Host & Stay | Garden Cottage — Guest Reviews

Host & Stay2 bedrooms1 bathSleeps 4

Review Summary

Overall Rating
4.3 / 5
Total Reviews
70
Sources
Booking.com (42) · Airbnb (22) · Vrbo (6)
Most Recent
Aug 2026

Each review shows: source · star rating · date · guest comments. Reviews are grouped by traveler type. Persona ratings reflect the average score from guests in that category.

Ratings by Traveler Type

Pet Owners
4.5 / 5
2 reviews
Families with Children
4.7 / 5
2 reviews
Couples
5.0 / 5
2 reviews
Pet Owners4.5 avg · 2 reviews
AirbnbDec 2025

Great accommodation. House very warm and welcoming. Travelled with 2 dogs and found good open walking nearby (AllTrails app is v good). Nice river walk into Durham. Plenty of amenities close by - food and shops. Would recommend.

AirbnbApr 2024

We loved our trip to Durham. As we had our little dog with us, we were happy to find this dog-friendly home. The property is a bit out of the city centre but that was actually good as there is a lovely walk into town from the house, which was an excellent dog walk. This walk into town takes about 20 minutes and takes you through the forest and then along the river - with a brilliant view of the cathedral en-route. There are also buses and taxis readily available which go into town along the busy main road. As the property is commercially hosted, it lacks the personal touch we have experienced in some other Airbnbs, but it was spotlessly clean and comfortable. Note that you have to pay an additional £25 for damage insurance in order to receive checkin instructions, a proviso which is included in the listing but is easily overlooked. We only realised this when we were almost at the property but it was easy to arrange and the Stay team are very responsive and easy to contact.

Families with Children4.7 avg · 2 reviews
PaulBooking.comOct 2025

Very well presented, comfy and clean property, with everything you need. Positive: Excellent location for me and the property was very clean and tidy and provided everything i needed. Negative: Lock box to get and put back keys was not easy to use and being a tallish family, one of the beds, with walls at head and toe, wasn't long enough.

PaulineBooking.comMay 2025

Lovely! Positive: Very clean, tastefully decorated and well equipped with small pretty Garden for Drinks in the evening. Very close to Durham City centre( we left the car and used the nearby buses). The Owners, Debbie and Dave left Prosecco and Chocolates for our arrival and a Card to welcome us. Thankyou again The Lythe family Negative: Couldn’t fault anything

Couples5.0 avg · 2 reviews
SueVrboSep 2025

We had a lovely stay. The 'cottage' was well equipped and ideal for the two of us. The house was spotless and very easy to keep clean & tidy. Though a little further from Durham city than we expected, the buses ran regularly from the main road a short walk away. As it was near the top of the hill, walking back from Durham would have been very hard! We had left the car at home, but found the buses to be excellent - on time and going to all the places we wanted to visit. Thank you.

DavidBooking.comJul 2024

Strongly recommend this if you’re a family or 2 couples visiting Durham. Positive: There is lots of living space, with a lovely sitting room and kitchen, as well as a nice kitchen. If it is sunny there is a cute little garden. Nice and private and quiet. Easy parking for 1 car. Check in very simple with good clear instructions. Quick walk through the forest down to the river. Cheap Uber trips back from restaurants in the evening.

Friend Groups & Gatherings5.0 avg · 1 review
AndrewVrboJun 2025

Visiting friends Great location, can walk into the town. Good bus service as well. Sun lounge a big bonus.

Budget-Conscious Travelers4.0 avg · 1 review
JohnBooking.comDec 2024

A quiet and reasonably priced property with good bus or walking access into the city. Positive: The property is comfortable and in a quiet neighbourhood. (It is a modern property on a housing estate so not period). There is useful information on access to the city, frequent buses near by or half an hour on foot. A map is provided for walking into town via the river, with a fine view of the cathedral. Note, this walk goes down some steep wooded steps and would not be suitable in wet weather. It would be a good idea for this to be pointed out. Host and Stay appear to be very efficient in dealing with any issues that may arise, even during weekends,

Holiday Gatherers5.0 avg · 1 review
AirbnbDec 2023

We loved our stay here! The house was super comfortable and we felt right at home. It’s obvious they listened to other people’s comments and did everything to make you feel at home and improve from when they first started. Lots of great extras - luxury shampoo / conditioner / body wash. Lots of milk and kitchen extras. We didn’t need to buy any extras. The owners made a special effort as we stayed over Xmas. They left us a lovely gift package which was unexpected. Location fantastic. We will definitely be back here as we travel to Durham often. Thank you for the lovely welcome!

