The Village Inn, Murton Seaham

Nice pub, lovely room and great staff

Upon first inspection the room looked clean, but the shower/toilet area was small, the hand basin was just that A HAND basin,you could not wash your face without getting water all over the floor in front of the toilet, there was also a badly stained lino with what looked like urine stains. In the bedroom the pillows should have been dumped ages ago, there were very badly stained, we didn't really check those until the second night and by then was too late to do anything. A main gripe is lack of parking specifically for guests (although when I asked at the bar a gentleman did move his car for me so thank you to him, possibly the landlord) And finally the window needs a big clean especially inside where the hinges are as we removed what looked like black mould. Saying all this if push comes to shove we may stay there again if needed but only as a last resort. Cannot fault the bar staff or the regulars for the friendly atmosphere

Staff were friendly. They had a singer on and played bingo on Friday night which was really good.

No one at reception, rung hotels.com to find out they could not find my reservation, they did give me a number to call for hotel, room dirty, rubbish behind bed side cabinets and in great need of an update, no breakfast and pub underneath does not serve food, if looking to stay with children be aware that you could hear the noise from the pub in room

Central for our needs clean and welcoming bar area

Very comfy beds. Clean, light room and friendly staff. Tea and coffee available in the room . The karioke downstairs stopped at 11pm which was fine and we slept well. We could have done with some towel hooks or a rail and a few instructions like how to turn on the radiator and what to do with the key when we left ( we worked those things out in the end !)

Lovely little place to stop. Room spotlessly clean and a good size. If you have mobility problems not for you I had crutches and found stairs difficult. Shower was boiling hot and we couldn't get it to cool down so no shower following morning

Stayed here a few times and it never disapoints, superb rooms, clean, airy, and superb bar downstairs with exceptional staff

What a delightful, hidden gem! Upon arrival, I met the owner at the pub. He moved his car to give us a parking spot right up front and the gave us a tour of the facilities. The place is obviously a bit dated but you can tell they are still trying to keep it up. Of the people we met staying here, pretty sure we were the only ones who didn’t know everyone. As it is the local pub, expect it to be a bit loud until around 11. I took the owners advice and went downstairs for a pint. Met some lovely people, shared some pints, played the Friday night bingo game, and then up a set of stairs to sleep. Overall, I would stay again. Felt safe and if I needed anything I could ask. Go downstairs and meet the locals. It’s worth it.

We were there for three nights.Room OK,facilities likewise, but our room was directly above an entertainment area and with an amp and singer from 8-11 pm we were completely unable to sleep, watch tv for all the noise. The music was not bad and we could have gone down to the bar ,but having been out all day didn't want to, a shame because we liked Murton but....

Room, had difficult to sleep on beds, almost like water beds! Room was very dirty around the skirting boards, poor tired basic seating, not a 32" TV as advertised more like a laptop! No room service first day, which we found out only actually was to drop off a few sachets of coffee and milk and do nothing else anyway! Wet towels for 4 days had to hang over dirty chairs, so quite an unpleasant daily shower. WiFi router info on door was incorrect , no such router or signal was obtainable or recognised. We have a comfortable vehicle which we sleep in on regular visits to the area, but there was a Birthday on this trip and thought a little local hotel might be a nice option. This had a 'fabulous' 8.6 review so felt would be a good choice .... sadly not the case at all and in all honesty a real shame. Just needs a lot more effort, it's not about unobtainable expectations, but to make those that are there to an acceptable standard.

Upon first inspection the room looked clean, but the shower/toilet area was small, the hand basin was just that A HAND basin,you could not wash your face without getting water all over the floor in front of the toilet, there was also a badly stained lino with what looked like urine stains. In the bedroom the pillows should have been dumped ages ago, there were very badly stained, we didn't really check those until the second night and by then was too late to do anything. A main gripe is lack of parking specifically for guests (although when I asked at the bar a gentleman did move his car for me so thank you to him, possibly the landlord) And finally the window needs a big clean especially inside where the hinges are as we removed what looked like black mould. Saying all this if push comes to shove we may stay there again if needed but only as a last resort. Cannot fault the bar staff or the regulars for the friendly atmosphere

The staff seemed lovely, though I wasn’t given proper instructions regarding how to check out and had to ask at the pub. The room was small and basic, bathroom wasn’t the cleanest, but the main issue was how incredibly loud the noise from downstairs was. My window overlooked the ‘pub garden’. I couldn’t have my window open as everyone was out smoking, screaming at eachother and at one point attempting to start a fight. It didn’t quieten down till gone midnight and I stayed on a Thursday so I wasn’t expecting it to be so noisy. Staff perfectly nice but I wouldn’t stay here again

My short stay was great just what I needed. The staff were great and very helpful. My bed was so comfortable and warm. The room was immaculate. My whole stay was faultless. Would recommend. Easy drive to local places x

Nice friendly staff.Clean room.

