A NORTH-EAST hotel has been voted one of the best in the country – and the best in the North of England.

Five star Seaham Hall in County Durham was the only hotel in the region to be included in the annual TripAdvisor Top 25 Luxury Hotels Travellers’ Choice Awards.

The list, now in its 13th year, honours the world’s most outstanding properties and has ranked the 20-suite hotel and spa at number 22, behind world famous venues such as London’s The Goring and chef Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons.

Travellers’ Choice winners are determined by reviews submitted by travellers in a single year and Seaham Hall’s general manager Ross Grieve said: “That is why this award is so special.

“It reflects the opinions of those who matter most: the guests.”

The 20-suite hotel has invested £2m over an 18 month period across all areas of its operation including its award-winning Serenity Spa.

“While we are thrilled to be named one of the most luxurious hotels in the country, we are embarking on a rolling programme of development, which we hope will strengthen our position even further,” said Mr Grieve.