The Kingslodge Inn

Tucked beside a woodland nature reserve, at the end of a no-through road, yet only 10 minutes' walk from Durham's Market Place (a further five takes you to the Cathedral and Castle), this is one of the city's least-known (to visitors) locations. As a result, it is one of the quietest. Surrounded by narrow, terraced, residential streets, plus a low-rise block of student accommodation, only the distant rumble of trains across a viaduct disturbs. The station is an eight-minute walk.

This comfortably sprawling, former coaching inn was taken over by the The Inn Collection Group, famed for its cheerful, good-value accommodation. The open-plan ground-floor is the bar-restaurant and reception, tricked out in folksy, rustic style with tartan carpets, tongue-and-groove panelling, and exposed brickwork. Little alcoves and semi-partitions keep it cosy while mismatched chairs, collections of bottles, bison heads, photographs of old Durham or framed wine labels add colour and warmth. It's part Western saloon, part Swiss chalet, which sounds odd but is bright and attractive.

The Inn offers few extras, though the free parking – virtually impossible to find in Durham – is a bonus. The big plus – and the reason for the high mark – is the staff who are relentlessly upbeat, welcoming and always on hand to help. There’s no sitting-room, though the bar-restaurant is large enough to find a quiet table for a read or, in the summer, two small patios offer wooden tables and chairs. Dogs are welcome (£7.50 per night), take-away coffee and sandwiches are available and, although there’s no room service, guests can take trays to their rooms.

The 23 rooms (two ground-floor) are modest but bright with a crisp, uncluttered style: tartan carpets, solid-wood furniture, floral-patterned cushions, and in airy shades of coffee, blue and silver-grey. Tongue-and-groove panelling and vintage railway-advertising posters in some rooms are a nice touch. Others are more bland with embossed wallpaper and old-fashioned, dark-wood dressing- and bedside-tables. Bathrooms – all but one, shower-only – are light and modern, if compact, with wood-effect or stone-effect tiling. Most rooms have views of garden or woodland; distant train noises can occasionally be heard but should only affect the lightest sleepers.

Very much a pub-restaurant (around 200 covers), food dominates and is available daily from 7.30am until 9pm. It's a cheerful, crowd-pleasing menu that runs the gamut from Caesar salad and pizzas, to fish and chips, steaks and Thai red mussels (mains average £12). Most dishes are made from scratch, and with care; although filling and hearty, they’re well-flavoured. There’s also a brunch and sandwich menu. The bar has two real ales, a short gin selection and simple wine list (from £18) with most offered by the glass. Don't be put off by the breakfast cold buffet – dull, meagre; the cooked-to-order is excellent – including poached eggs and smoked salmon, pancakes, and the full English – and nicely done.

Double rooms from £99 on weekdays, and from £139 at weekends, year-round. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

One ground-floor room is adapted. The ground floor is accessible, but there's no lift.

There are four family rooms (£119 for two adults with one child; £139 with two children) plus a children’s menu.