The Funky Monk
Top rated by guests





8.7Excellent
(384 Ratings)
"I loved the look and the quality of the rooms lots of amenities and very close to the centre."
Verified guestDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
2 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
The Funky Monk offers accommodations in Durham, 6.6 miles from Lumley Castle and 8.7 miles from Beamish Museum.
Free WiFi/internet
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Heating
WiFi/Internet
Contactless check-in/out
Fire alarm
Fire extinguisher
Cleaning products
$$$$
Top rated by guests
8.7Excellent
(384 Ratings)
"I loved the look and the quality of the rooms lots of amenities and very close to the centre."
Verified guestDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
Ratings and reviews
9.0 / 10.0
We stayed in the friars nook for one night . The apartment was amazing and just as we expected . We would stay here again .
Couldn’t get into the room with the key on the app so had to ring the ram side to let us in . There was a step into the living room area that we kept missing , maybe should have a warning sticker on it ?
Outside with the hot tub was lovely but could do with more lighting as we couldn’t see very well in the dark getting in and out of the hot tub .
4.0 / 10.0
Good size, good location
Seats and hot tub area very dirty, dirt and hair on cushions, food on floor, mirrors dirty, dusty, key entry didn’t work on arrival,needed a fire stick for tv as couldn’t log into any of my apps even though it was a smart tv
8.0 / 10.0
Great decor and layout. Brass bath was fantastic. Very comfortable, and fab location. Nice touch of foodie freebies, and bathroom selection.
All of the external lights at the back of the property were not working, so it was very difficult and dangerous to use the sauna and hot tub, this was disappointing as the main room was fabulous. Kitchen was lacking some basic cooking utensils.
8.0 / 10.0
Really lovely apartment. Nicely furnished, comfortable, great toiletries and a good location near to the station. As I discovered the property is owned/ managed by the Ramside Hotel, I’ve stayed there too and it is also lovely.
Nothing of significance. Some handwash for the bathroom would be good.
8.0 / 10.0
Very large apartment, the bed was really comfortable.
Decor was inspiring. If you’re into baths the massive copper bath is very deceptive in photos but I would say 2 people could fit in it.
On the whole I would really recommend the funky Monk.
The temple of funk room had a leak that they had put a bucket under it would have been nice to have been warned about that.
These points are more feedback for the owners little thing that would make it perfect.
TV’s in the apartment where on the open WiFi that needed to captive login screen completing, for someone who doesn’t travel a lot or might be a little less IT literate this might be too much. A suggestion would be to create a new network just for the TV’s or add them to the staff network.
No hand soap in the apartment this would be nice. (There is a good selection of toiletry, laundry supplies and fairy liquid)
So many light switches it was like a mini game am I going to get the right one on the first attempt.
9.0 / 10.0
A gorgeous apartment in a very convenient location.
Beautifully decorated and well equipped, very comfortable with high quality linen and toiletries.
Tea, coffee etc were good quality and milk capsules in the fridge, although one had leaked onto the shelf.
Heating was very high when we arrived and all the windows were open because it was so HOT (28degrees). The thermostat didn't work and we ended up turning all the radiators off. However, the heated towel rail in the bathroom was so burning hot that it scalded my arm when I brushed up against it. This was quite serious and was the first heater we had to turn off.
Not a single app on either of the two TVs was working and one remote didn't work at all whilst the other had low power in the batteries.
The light by the main front door was not working and made it hard in the dark to use the access app, especially for the first time.
The overflow to the bath wasn't connected - fortunately, I don't think we were likely to be filling the bath that much.
The above are all matters that the service company should be sorting out as a regular activity.
A couple of small design points - electrical sockets were not co-located with a mirror, making it difficult to dry hair with hair dryer.
Need a small shelf somewhere by the bath to stand shampoo etc as reaching over the side of the bath when either showering or bathing is annoying.
6.0 / 10.0
Nicely decorated
A very long flight of stairs to get up to the door. A complicated key access that required getting an app which was finicky at first. The extremely dirty rugs that had clearly not been vacuumed at all. The cobwebs throughout the place. The parking was not explained and we had to call to find out.
8.0 / 10.0
This is a really pretty suite in a central location near the station. We appreciated the big sofa, kingsize bed, and having a kitchen including kettle, fridge and tea / coffee supplies. With the windows closed it was very quiet, and the curtains were very effective at excluding light so we could sleep later. Bath / shower arrangement was unusual, but functional.
Access was annoying. After booking I got a message telling me to send them my email address followed by an email from a third party telling me create an account with a key management app. I did so, but it then showed me an error message saying I had no permission. We called them and arranged to collect a key fob at a hotel out of town, which worked out fine, but required an extra 20 mins of driving.
9.0 / 10.0
Cosy
Modern
Hot tub lovely
Great kitchenette with tea coffee washing up liquid
Lovely snacks
Fab tv
Great location
Helpful staff when we couldn’t use our digital card
Pillows too soft
Outside light didn’t work in the back yard for the hot tub
8.0 / 10.0
Very boujie! Lovely space and definitely funky!