All Reviews4.2 avg · 61 reviews
ReneeVrboAug 2026

Top notch rental!

JayneBooking.comJul 2026
GordonBooking.comJul 2026

Positive: The cottage itself is fine. Negative: We had an ant infestation in the conservatory when we arrived which meant we were unable to use it. Despite promises of maintenance coming out to attend to it, in the 5 days we were there nobody attended. I bought ant spray & powder to allow us to use it for 3 of our 5 days. The property is good but the management by Host & Stay is disgraceful, terrible customer service.

PaulBooking.comJul 2026

Enjoyable Positive: We really liked the property. Side drive for parking . Quiet location . Buses into Durham were frequent and very close to the property . You can also get the bus to Sunderland( we didn't). Easy access to A1=M1. North or south. Kitchen well stocked. Nice garden area . You can walk down to Durham 30 mins , bit less. I walked back once, steep all the way back. So a bus back is recommended if been out and eaten etc . Negative: Floorboards upstairs creak . Might not bother some people. And the conservatory was full of flying ants, so, we couldn't use it. This property would have had an excellent rating from us, the fact we booked it for the parking and conservatory and not been able to enjoy the conservatory has brought our rating down. This property is very good, just we had the ants.

KateBooking.comJul 2026

Convenient location to Durham city centre. Positive: Good location Negative: Would have been good to have more sofas in the lounge - the small chairs felt like a waiting room/ reception area. However loved the conservatory area.

AirbnbJun 2026

Lovely comfy clean house. Lots of information about the area and thoughtful touches to help our stay. The house is a walkable distance from Durham city centre, although it is quite a steep hill to walk! Charlie from Host and Stay was very helpful and responsive.

CameronBooking.comJun 2026

5 days in Durham Positive: We had a lovely stay at this cottage. It was spotlessly clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. The beds were very comfortable, there was convenient off-road parking, and the location was ideal—quiet and peaceful, yet only minutes from Durham. The host provided plenty of helpful information and everything was very well organised. The cottage garden was a lovely bonus, and it was perfect for our dog too. We would highly recommend this property and would happily stay again. Negative: Nothing.

RuthBooking.comJun 2026
ChrisBooking.comJun 2026
PaulVrboJun 2026

Well presented and very clean. Decently equipped. Goid location.

RegineBooking.comMay 2026

Perfect stay Positive: Clean and comfortable Negative: Nothing — all was great

AirbnbMay 2026

Great stay. Lovely walk into Durham (with very helpful directions from owners). Beautiful home in every way. Highly recommended. I felt uncomfortable about the checkin process. It is through an agency and was a little different to most other places we have stayed. There was a seperate online check-in form and much detail about damage costs or paying extra to cover possible damages. I wasn’t sure if it was a scam etc. but in the end I did sign the form (or else we wouldn’t have been granted entry I expect) but I didn’t pay extra for the “insurance”. This turned out ok for us but it did leave me feeling particularly worried and perhaps a little vulnerable compared to everywhere else we have stayed. So I’m still not entirely sure how normal this is but have included my experiences so it may help others reading. In the end I’m glad we stayed. The owners had the best welcome material I have seen in any BnB. Their house is immaculate.

PatriciaBooking.comMay 2026
AirbnbApr 2026

This house was perfect for our Durham stay. Felt like a home away from home. Hosts really responsive. Will definitely book again

GrantBooking.comMar 2026

Positive: Easy 5 mins drive to town lovely little garden Well equipped. Negative: Mattress in double bedroom not very comfortable

SharrenBooking.comMar 2026

A fabulous house that has everything in a good location.

