But where’s the best place to stay in the city?
We took a look at Google reviews to see which permanent hotels and guest houses ranked highly (seasonal holiday homes excluded).
Here’s what comes up in the top 10, from convenient city centre locations to spots with a sea view.
5. The Mayfield Apartments, Seaburn, 4.5
As seen on Channel 4's Four In A Bed, The Mayfield Apartments have a rating of 4.5. One reviewer said:"Comfortable accommodation, could be further improved with a fridge and a shower shelf. Bring your own milk and biscuits for room if vegan, dairy or gluten free needed. Plenty of street parking alongside if the car park is full. Smoke alarms fully functional as they should be, so if you smoke please have regard to signage and do so outside. Would stay again. Vegan sausages available nearby at Minchella." | Sunderland Echo
6. Hilton Garden Inn, Monkwearmouth, 4.4
Hilton Garden Inn is soon marking 10 years in the city with a £150,000 upgrade. In the meantime, it has a rating of 4.4 from more than 1,500 reviews. One reads: "Great stay. Lovely staff. Clean rooms. Comfortable bed. Great breakfast. Just a shame about the hair in my food at dinner time in the bar, however very apologetic, offered full refund and another meal." | Submitted
7. Premier Inn, St Michael's Way, 4.4
Another city centre location, Premier Inn has a rating of 4.4 from close to 1,000 reviews. One guest said: "Really good stay at Sunderland, a great view from our window, lovely bath and good sleep! I must thank the wonderful staff who found and returned my forgotten Fitbit...thankyou so much to the cleaning lady who rescued it from my towels...very grateful indeed!! We had a lovely visit, and Sunderland was sunny and welcoming!! Premier inn seem to always provide a great base for a trip!!" | Sunderland Echo
8. Holiday Inn, Keel Square, 4.4
With a prime city centre location, Holiday Inn has a rating of 4.4 from more than 300 reviews. One guest said: "My husband and I had a really fantastic stay here. The room was comfortable, reception area was nice to sit in, location was brilliant for stadium and easy walk from the station. And staff were all absolutely fantastic, so helpful and friendly. And a lady - whose name I think was Eden - made us up a really nice breakfast bag to take with us as we didn’t have time to sit down for breakfast. Thanks for a great stay!" | Sunderland Echo