Lack of parking and out of main town; could have done with a hoover as lots of crumbs on the carpet.
7.0 / 10.0
The room was beautiful any decorated and bed/bedding very good. Hot tub was nice to use in the evening and room was spacious for two. Location was excellent and metered parking just outside and not expensive for weekend.
Is a service apartment but no utensils to cook with, one milk saucepan and one frying pan , no serving dishes etc
The tap in kitchen is burning hot and could burn whereas the shower was just warm and couldn’t adjust temperature.
The APPS on the tv were locked so unable to access them which was very inconvenient.
We also contacted about late check out but didn’t hear back at all .
The cost of the apartment is high and wouldn’t expect these problems .
9.0 / 10.0
Beautifully appointed and decorated throughout, excellent location
Key system, a little too pricey compared to other similar accommodation in the area although I would definitely go back
8.0 / 10.0
Comfy apartments
The tv apps didn’t work and the free view was limited, at the price sky tv should be included
3.0 / 10.0
The decor was very modern and tasteful and the location is good.
We stayed in the bashing bishop, it claimed to be a private hot tub area but the other guests in the apartments above us, kept watching us from their windows, it ruined the entire night.
There was a spider in the bed, stains on the sofa, bed covers and up the walls in the bathroom.
Mould on the wall around the back of the hot tub and inside the sauna, there was a giant rusty nail sticking out of the wood that if you get your leg caught on it, you will indeed need a tetanus jab for.
The remote for the soundbar was no where to be seen and the internet completely shut off for the whole evening so I had the tether from my phone.
You also have to log into all the apps and pay for them yourself as they aren’t available otherwise.
There was no hand soap at any of the sinks so, we used fairy washing up liquid.
For £300 a night, it was disgusting to be honest.
The location is great but you have to pay for parking too.
When I tried to get in touch via the email they gave me (they made me download the booking.com app to message them directly) they wouldn’t acknowledge any of what I had to say.
It’s over priced, don’t believe the hype.
9.0 / 10.0
Located a short walk from centre in a beautiful neighbourhood
Clean worktops, bathrooms and utensils but quite dusty skirtings, lights and high surfaces; lots of spiders & webs sadly.
10.0 / 10.0
I loved the look and the quality of the rooms lots of amenities and very close to the centre.
N/A
10.0 / 10.0
Stylish decor, super hot tub, spot on facilities and very comfortable stay. So much space. Very close to the railway station for travelling in/out of Durham. Used a mobile app to open doors - the instructions werent clear on what mobile app I needed to download, however when I called for help, the assistance was kind and super efficient.
Instructions weren’t clear to me on setting up an account and then downloading a separate app for the key functionality.
10.0 / 10.0
The funkiness! Loved the theme throughout the apartment.
Too hot! Need fans or air conditioning and also an elevator
6.0 / 10.0
The rooms where really nice.
There was no hot water in our original apartment so we where moved to another but we chose the apartment we did due to its decor and set out. The room we where moved to was extremely warm and we had no way of controlling the temperature either through heating controls/fans etc. When we woke up in the morning we where also short of cooking utensils meaning we had to go back into the other room to search for them. Overall we where really disappointed. This was supposed to be a little minimoon the night after our wedding but turned into a unenjoyablele stay.
1.0 / 10.0
Didn’t say at this property so this rating has no value
The reason is the lock system which they use!
Very sub standard for a room costing £300.
If you download the app it will freeze your apple wallet which wasn’t great!
On complaining to the above property the only advice they could offer was a complete refund, which left me in a very poor situation. Considering I booked this room 6 months ago and they said it would take 10 days for a refund is disappointing to say the least. They said they’d confirm said cancellation by email but at this point I’ve had no confirmation. Avoid this place like the plague.
Read above
10.0 / 10.0
Everything
Decor
Space
VERY comfortable bed
Steps up to the front door
Parking
1.0 / 10.0
The bed was big and comfortable (apart from the heat!). It does look funky, just a case of style over substance.
1 The electronic entry system seemed good and worked on arrival. However on the second day it failed and took about half an hour to get into the apartment. Spent in the foyer, which was >35C, so sweating just standing.
2 The flat was soooo hot - no aircon or even mobile cooler in external 30C temperatures.
3 As a flat - basics MUST include crockery (surely?), discovered no dishes for a breakfast and minimal cooking equipment. Dishes were provided on 2nd day but real hassle getting them.
4 Wifi was patchy and the good TV was not smart so no APPs (eg Netflix/NowTV) work. Not promised but an expectation with this price and Luxury positioining.
5 The other units were largely for parties it seemed so noisy every night over the weekend.
9.0 / 10.0
The apartment was excellent, a good size and in a good location only short walk to the town center.
The sinks were small and had no where to put your toiletries. All the lighting was dim which gave the apartment it's atmosphere but could have done with one bright light in the bedroom so that you could see properly when required.
10.0 / 10.0
Great decor & facilities
Didn’t know which room I was in & couldn’t find it on the booking
9.0 / 10.0
The apartment was stunning and spacious
The sofa bed was very thin and uncomfortable
Some of the light switches did not work properly
The room was too dark for applying makeup
The toilet door would not stay closed
No hand soap
9.0 / 10.0
So well appointed, all rooms were really nice, as well as the kitchen and lounge area.