GlenBooking.comMar 2026

All my needs where met . Positive: A very clean and comfortable cottage and well presented. The location was ideal for city centre in quite street which was very relaxing. Overall very happy. Negative: Can't think of anything.

AirbnbFeb 2026

Clean and comfortable. Well equipped kitchen. Pay close attention to damage waiver details, and if they honour as advertised.

ElizabethBooking.comJan 2026

Very pleased to have stayed in Garden Cottage and look forward to a return visit. Thank you! Positive: Thoughtful touches - a clearly well loved property. Thank you for the welcome postcard and the excellent walk you recommended!

KimBooking.comDec 2025

Would recommend - nice house and good location Positive: Good location, parking available, very clean, nice house, everything we needed, good communication and lovely tin of chocolates left for us! Negative: Only a couple of minor things not worth mentioning.

DavidBooking.comNov 2025

A great stay Positive: Great location 15 minutes walk to the centre. Near to other places of interest to visit Quite residential area Secure parking in front Well equipped house Comfortable beds Very clean and tidy Good communication throughout A great stay.

NicolaBooking.comNov 2025
MarcusBooking.comNov 2025

Would not go back as I do not feel safe and when I asked the agent they have no interest. Positive: Property was great until it was broken into. People broke in and scared us when inside the property. Negative: Lack of security and the agent had not taken responsibility

AlexanderBooking.comOct 2025

Wont be back Positive: it was in the location i needed it to be, otherwise i wouldnt have booked it. Negative: you stay for 3 days you expect more than 1 roll of toilet paper, and its not just that that but everything they are cheap on. Im paying £300+ and you want to be cheap and save yourselves a few £ by cutting corners everywhere, very disappointing. Also the host is extremely corporate, will continue to spam you days later for a review so here it is.

MarjorieBooking.comOct 2025

Perfect in Every Way 😀 Positive: Very comfortable, well equipped and clean property in a quiet location. It felt like a very loved and homely place to stay. We had a very minor maintenance issue on arrival and it was dealt with very swiftly. Negative: Nothing.

WilliamBooking.comSep 2025

Very comfortable, well appointed property. Comprehensive information relating to my stay.

AirbnbSep 2025

Great house in a convenient location, a little supermarket nearby and frequent and quick buses into the city centre, or walk in about 25mins. Clean, neat and modern, very well-appointed house. Instructions and good local recommendations were sent ahead of time which were accurate and helpful. Generally very good comms. Recommended.

LyndaBooking.comAug 2025

Great place to stay for our stay in Durham. Perfect for our party of 3. Positive: Convenient location. Comfortable with all facilities available.

AlisonVrboJul 2025

Weekend visiting daughter Visiting our daughter who has moved to the area, great location and house

AlanBooking.comJul 2025
ElaineBooking.comJul 2025

Nice stay but spoiled by being charged twice Positive: Good location, nice garden but a bit overgrown Negative: I added one extra night onto the stay and was charged twice for this and have not been able to get a refund even though they said their finance team were looking into this. I have emailed twice and called but still no refund. It was charged in 23 June and I reported same day and it is now 3 July. Not great.

MargaretVrboJun 2025

"Short Break" Beautiful modern clean houseIdeal locationVery good public transport Would stay here again

AnnaBooking.comJun 2025

Great cottage Positive: Very clean & lovely cottage, great location - I loved it

MaggieBooking.comApr 2025

Durham is a beautiful place to visit, we were checking out the University and town. Positive: Location was great for what we needed, quiet residential area with off street parking for 1 vehicle, the house was clean and tidy, heating came on when needed and beds were comfortable. Negative: Nothing that i didn't like about the property

