Mercure Darlington King's Hotel

Everything . The gentleman on the bar was really kind and professional as arrived near midnight and I was hungry

Nothing

Room was clean, comfortable and warm. Some things were a bit tired, e.g. Pealing paint in bathroom and chips in the bath's enamel. I don't like a shower curtain either. Breakfast was good with a wide choice of food. Staff were all helpful and friendly at all times.

The fan in the restaurant broke down one day stopping cooking. Coffee machine served only americano so needed a service or replacement. Parking was a problem. For 2 out of 3 nights, we couldn't park in the car park as it was full. It's on a first-come so that's fair enough but a pain. As the entrance is a bit tight and turning around if you can't get in is difficult, it would be good if they had a counter detector that would then indicate it as full from the street. Staff were absent quite a lot from the reception and bar so spent a bit of time waiting. I suspect they were doing other jobs elsewhere due to understaffing.

Very friendly staff

Decor rather tired, needed an update

Central location

Small room, noise of the lift shaft