Seriously the best spot we’ve found in Durham
Netflix is on the tv’s but is not working although you watch on IPad etc
8.0 / 10.0
Lovely spec, spacious and clean - wow factor. Shame about the niggles.
Digital key was hassle / over engineered
No fans / Aircon - it wasn’t even near to hottest day but 1 room especially unbearable heat overnight
No doors on Ensuite bathroom - with shower over copper bathtub the noise level ridiculous if trying to sleep whilst shower in use
9.0 / 10.0
The building and room are very nicely decorated and furnished.
6.0 / 10.0
Very nice apartment, stylish and well equipped for short stay.
Dishwasher filled but not run on arrival so had to deal with someone else’s dirty cups and glasses. Freezer fault meant an ice monster had built up and you couldn’t even close the freezer door much less use it. No response from owner when tried to contact them. No details from owner on which apartment we were renting so when we arrived with our digital key we didn’t know where to go and contact details were poor. We encountered others staying there who had no phone details and their key didn’t work. Communal areas were dirty/scruffy. On hottest day of the year it felt like parts of the underfloor heating were on despite repeated attempts to turn off the heating! Rented this due to having separate sofa bed for my daughter but it was really cheap and nasty and incredibly uncomfortable so she ended up sharing my bed. I would have gone to a cheaper hotel otherwise!
5.0 / 10.0
The snacks and water
The location near rail station
The fob app that lets you enter with your phone
Way overpriced
Not clean enough--dog hairs on sofa
Second bed a cheap uncomfortable cot
Toilet flush mechanism fell off
No privacy for shower or bath--no door, no curtain
Loo door kept sliding open. Had to hold it closed
10.0 / 10.0
The rooms were so comfortable with extra details to make it exceptional. Great location to Durham. Spotless, thoughtful items left with beautiful furniture
Sofa bed was a little uncomfortable and shower was cold in the morning but didn't detract from a brilliant stay and will definitely return and recommend 👌
6.0 / 10.0
Layout was spacious bedrooms and bathrooms gorgeous
You couldn’t see out of the windows they were so dirty the apartment hadn’t been cleaned very well the outside space was very dirty the outside furniture had been left uncovered so there was bird muck all over it decor needed touching up in many places
Remote door keys didn’t work
Sound bar didn’t work and freezer needed defrosted desperately
9.0 / 10.0
Beautiful decor, great use of space, clean and tidy. Everything you need is there! We didn’t use hot tub but next time I will be sure to utilise that!
The steps leading up to property were filthy, we were getting ready for my wedding there and were torn on whether to get in my dress there as the apartment is so beautiful so photos would have been nice however I didn’t want to ruin my dress on the steps. Also, the streaming services didn’t work in apartment TV. There should be reference to the steps outside in the advertisement just for those with mobility issues as there are a lot.
10.0 / 10.0
Location , decor was beautiful , no expense spared .
Nothing
9.0 / 10.0
Fantastic apartment in a lovely town - loved the hot tub.
Didn't like the key system, some extra towels would have been nice, and the bathroom door kept sliding open which was annoying. There might also be more utensils in the kitchen - f.ex. scissors. Otherwise pretty perfect.
10.0 / 10.0
The quality of the furnishings and finishing touches are pure luxury.
A Lovely hot tub, which was great.
Gorgeous thick fluffy towels and dressing gowns. The bed is the best I've ever slept in it was so soft and comfortable yet firm enough to ensure a great night's sleep.
The only downside was the steep steps up to the apartment, and the outside area around the hot tub could be made a bit nicer.
The decor is both quirky and luxurious.
Best apartment I've ever stayed in and situated so near Durham city centre.
7.0 / 10.0
Clean nice comfortable
Digital keys
8.0 / 10.0
Beautiful property, spacious, clean, modern and every detail had been carefully thought out.
No bedding was left for the sofa bed, therefore we all slept in the main bed. However, I always judge service by how issues are resolved and they were great.
7.0 / 10.0
Boutique style self contained apartment, enormous comfy bed, self checkin, sauna, great sized tv
No hot water in shower, litter around hot tub, uncomfortable bed settee as second bed, the very open plan bathroom was uncomfortable for our teenagers and table was bit small for dining.
10.0 / 10.0
The apartment was stunning! Everything was carefully considered from snacks and drinks being provided to lovely toiletries and even a toothbrush charger. It was all top quality.
We weren't told the name of the apartment we were in when we booked, so once in the building (using the door entry app on my phone) we didn't know which room to go to. However, I called the owners and they were incredibly helpful and it was sorted in a minute.
FAQs
Does this property follow enhanced cleaning procedures?
Yes, this apartment has implemented enhanced cleaning procedures and processes to keep you healthy and safe.
Is parking included with this apartment?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at The Funky Monk. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this apartment?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this apartment. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is The Funky Monk pet friendly?
Yes! This apartment is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at The Funky Monk?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes free wifi/internet, non-smoking, pets allowed, heating, and wifi/internet.
