Harrogate hotels

You could be forgiven for walking right past this hotel without even noticing it. From the outside it looks remarkably like a handsome terrace of Georgian houses – which it was until the boutique hotel company Hotel du Vin (HdV) snapped them up. One of the best hotels in Harrogate, it combines pared-back, old-world elegance – hardwood floors, tan-leather Chesterfields – with a touch of the French flair the hotel chain is known for.

Guestrooms feature leather-covered sleigh beds and bright, metro-tiled bathrooms with tubs and terrific monsoon showers. If you’re feeling flush, book a loft suite with twin roll-top baths.

The on-site bistro offers French classics such as beef bourguignon, one of the best cheesy French onion soups I’ve tasted, and an irresistible tarte tatin. The wine list is classy; ask the sommelier for recommendations.

If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, The Harrogate Inn is the place to book. The hotel has a prime position, whether you’re in town to catch a show at the nearby Royal Hall, attend a conference at the next-door Convention Centre, or to shop in the fashionable Montpellier Quarter.

One of the town’s 19th-century spa hotels and now one of the best hotels in Harrogate, a recent makeover has given it a modern interpretation of high Victoriana. Expect polished brass and wood, chequerboard floor tiles and dozens of fringed floral lampshades. In contrast, the guestrooms are decorated with muted colours and spare but neat furnishings.

Food, too, is nothing flash but offers a crowd-pleasing menu of steaks, pizzas, salads and – my Yorkshire favourite – fish and chips. The atmosphere is buzzy and the staff are friendly, making this one of Harrogate’s best-value hotels.

With its parkland setting, rooftop spa, golf courses and swimming pool, this is Harrogate's best spa hotel. Located on the south-eastern edge of town, it sits in its own wooded estate. Bold, new bedroom wings in creamy stone carefully blend with the original Georgian hall.

One of the best hotels in Harrogate, its guestrooms have a sophisticated, modern look, and are airy, sleek and understated. Ask for a Follifoot Wing room – bigger, funkier (think leopard print chairs) and with roll-top baths. Most of your time will probably be spent in the rooftop spa, an indulgent space with a hydrotherapy pool, saunas and steam rooms scattered amongst the trees.

The Clocktower Restaurant has a crowd-pleasing brasserie menu, but the glass-walled Horto was my favourite. More fun and adventurous, its dishes include the likes of tomatoes with grilled peach and smoked burrata, and pork with peanut satay.

Set in a leafy residential road a 10-minute walk from the town centre, Ascot House is one of the best hotels in Harrogate if you want peace, and free parking! The large, detached stone villa has a quietly traditional feel – with proper tablecloths and napkins – but a contemporary style.

You’ll find Victorian floor tiling, decorative cornices and stained-glass windows in the hallway, but colourful headboards, brightly patterned cushions and Scandi-style furniture in most of the 19 guestrooms. The top three rooms are big affairs with grander furniture and generous windows. The biggest of these, The Turret Room, spoils with a circular seating area in the turret – great fun for people-watching on the street below.

The hotel is breakfast-only, but it’s delicious and cooked to order. For evenings, I’d suggest checking out the restaurants in nearby Parliament Street.

If you fancy bedding down in a posh country pub, head north out of town for three miles to find one of the best hotels in Harrogate. The Boar’s Head is part of the estate village of medieval Ripley Castle, the latter still lived in by Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby (who you might even spot popping into the pub).

A traditional coaching inn with stone-flagged floors and a cobbled courtyard, guestrooms have a country-house look with floral-print curtains and a scattering of antiques. It’s a cosy set-up, but if you want more privacy, I suggest booking a room in the separate Birchwood House.

One of the best dog-friendly hotels in Harrogate, your furry friend is made very welcome here and can join you for meals in the bar. Food is elevated pub classics like beef and ale pie and mushroom stroganoff, served either in the bar or dining room.