No one at reception, rung hotels.com to find out they could not find my reservation, they did give me a number to call for hotel, room dirty, rubbish behind bed side cabinets and in great need of an update, no breakfast and pub underneath does not serve food, if looking to stay with children be aware that you could hear the noise from the pub in room

Good value for money. Friendly hosts. Clean bedding and towels.

Very friendly and informative host. Perfect location for North East attractions. Very clean bedding and room.

Gentleman who checked us in was very friendly and polite. Since we arrived late, there wasn't space to park so he kindly let us park across his drive. He showed us to our quadruple single bed room, provided the WiFi details, mentioned the yellow stain on the bathroom floor and explained flow toilet. Unfortunately, the bathroom was foul. We couldn't work out if the stench was coming from the toilet or the drains. The toilet lid had excrement on it and the shower cubicle had hair in it so obviously hadn't been cleaned. I ended up buying an antibacterial bathroom cleaner and kitchen paper to clean the whole bathroom myself. Whilst the bed linens and towels were clean, I personally found the single beds the most narrow I've come across and woke up abruptly in the night as I must have turned over in my sleep and felt like I was falling out. Even with the bathroom door closed during the night, I could still smell the stench as I was sleeping in the bed closest to the bathroom. For the price we paid, I really wasn't expecting much but having a clean sanitised bathroom and it to not smell of waste/drains is a basic requirement. Since looking through the reviews online, I've noticed several other guests mention the putrid smell coming from the bathroom and the stain on the bathroom floor (someone mentioned this in a review dated Jan 2023). Upon check-in, we were told the stained floor was going to be 'sorted out soon' but it seems it had been like that for >2 years.

Fourth visit. Welcoming staff, spotless bed linen and towels, comfortable bed. However, the en-suite in room 1 appeared grubby. Not actually unclean, but stained and chipped shower tray and sink plug holes didn’t give the positive impression of previous visits. Disappointing.

The staff seemed lovely, though I wasn’t given proper instructions regarding how to check out and had to ask at the pub. The room was small and basic, bathroom wasn’t the cleanest, but the main issue was how incredibly loud the noise from downstairs was. My window overlooked the ‘pub garden’. I couldn’t have my window open as everyone was out smoking, screaming at eachother and at one point attempting to start a fight. It didn’t quieten down till gone midnight and I stayed on a Thursday so I wasn’t expecting it to be so noisy. Staff perfectly nice but I wouldn’t stay here again

Our stay was very good nice room comfy beds tea coffee etc for us good shower. Having a drink down stairs in pub was very enjoyable Come and go as you please Will be back again to stay.

My short stay was great just what I needed. The staff were great and very helpful. My bed was so comfortable and warm. The room was immaculate. My whole stay was faultless. Would recommend. Easy drive to local places x

Tiny single bed. Fell off it.

We got a phone call 30mins before arriving to say they had double booked and would have to cancel. After explaining this was not possible they found a room. The room was ok but the beds we're so small i fell out twice through the night.

Very comfy beds. Clean, light room and friendly staff. Tea and coffee available in the room . The karioke downstairs stopped at 11pm which was fine and we slept well. We could have done with some towel hooks or a rail and a few instructions like how to turn on the radiator and what to do with the key when we left ( we worked those things out in the end !)