JanetteBooking.comApr 2025

einfach Top Haus, so schön Positive: Wir haben schon viele Häuser in Durham gemietet und kennen die Ecke sehr gut. Ich liebe die typischen englischen kleinen Häuser. Das Haus war absolut so wie auf den Bilder. Es war total sauber und es wurde an alles gedacht, von Mülltüten bis Geschirrspüler und Spülmittel. Es war genügend Besteck und Geschirr für 4 Personen. Der Wintergarten ein Traum. Alle Geräte wie Waschmaschine, Geschirrspüler und sogar der Ofen war neuwertig. Schlüsselübergabe und Kommunitaktion mit Host&Stay sofort und schnell. Dieses Haus werden wir auf jeden Fall nochmal mieten !!! Tesco in unmittelbarer Nähe und Parkplatz vor der Tür. Heizung war tagsüber abgesenkt und wurde abends und morgens richtig warm, das war optimal und nie zu kalt. Negative: Das ist jetzt Meckern auf hohem Niveau, ein paar Kleinigkeiten können jedoch verbessert werden_ - Es gabe 4 große Handtücher, aber nur 1 kleineres Händehandtuch - bitte im Bad an der Tür oder Wand unbedingt noch ein paar Haken, es gab keine Haken nur ein Glasregal - das Elternbett hatte sehr spitze sehr schlecht einsehbare Holzecken, die uns ziemlich verletzt haben, habe dann Kissen vorgestopft. Kann man so nicht ändern, nur mit einem neuen Bett, aber bitte aufpassen - Matratze vom Elternbett war sehr sehr weich und wenn sich der andere bewegte schaukelte man

JenniferBooking.comMar 2025

Very clean house in a quiet location. Positive: The house was very clean and in a very quiet location. It was also very light and has a lovely conservatory. The living room is small and seating not very good with 2 very small chairs (children’s size) and a small sofa. Upstairs floors are very creaky..

AirbnbMar 2025

Well equipped house spotless with lovely conservatory and small garden to rear which is fully fenced off for privacy would recommend to anyone thinking of a stay in Durham.

JACQUIBooking.comFeb 2025
NelaBooking.comNov 2024
SeonaBooking.comSep 2024

Comfortable, cosy and clean Positive: Very clean, comfortable, cosy and has everything you need. Free off street parking right at the house, very useful. Negative: Second bed was a bit on the short side, think shorter than normal. Very small issue - lighting by the sofa was non existent so could not sit and read at night. Heating set a bit low at 20 degrees, which you could change but you only for a short period. Was slightly annoying.

AirbnbSep 2024

Nice place to stay and much better than a budget hotel . Really comfy beds and conservatory was used due to the sunny weather . Handy for the local stores in Gilesgate Shopping centre

SteveBooking.comSep 2024
TonyBooking.comAug 2024

Lovely house, very clean with all facilities catered for Negative: Wasn't aware of the insurance/damage waiver prior to arrival so had to sort this out over the phone on the way to the property so that we could get the key access information

AirbnbAug 2024

Garden Cottage is een ruime, comfortabel ingerichte woning. Prettige bedden en voldoende banken en leunstoelen om te relaxen. Erg mooi en licht de grote serre. Fijn ook de privé parkeerplaats. De keuken was weliswaar voorzien van apparatuur en eettafel met stoelen maar koken was lastig omdat er slechts een paar kleine pannetjes waren en niet bijvoorbeeld een grote pan met deksel. Er waren ook erg weinig gewone glazen, diepe borden en bestek. De vaatwasser hebben we dus weinig gebruikt. In de badkamer misten we een handgreep om het gladde, hoge bad in en uit te stappen en rekken voor de handdoeken. Het prachtige centrum van Durham is dichtbij, een half uurtje lopen. Ook is er veel te bezoeken in de omgeving en is de kust niet ver weg.

VictorBooking.comJul 2024

Positive: Excellent. Maison très agréable, patio, jardin, avec place de paking pour voiture dans un quartier résidentiel calme et fleuri, facilement relié au centre-ville. Negative: Les toilettes sont uniquement à l'étage et la lumière de la salle de bains est faiblarde. Tout le reste est super.

