Radisson Blu Durham Unveils Next Phase of £5 Million Refurbishment with Record Growth

[L-R] Jonathon Beattie (Food and Beverage Manager), Wendy Bryant (Director or Events), Stuart Lloyd (General Manager), Paul Nicholson (Chef), Lewis Graydon (Commercial Director) 

Durham’s riverside hotel reveals significant uplift in bookings as it enters the next stage of its transformation - with over 80 premium rooms complete and a spa upgrade on the horizon. 

Radisson Blu Durham has completed the latest phase of a £5 million refurbishment - with a strong focus on its guest bedrooms, as the riverside hotel cements its position as a premium destination for both leisure and business travellers in the North East. 

July was a record trading month for the hotel with revenues up 21% compared to last year, with steady growth throughout the year so far also due to increased demand in meetings and events with the revamped hotel being used more frequently for large national events. 

The work forms part of a wider investment programme that is set to continue into 2026 with future phases, including further bedroom refurbishments and a new-look spa, expected to take total investment beyond £5 million. 

While the initial phase of the transformation, which began in 2023, focused on public areas including the creation of Jozef’s bar and restaurant this second stage centred on the premium bedroom upgrades, which have already contributed to a significant increase in direct bookings and guest satisfaction. 

“It’s about elevating the guest experience without losing our Durham soul,” says Stuart Lloyd, General Manager. “The response to the new bedrooms has been fantastic, they’ve helped us attract more bookings and deliver even greater comfort.” 

The hotel has now refurbished 83 out of 207 rooms, starting with the fourth-floor executive collection of 26 rooms. These are now home to new cosy beds, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, mini fridges, Chromecast TVs and high-spec bathrooms. 

The third floor followed with a full décor refresh and the addition of refillable water stations throughout, part of the hotel’s wider sustainability drive.  

Uptake for the £30 premium room upgrade has surged, reflecting growing demand from guests looking for both comfort and style. 

“We’re seeing guests actively choosing these rooms. They’re not just an upgrade, they’re part of the experience,” Lloyd adds. “It shows there’s an appetite for well-designed, thoughtful accommodation in Durham.” 

Meanwhile, Jozef’s, the bar and restaurant launched in the initial phase of the investment continues to go from strength to strength. With its panoramic views of the river looking towards the cathedral and locally rooted menu, the venue is now earning consistent 5-star TripAdvisor reviews and establishing itself as a destination in its own right.  

Named after a lesser-known historical figure from Durham’s past, Jozef’s reflects the hotel’s commitment to celebrating the city’s heritage in a fresh, contemporary setting. Expect locally roasted coffee from KAFFEEHAUS, Durham Gin, and even a nod to Durham’s mustard-making legacy on the menu. 

Radisson Blu Durham’s wider ambition is to offer a lifestyle-led experience that resonates with both regional guests and national conference delegates without losing its famously warm, North East welcome. 

With much of the hotel now reimagined, refurbishment work will resume in early 2026, targeting the remaining bedrooms and a complete refresh of the hotel spa. 

“We’re proud to have modernised our spaces, but it’s the people and place that make Radisson Blu Durham truly special,” says Lloyd. “That will never change.”