Prepare To Be Seduced By The Delights Of The Harrogate Hotel Du Vin

Now any hotel which names itself after wine is a winner in my books! Then, when you walk into your room to find this beauty, the wow factor increases exponentially. This room including breakfast cost just £115. Quite simply, the Harrogate Hotel Du Vin and I are a match made in heaven.

So let me tell you why!

Harrogate Hotel Du Vin location

Firstly the location is damn fine. Not only is it a mere stone’s throw from shops, bars and restaurants but it overlooks the stray. Exercise lovers can lace up their trainers, head out the door and be on the common in minutes. I managed to run for a full thirty minutes, just zig-zagging around the green areas of Harrogate, and it was lush.

Reception

At first, it’s hard to determine exactly where the reception is. It feels more like you have entered someone’s Georgian mews house than an actual hotel. Turn left and you will spot a double desk down a few stairs.

Friendly staff greet you and you can help yourself to complimentary water or take a load off on the comfortable seats. The receptionists are keen to share a wealth of local information whilst the check-in is quick and efficient. Just as well, as I was keen to explore my room.

Rooms

And what a room it was! The Lallier room at the Harrogate Hotel Du Vin is utterly delicious. Down a small staircase, a bijou terrace leads into a vestibule with two rooms leading from it. First impressions are spectacular as the oversized bed with chocolate and purple accessories welcome you. Beyond, the room morphs seamlessly into a modern bathroom with antique touches. There’s a claw-foot Victorian bathtub and a huge sink. Around the corner, you will find a large, powerful shower and big, soft fluffy towels hang from a heated towel rail.

There’s tons of wardrobe space (or floor space if you prefer to drop everything), a Nespresso machine, numerous USB ports and a snack basket full of tempting goodies (especially after a drink!).

Best of all, the bed is firm but seriously comfortable!

Bar

The bar has an extensive wine list which makes sense given the hotel’s name. It also has a humidor with an impressive selection to choose from. It feels slightly reminiscent of some of the great colonial-era hotels, such as Raffles in Singapore or The National in Havana. Large comfortable leather sofas dot the bar and if you need to cool down, there’s a courtyard terrace to the rear of the hotel.

Sofas and smaller tables inhabit little nooks and crannies but the bar is a bohemian mix of potted palms and fairy light. It would not be out of place in a Great Gatsby movie.

Drinks are a bit on the pricey side but I would happily chop off my arm for another glass of the utterly sublime Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.

Restaurant

The restaurant is a lovely light area with palms and sparkling glasses. It offers a four-course Sunday lunch for £24.95 and afternoon tea including Prosecco for £30. Old Georgian fireplaces and other dramatic features mix happily with the modern and service is slick and discrete. I opt for eggs benedict for breakfast which is delicious.

For breakfast, you can select from a range of pastries and hot and cold drinks, plus cereal and fruit as well as a la crate menu items.

Downsides

It’s fair to say that I fell head over heels in love with this hotel. From the firm but comfortable bed to the delicious wine and ambience, it was almost perfect. However, there were a few little irritations to be aware of.

My basement room was accessed via a separate entrance outside the main door. Security could definitely be improved, as the staircase descends from the Main Street, and there is no lock on the outside door. Literally, anyone can waltz in. I woke up twice in the night because I heard noises and eventually had to ring reception and ask them to investigate!

Parking

Parking is also a little painful. You can park on the street where parking is free between 6pm and 8am. As I arrived at 5pm, it cost me £4.80 to park until 10am the following day, but first you will need to find a space.

Alternatively you can pay for hotel parking immediately in front of the hotel for £10 a night, but you need to pre-book these spaces. The other option is to park in the car park behind the hotel but it means you navigating the entire one way system. Frankly it’s easier (and cheaper) to park on the street.

Verdict

This is my first experience of a Hotel Du Vin and I was not disappointed. The great news is that I will shortly be staying at the chain in Newcastle and now I truly have got high expectations. Have any of you stayed at a Hotel Du Vin and if so what’s your thoughts?