Gentleman who checked us in was very friendly and polite. Since we arrived late, there wasn't space to park so he kindly let us park across his drive. He showed us to our quadruple single bed room, provided the WiFi details, mentioned the yellow stain on the bathroom floor and explained flow toilet. Unfortunately, the bathroom was foul. We couldn't work out if the stench was coming from the toilet or the drains. The toilet lid had excrement on it and the shower cubicle had hair in it so obviously hadn't been cleaned. I ended up buying an antibacterial bathroom cleaner and kitchen paper to clean the whole bathroom myself. Whilst the bed linens and towels were clean, I personally found the single beds the most narrow I've come across and woke up abruptly in the night as I must have turned over in my sleep and felt like I was falling out. Even with the bathroom door closed during the night, I could still smell the stench as I was sleeping in the bed closest to the bathroom. For the price we paid, I really wasn't expecting much but having a clean sanitised bathroom and it to not smell of waste/drains is a basic requirement. Since looking through the reviews online, I've noticed several other guests mention the putrid smell coming from the bathroom and the stain on the bathroom floor (someone mentioned this in a review dated Jan 2023). Upon check-in, we were told the stained floor was going to be 'sorted out soon' but it seems it had been like that for >2 years.

Stayed here a few times and it never disapoints, superb rooms, clean, airy, and superb bar downstairs with exceptional staff

Lovely, friendly place. Welcoming, helpful staff. Rooms basic but fit for purpose. I’ve stayed in cleaner rooms but they were ok. Property is located in a lovely village. Would stay again

We were there for three nights.Room OK,facilities likewise, but our room was directly above an entertainment area and with an amp and singer from 8-11 pm we were completely unable to sleep, watch tv for all the noise. The music was not bad and we could have gone down to the bar ,but having been out all day didn't want to, a shame because we liked Murton but....

Great hotel Great staff in the pub

The staff seemed lovely, though I wasn’t given proper instructions regarding how to check out and had to ask at the pub. The room was small and basic, bathroom wasn’t the cleanest, but the main issue was how incredibly loud the noise from downstairs was. My window overlooked the ‘pub garden’. I couldn’t have my window open as everyone was out smoking, screaming at eachother and at one point attempting to start a fight. It didn’t quieten down till gone midnight and I stayed on a Thursday so I wasn’t expecting it to be so noisy. Staff perfectly nice but I wouldn’t stay here again

Friendly, helpful staff. Good value.

We got a phone call 30mins before arriving to say they had double booked and would have to cancel. After explaining this was not possible they found a room. The room was ok but the beds we're so small i fell out twice through the night.

The weather was awful rain and cold but what a warm welcome we recieved staff and locals very helpful and informative they dont do food but recommended Georges fish bar and wow we wasnt disappointed cant wait to make a return visit

No one at reception, rung hotels.com to find out they could not find my reservation, they did give me a number to call for hotel, room dirty, rubbish behind bed side cabinets and in great need of an update, no breakfast and pub underneath does not serve food, if looking to stay with children be aware that you could hear the noise from the pub in room

Very comfy beds. Clean, light room and friendly staff. Tea and coffee available in the room . The karioke downstairs stopped at 11pm which was fine and we slept well. We could have done with some towel hooks or a rail and a few instructions like how to turn on the radiator and what to do with the key when we left ( we worked those things out in the end !)

Stayed here a few times and it never disapoints, superb rooms, clean, airy, and superb bar downstairs with exceptional staff

Staff were extremely friendly and accommodating

What a delightful, hidden gem! Upon arrival, I met the owner at the pub. He moved his car to give us a parking spot right up front and the gave us a tour of the facilities. The place is obviously a bit dated but you can tell they are still trying to keep it up. Of the people we met staying here, pretty sure we were the only ones who didn’t know everyone. As it is the local pub, expect it to be a bit loud until around 11. I took the owners advice and went downstairs for a pint. Met some lovely people, shared some pints, played the Friday night bingo game, and then up a set of stairs to sleep. Overall, I would stay again. Felt safe and if I needed anything I could ask. Go downstairs and meet the locals. It’s worth it.

Very clean and modern rooms above a traditional pub. We were made to feel very welcome by the lady on duty. There is no food served so we ate in Seaham, a lovely seaside town with lots of options. When we returned we had a couple of drinks in the bar and played dominos - the pub has sets you can borrow.

The village inn was a clean property but it was a bit of a bind not having facilities for breakfast although Morrisons and McDonald’s were only a few miles away

My short stay was great just what I needed. The staff were great and very helpful. My bed was so comfortable and warm. The room was immaculate. My whole stay was faultless. Would recommend. Easy drive to local places x

Nice little clean room with all amenities - shower gel, hand wash and towels. Nice bed and bedding. Storage space. Handy as close to beach and also a retail outlet. No hair dryer which would have been useful. Coffee and tea making facilities. All good.

