THE FACTS ABOUT SEAHAM HALL

England

Seaham Hall is a historic house on a bleak stretch of the north-east coast next to a depressingly grey mining village. Unexpectedly, the hotel has bedrooms as slick as London's One Aldwych and a Feng Shui-designed Oriental spa opening in the autumn. One gets the impression that the owners, Tom and Jocelyn Maxfield, have spent much of their research budget inspecting Amanresorts. But while the application is thorough, it is also a bit formulaic: 19 suites (some with two-person baths), Bang & Olufsen TVs, 'intelligent' lighting too complicated to use, lone orchid stems and adjustable air conditioning (not seemingly necessary on this wind-blasted coastline). In the restaurant, the scallops are melt in the mouth and the service is immaculate. The drawing room, where Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke, is licensed for civil weddings. The disadvantage, should you not already be here on business, is its location. Seaham Hall was featured in our special feature UK Hotels. COST Doubles £145-£250 CONTACT Seaham Hall Hotel, Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, County Durham (0191 516 1400; fax: 516 1410; e-mail: mailto:reservations@seaham-hall.com; www.seaham-hall.com)