlessly to County Durham, North Yorkshire, and Teesside. Situated just 30 minutes from Newcastle, the hotel serves as an excellent base for both business and leisure travelers.

Amenities

The hotel boasts five flexible event spaces capable of accommodating up to 300 attendees, making it a prime location for conferences and private events. Guests can enjoy a diverse dining experience at The Kings Bar, which offers gourmet dishes crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Additional services include 24/7 staff assistance, dedicated event coordination, and private dining options for larger groups.

Rooms

Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel comprises 83 en-suite rooms, offering a blend of comfort and functionality. Room types include Standard Double, Standard Twin, and Privilege Rooms, each equipped with essential amenities such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary refreshment trays, and upgraded toiletries. Families will find Privilege Rooms spacious enough to accommodate additional guests.

Dining

Dining at the hotel is available at The Kings Grill Restaurant for breakfast, while The Kings Bar provides an extensive beverage selection and light bites throughout the day. The Kings Bar features premium coffees from Douwe Egberts and a variety of craft ales, wines, and cocktails. For more formal gatherings, bespoke catering options can be arranged to suit individual groups and preferences.

Weddings & Events

The Kings Ballroom presents an exquisite setting for weddings, adorned with chandeliers and exposed fireplaces, accommodating up to 300 guests. The hotel's dedicated wedding coordinator assists couples in curating a personalized experience, from planning stages to day-of execution. Additionally, multiple celebrate options exist for events, each customizable to suit various occasions.

Highlights

Location: Grade II listed building, 30 minutes from Newcastle

Amenities: 5 event spaces for up to 300 people

Dining: The Kings Grill Restaurant & The Kings Bar

Rooms: 83 en-suite bedrooms, Privilege Rooms available

“This four-star hotel, centrally located in Darlington, stands out for its stunning Victorian architecture. Its historic charm is paired with modern comforts and conveniences suitable for both business and leisure. I find it a solid choice for those seeking a blend of character and accessibility.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingEasy parking!

Parking was so easy! The hotel car park is in the center. It's close to everything, so you can walk everywhere!

JackS from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningBreakfast selection

The breakfast was amazing. Lots of choices, including almond milk without having to ask! Everything was hot and tasted delicious.

LucyP from Canada

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Room FeaturesGreat, clean rooms

The room was large, spotless, quiet and comfortable. Plus there was tea and coffee available. I was able to rest and relax.

DavidB from Australia

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BathroomNice shower!

The bathroom was modern and clean! I really liked the shower and the towels were fluffy and soft, which was a plus.

KellyM from United States

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Select your room type

Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Superior Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
On-site car park
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Children's buffet

Room features

Heating
Mini-bar
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At the Mercure Darlington King's Hotel, guests are invited to enjoy local culinary delights at Kings Grill, where the focus is on rich regional flavors and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Complementing the dining experience are two cozy bars offering a selection of handcrafted cocktails and fine wines.

Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel Restaurant photo

Kings Grill

Local cuisine

Ambiance

Family-friendly dining space featuring warm décor, perfect for casual gatherings and intimate meals alike.

Key Offerings

Signature regional dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients alongside a diverse cocktail menu and wine selection. Guests can indulge in high tea or a delightful dinner.

Reservation

Reservations recommended.

Dinner and high tea; specific hours vary.

Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel Location

9-12 Priestgate, Darlington (Durham), United Kingdom, DL1 1NW

Map view

9-12 Priestgate, Darlington (Durham), United Kingdom, DL1 1NW

City landmarks

Museum

Head of Steam

4300 ft

Landmark

Joseph Pease Statue

3400 ft

Landmark

Durham Town Hall

2000 ft

Park

Broken Scar Picnic Area

3400 ft

Theatre

The Hullabalo

2100 ft

Landmark

South Park

1.0 mi

Landmark

Hopetown Carriage Works

4400 ft

Landmark

Skerne Bridge

3900 ft

Landmark

Thornton Hall Gardens

1.3 mi

Golf Course

Darlington Golf Club

1.6 mi

Landmark

Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve

1.8 mi

Landmark

West Park

1.8 mi

Landmark

David Mach's Train sculpture

2.2 mi

Landmark

Darlington Brick Train Sculpture

2.3 mi

Nearby

West Row

Market Hall and Clock Tower

600 ft

1 Tubwell Row

Darlington Clock Tower

500 ft

Church

St Cuthbert Church

1200 ft

Beaumont Street West

Inside Out

1500 ft

Restaurants

Porter's

1300 ft

15 Queen Street Shopping Centre

The Pennyweight

1000 ft

8 Bakehouse Hill

Al Forno

1200 ft

81 Skinnergate

The Old Yard Tapas Bar

800 ft

98 Bondgate

The Waterhouse Kitchen

700 ft

Covered Market 1 West Row

Picco Bar & Pizzeria

900 ft

20 Bondgate

Cafe Nero

800 ft

8-9 Horsemarket

Pizza Hut Darlington

900 ft

4 5 & 6 Horsemarket

Cafe Spice

1100 ft

19 Clarks Yard Off Skinnergate Opposite Argos

Bella Italia

1500 ft

Feethams Leisure Feethams Unit 2 Feethams Leisure

Explore Darlington (Durham)

Local Insights

Darlington Clock Tower

2 minutes' walk

An iconic landmark in the heart of Darlington, perfect for enjoying the architecture and local history in the surrounding area.

