We travel frequently in the UK and mostly use Premier Inns, which we are addicted to - they're great. On this trip, however, we wanted a hotel close to the A1M in County Durham and this hotel was the best value price wise. We were lucky that it wasn't too busy on a Sunday night. The reception area is extremely light, airy and spacious and stretching out in the bar for a beer, watching the setting sun was a real treat. The room was perhaps the best I have found in a motorway hotel in the UK - better quality furnishings, towels and bedding. Despite being very close to A1M juction 59 we heard no outside noise whatsoever.
Breakfast was well supplied with hot and cold treats, again amongst the best we've seen, and the staff were very attentive. I particularly liked the decor, which is perhaps quite new - in fact I'd suggest to Holiday Inn that they redesign all their motorway hotels exactly like this one.

Arrived at 10pm after a long 6 hour journey through thunder storms and lots of road works we were greeted by a very friendly receptionist who checked us in fast and efficiently Our room was very nice and large with tea and coffee making facilities which was appreciated after such a long journey although more milk portions would be appreciated in the room ready but after a trip to reception this was sorted After a good night sleep it was time for breakfast this was a little bit disappointing although there was staff present in the restaurant you had to find them if you required anything for eg tea or if you wanted different eggs to what was out.Overall all the holiday inn was adequate for our stop over and we would use them again

Had a comfortable stay at this hotel. It is conveniently located right next to the motorway, but this Junction has limited options for dining. Your choices are limited to the hotel restaurant/bar or fast food. The room was clean and comfortable, but lacked power outlets near the bedside, and I felt the air conditioner did not adequately cool the room.