ZoëBooking.comJul 2024

Garden Cottage is an oasis of tranquility, with a thoughtful and beautifully decorated interior you will feel at home in Positive: It was wonderfully decorated and felt very homely. The furniture was perfectly balanced to make a smaller house feel spacious. It had a glorious yellow conservatory and beautiful little garden. All the amenities were thoughtfully situated and the hosts had left lots of little things to make the stay more comfortable, enjoyable and convenient. It had easy access to a local supermarket and some restaurants such as a lovely Vietnamese Pho restaurant as well as traditional Fish & Chips if you didn’t want to cook. There is off street parking for one car and it is a short 6 minute drive to the centre of Durham. Negative: The sofa bed in the second room was a little uncomfortable but there are two double beds so this is a minor thing.

AirbnbJun 2024

Great location within 20 minute walk to Durham City or a short bus ride. Was an ideal base to explore Durham and the surrounding area. Lots of good and very close by amenities, supermarket, take aways etc Well maintained and clean property with a lovely conservatory to relax at the end of the day. We would stay again

AirbnbJun 2024

Fantastic stay in Durham with a responsive and helpful host. Will definitely stay again next time we're in Durham

AirbnbJun 2024

Overall lovely property, close to the city which was a nice walk. Attention to detail in some aspects of cleaning could have been better, patio door was awkward to lock but overall suited our needs for the weekend visiting family. Would stay here again as the host was responsive to issues we raised which I hope have been addressed.

BarbaraBooking.comMay 2024

Great in every respect Positive: Great location Negative: Nothing!

AirbnbMay 2024

A great little property perfect for our stay in Durham. Had everything we needed. Was spotlessly clean. Warm. Super comfortable. Great to have off street parking for ease of unloading after a long drive. Would stay again.

AirbnbApr 2024

It was a lovely place to stay, very clean and comfy but is a bit far away from city centre. Overall it’s a nice experience!

AirbnbSep 2023

A nice house but not as comfortable as we expected. Strange sofa under the stairs, mattresses lumpy. Good location, very quiet, good to have a proper drive to park on. Locking the conservatory door was almost impossible - infact it was unlocked when we arrived, so I doubt the cleaners could lock it. The house was clean and well maintained.

JanetBooking.comSep 2023

Negative: Would have liked a downstairs toilet

AirbnbSep 2023

First when we got there it was hard to unlock the door with the keys. Got inside and the Kitchen smelled like Indian food which wasn’t pleasant. We then realized we had barely any cleaning supplies and only a bar of soap useful for one day. We couldn’t turn the heat up when it got cold, then the host imposed strict rules for heat and usage of the place. It was a painful experience.

AirbnbSep 2023

House was well presented and as described. Good location, central Durham is a pleasant 25 minute walk. The kitchen could have been better supplied with utensils to make meal prep easier. Do be aware that when renting you are dealing with an agency, not the property owner. There are outrageous add ons to the basic price.; a £60 upfront cleaning fee, we were only in the property for 2 nights, and a refundable damage deposit of £250, which is fine but they charge you £10 for the privilege of holding onto your money from confirming the booking to 7 days after departure or a £25 non refundable waiver which make for an expensive break.

AirbnbAug 2023

Positive: convenient for arrival by car, quiet location, parking, good amenities, long but lovely walk into Durham through woodlands and along the river Negative: very bad trip hazard outside property, two large puddles on water inside in porch and conservatory, no toilet roll, trash left behind on step into enclosed rear garden. Seems like the property has only just been put on Air BnB so perhaps these were beginner’s mistakes

Booking.comJul 2023

Negative: صوت الانذار كان مزعج في الليل

AirbnbJul 2023

The house was spotless with everything you need for a short stay. Communication was fantastic and we appreciated the responsiveness of the agency when we had a query about the wifi - especially as it was out of office hours.

AirbnbJul 2023

Great location for visiting Durham. Nice walk from here into the city.

ReesBooking.comMay 2023

Positive: The property was very clean, tidy and comfortable. The conservatory was a lovely space to start our day with breakfast, or to relax in the evening. There was ample parking which was a lovely surprise as I drive a pickup truck. The support team were very informative and helpful.

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View rate calendar · Full listing · Reviews as of Aug 2026