Market Hall and Clock Tower

2 minutes' walk

A vibrant market destination with local produce and crafts, offering a true taste of Darlington's community spirit.

Inside Out

6 minutes' walk

A unique indoor adventure park featuring climbing walls, inflatables, and activities ideal for families and thrill-seekers.

Joseph Pease Statue

13 minutes' walk

A tribute to Darlington's first railway developer, representing the town's rich transport history and cultural significance.

Walking in South Park

20 minutes' walk

A serene park offering beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking trails, ideal for relaxation and leisurely strolls.

Indoor Climbing at Inside Out

6 minutes' walk

An exciting outdoor climbing experience with options for all skill levels, including rental equipment available on-site.

The Waterhouse Kitchen

3 minutes' walk

A cozy spot known for its seasonal dishes and local ingredients, offering a welcoming atmosphere for a casual dining experience.

The Old Yard Tapas Bar

3 minutes' walk

A vibrant tapas bar with a lively ambiance, serving authentic Spanish cuisine and delicious small plates for sharing.

The Hullabalo

8 minutes' walk

A family-friendly venue hosting live music and entertainment, perfect for a relaxed evening with local performers.

Inside Out

6 minutes' walk

An exhilarating indoor adventure venue featuring climbing, inflatables, and activities, suitable for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Darlington (Durham)5 min · 1400 ft

Airports

Durham Tees Valley (MME)15 min · 6.1 mi

Newcastle (NCL)103 min · 42.4 mi

Train

Darlington Railway Station10 min · 2700 ft

North Road Railway Station14 min · 3700 ft

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 1000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at GBP 5 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2012

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

King's Head Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel enjoys a central location, offering easy access to shops and a quick walk to the train station. Many guests find the rooms spacious, with comfortable beds and nice cotton bedding, and appreciate the presence of amenities like a fridge. While some have noted that certain aspects of the rooms appear a bit dated, the convenience of the location for exploring nearby towns and the city center remains a highlight.

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Review score

Based on 1134 verified reviews

7.2/10

Very good

66%

Recommend

Location

8.8/10

Staff

8.5/10

Breakfast

7.1/10

Facilities

7.7/10

Pros

Helpful staff

Comfortable beds

Easy parking

Well signposted facilities

Cons

Slow bar service

Leaking toilet

Subpar cleanliness

Martin from Germany

Business traveller

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 16, 2025

8.5/10

Solid Stay Downtown

excellent car parkeasy accesstea selection

Car parking worked well. The hotel location made access to shops and restaurants easy. The room provided nice tea selection. The staff at the reception area were lovely and helpful. I found it easy to walk to the nearby train station, a great benefit for my travel plans.

The sink had some stains that affected the cleanliness, though it was just a surface issue

Rooms

9/10

The room included a comfortable bed. The size of the room was adequate and provided enough space. There was a nice selection of teas available. The 11 p.m. check-out time was convenient.

Dining

8/10

Dinner in the restaurant was very good. Breakfast offered adequate choices and was well presented. Staff ensured the breakfast was enjoyable. The food quality made dining at the hotel worthwhile.

Service

9/10

Staff members were friendly and helpful. They promptly addressed a minor issue upon arrival. The team seemed professional . Their assistance contributed to a smooth visit.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel provided convenient parking. The car park had limited spaces. I found it helpful to be able to leave the car there. The facility's presence made transportation easier.

0 Helpful

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Glen from United Kingdom

standard twin room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:September 10, 2025

9/10

central stay

excellent locationeasy parkingshort walksuperb room

the location is excellent for exploring the town. Parking was easy. It was a short walk to the town centre. The room was superb.

i found many stairs leading to my room. it was fine for me, but might pose a challenge for someone with mobility issues.

Location

9/10

the hotel is situated right in the center. i noticed many good eating options are close by. the theatre is within easy walking distance from the hotel.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Mercure Darlington King'S Hotel

Is there a bar available onsite for guests to enjoy?

05 November 2024

The hotel features a bar where guests can relax and enjoy a selection of beverages.

Are small dogs permitted at this hotel?

15 December 2024

Only assistance dogs are allowed on the premises.

Is it possible to check in late at night, around 10 PM?

22 January 2024

Check-in is available 24 hours a day, so checking in at 10 PM is perfectly fine.

What is the distance from the hotel to the nearest train station?

10 February 2024

The station is approximately a 10-minute walk or a £60 taxi ride away.

How much does parking cost, and can I reserve a spot in advance?

30 March 2025

Parking is charged at £5.00 per night, but spaces cannot be reserved in advance.

Can I include breakfast in my room rate when booking?

12 April 2025

Breakfast can be added either at the time of booking or upon check-in.

Is there an option for early check-in if attending a wedding at 1 PM?

25 May 2025

The hotel will make every effort to accommodate early check-in requests.

Are there any rooms with walk-in showers available?

18 June 2024

Some rooms feature walk-in showers, but they are not specifically designated for accessibility. Accessible rooms have lowered baths and wider door frames.

Is there a restriction on the height of vehicles in the parking area?

08 July 2024

Yes, there is a height restriction of 2.01 meters in the hotel car park.

Can you confirm if the bar serves cocktails?

09 August 2024

Unfortunately, cocktails are not available at the bar.

Is parking available for hotel guests?

28 September 2025

There is a small car park available for residents at a charge of £5 per night.

Was this hotel previously known by another name?

14 October 2024

Yes, it was formerly known as the Kings Head Hotel.