We booked overnight to celebrate a special birthday. Arrived early- couldn't get into room so we went to the gorgeous and impressive spa.only slight issue not enough loungers round the pool to relax . The gym was well equipped and staffed. The water facilities hamman steam rooms sauna etc etc all great as well as the pool itself. The bedroom was a "deluxe" -- large and spacious. Little dated but very nice. Bed very comfortable. Tv dated and complicated and sound in room a little distorted but not really a big issue for us. Light system in room impressive but a bit fiddly! The bathroom huge! Was a little surprised didn't have facility to watch sky tv anywhere in hotel so I had to go out to watch sky sports!. Dinner in the white room very impressive-- lovely service- wonderful for a special occasion. Breakfast in the same room the following morning-- also excellent. Couple,of treatments in the spa and a lovely walk along the front to the local town made it a fabulous and relaxing couple of days. Fairly expensive but for a special occasion we loved every minute.

Seaham Hall is 20 minutes drive from Newcastle centre and beautifully placed on the North Sea coast just south of Wearmouth. The Spa is fanstastic, and my wife treated me to a birthday set of neck and body massage which was truly invigorating. We particularly liked the outdoor hot tubs, and the cold ice baths are a must! That set us both up for a taste experience in the White Room Restaurent ( one Michelin star) where I had pork belly and truffle mash (looked awful - black, but tasted out of this world) and my wife had venison; we both loved the scallop starter.

There were a few uninspiring things from a 5 star place though; poor parking for the main hall, a limited continental breakfast with no cooked meats or a good selection of breads (is this a trait of Von Essen hotels ? We stayed at the Royal Crescent hotel Bath a few years ago and they couldn't raise a single bread roll at breakfast on a Sunday morning), late newspapers and a need to order of bucket of ice again after a three hour delay).

Very friendly staff, especially the young lad in the bar who is working there to fund his career as a singer in a rock band!

After visiting the hotel for years and also being married there it saddens me to say its just lost that magic touch!

We had a spa day and it was good value for money but the spa needs work! Although the spa facilities are excellent the owners need to focus on the 'small stuff'. There were light bulbs out, not enough beds around the pool and if you're unlucky enough not to get a bed all there is is a wooden bench, the glasses and cups the refreshments were served in were grubby, some walls had been painted only up to head height, the showers are grubby and the electronic lockers are a nightmare! Such a shame!

As always the food in the Ozone was beautiful but let down by the calibre of staff!

Sadly my next spa day will be at Rockliffe Hall!

I have stayed at Seaham Hall three times and have used the spa facilities every time. Twice when it was 4* star and once 5* star.

This was a surprise spa day for my cousin and I from a cousin who had gone off travelling. We booked a full spa day in cold December 2011 to recieve treatment, food and use of facilities.

The Spa receptionist was friendly and straight away we began to feel relaxed in the tranquil atmosphere around us. I love the outdoor hot tubs and pool area for sitting and chilling and reading my book. There is ment to be a no phone phone policy around pool but someone was on the phone for quite a while. Still could not brave the plunge pools just my toes!
Staff made sure water was refilled and cleared of towels and glasses.

The Zen room was lovely especially the ice tea available and chilled.
Therapists were friendly and my back massage treatment was fantastic. Shame there wasn't a choice to have music playing in the rooms and heard other guests say the same.

The Ozone was the first visit for me we had early morning drinks then our food. My robe was too wet to sit in at first but I was dry so found a friendly staff member I was given another robe.
Food-Tapas meal and this did not disappoint!! Vegetarian risotto, butternut squash with my favourite parsnip crisps. Beetroot salad and goats cheese follwed by green tia chick pea curry. Lots of flavours and it all tasted supreme. Good size portions and very moreish!! The seats in the Ozone I felt were a bit shabby needed replacing with pen marks and dirt. Could not fault the staff and nice atmosphere.

Highs
Snail showers, sauna, outddor hot tubs, Iced tea, pool, massage and tapas

Lows
I agree with other comments it is in need of an upgrade especially now it is 5* star now. Chairs and paintwork in areas and some bulbs were out. Offering music in treatment areas. Though going home was sad too...

Overall so happy, chilled and relaxed Sernity Spa I can not wait to go back!
9/10