We travelled from glasgow to Durham and after such a long drive we just wanted somewhere to stay the night and have some food, drink and some chill time, this hotel seemed to tick all the boxes till we arrived. It states there is a restaurant however it doesnt and as friendly as the staff are, there is no restaurants close by to even walk too, so the staff have a whole load of take away menus for you to choose from and can get delivered to the bar or room. Room didnt have a hairdryer either which is pretty poor in the day and age. Not even one at reception to borrow either. No toiletries in the room either other than the handwash at the sink. The room itself was basic but comfortable enough, also says that the room has a 32 inch television. Definitely not, around 19 inch up high in the wall a good distance from the bed which unless you have supermans vision its really not ideal.

Central for our needs clean and welcoming bar area

Very friendly and informative host. Perfect location for North East attractions. Very clean bedding and room.

Clean and was a great price for the night. Lots of things nearby.

Lovely, friendly place. Welcoming, helpful staff. Rooms basic but fit for purpose. I’ve stayed in cleaner rooms but they were ok. Property is located in a lovely village. Would stay again

It was a comfortable and clean room. It had a busy and friendly pub attached. It was close to where I needed to be and was in a safe area. There was not a lot around the hotel, but that didn't matter too much.

Very clean and modern rooms above a traditional pub. We were made to feel very welcome by the lady on duty. There is no food served so we ate in Seaham, a lovely seaside town with lots of options. When we returned we had a couple of drinks in the bar and played dominos - the pub has sets you can borrow.

They need t9 update their website, it states they have a restaurant but 5th don’t do food at all

I was under no illusion with no high expectations- this was travelling on a budget. Parking was roadside, but plenty close by. It was very busy in the bar with it being New Year's Eve and so I had a bit of a wait in the OYO ‘reception’ area. The staff member who gave me the key was a bit flustered but likely due to being so busy in the pub. The ‘welcome’ was not particularly welcoming and limited information was shared. The room was a small double, thankfully just me staying as there would not be sufficient space for 2. It was clean but very hot - turning down the thermostat and opening windows had no effect. Bizarrely there was bird poo on the blind inside! There was plenty of tea/coffee/milk available. Shower gel was provided. The bed was very comfortable and plenty of pillows were available, along with a couple of cushions. I clearly hadn’t done my research as there was no food available in the pub and nothing immediately available nearby. I did have snacks and a porridge pot with me for the morning so not a huge issue. The customers in the pub were pretty rowdy, probably the NYE effect, but as if opened my windows, it did prevent sleep. Would I stay again? It served a purpose, other than bird poo blind it was clean and it was comfortable, so for a budget trip yes I would. If you want more luxury & onsite food then you need to stay elsewhere

The village inn was a clean property but it was a bit of a bind not having facilities for breakfast although Morrisons and McDonald’s were only a few miles away

The weather was awful rain and cold but what a warm welcome we recieved staff and locals very helpful and informative they dont do food but recommended Georges fish bar and wow we wasnt disappointed cant wait to make a return visit

No one at reception, rung hotels.com to find out they could not find my reservation, they did give me a number to call for hotel, room dirty, rubbish behind bed side cabinets and in great need of an update, no breakfast and pub underneath does not serve food, if looking to stay with children be aware that you could hear the noise from the pub in room

We travelled from glasgow to Durham and after such a long drive we just wanted somewhere to stay the night and have some food, drink and some chill time, this hotel seemed to tick all the boxes till we arrived. It states there is a restaurant however it doesnt and as friendly as the staff are, there is no restaurants close by to even walk too, so the staff have a whole load of take away menus for you to choose from and can get delivered to the bar or room. Room didnt have a hairdryer either which is pretty poor in the day and age. Not even one at reception to borrow either. No toiletries in the room either other than the handwash at the sink. The room itself was basic but comfortable enough, also says that the room has a 32 inch television. Definitely not, around 19 inch up high in the wall a good distance from the bed which unless you have supermans vision its really not ideal.

It was a comfortable and clean room. It had a busy and friendly pub attached. It was close to where I needed to be and was in a safe area. There was not a lot around the hotel, but that didn't matter too much.