Address: Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG.
Tel: 0191-516 1400.
Web address: www.seaham-hall.com
First impressions: Set on the starkly beautiful Durham coastline, Seaham Hall was once an aristocratic country house and the scene of Lord Byron's ill-fated marriage to local rich girl Annabella Milbanke. On the drive, William Pye's ultra-modern water sculpture marks its transformation into a modern hotel.
The rooms: Open out on to a central atrium adorned with antique Indian furniture. Inside, things are more contemporary -sleek Bang & Olufsen TVs and more internet-ready phone lines than one couple could ever need.
The bed test: Huge, firm and well-dressed with elegant embroidered covers.
Bathroom: Spacious. In some rooms, a massive two-person bath (with taps in the middle) comes as part of the furniture.
Restaurant: Michelin star-winner Simon Haigh offers a brief but consistently delicious selection of dishes, and the three-course table d'hôte is £34pp. No smoking.
The lounge: Comfortable. Tables stacked with papers and books, and a table-top tic-tack-toe game at your disposal.
What is there to see within walking distance? Wrap up warm for a stroll along the beach, investigate the pretty chapel in the hotel grounds, or follow Lord Byron's favourite walks through Seaham Dene. During his stays at Seaham Hall, he used the wood for shooting practice, and locals grumbled that he discharged his pistol rather too indiscriminately.
What is there to see nearby? Durham's majestic cathedral.
How much a night? This is luxury stuff. Bed and continental breakfast from £185 for single occupancy of a "deluxe" room, to £600 for a night in the penthouse suite.
