THE LOWDOWN

Harrogate has long been a destination for kicking back, so there are few better places to explore the spa town’s unique atmosphere and distinctive charms than the Hotel du Vin Harrogate. Peering over the Stray and Montpellier Hill from its manicured flower beds, this boutique hotel is made up of four handsome Georgian townhouses. Love the classic English period features on the outside adore the ooh la la French fanciness on the inside.

Hotel Du Vin Harrogate whisks you off to Paris’s Marais district, delivering sophisticated décor, buzzy vibe and a central location to discover Yorkshire’s finest. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or on your own this hotel and bistro is a stylish retreat.

THE VIBE

Just like the wines, you’ll find an elegant old-world-meets-new feel. Softly-lit interiors feature white and ‘Yorkshire green’ walls offset with gold light fixtures, wooden floors, Chesterfield-style sofas and wine-oriented artwork and ornaments. It’s a winner with wine and dining aficionados so expect lots of bespoke artwork and features to reflect this, couples canoodling over Champagne in the lounge, and groups gathered in the bar over cocktails.

SCOFF & QUAFF

The hotel has a delightful bistro with a bar on-site, offering French fare and an extensive wine list. Think French onion soup, snails in garlic and herb butter, cassoulet, duck shepherd’s pie and moules marinère are all big hits. If that doesn’t tempt you, there’s a section dedicated to the grill: splurge with the chateaubriand (£69.95 for two sharing), served with frites, buffalo tomatoes and a choice of sauce (the bearnaise is very good).

The sommelier is always on hand to help choose a suitable wine to complement the food. End the meal on their generously sized, vanilla-y crème brûlée or if there’s not quite enough room an indulgent pot au chocolat perfectly rounds off the meal.

Breakfast is a light continental buffet featuring yoghurt, fresh fruit and juices, pastries and bread, small cereal boxes, ham and cheese. They also launched a new Brunch Menu back in January. Hotel du Vin Harrogate is one of only three within the hotel chain trialling the new brunch menu, which is available on Saturdays 11 am-2pm (also available at Tunbridge Wells and Stratford Upon Avon). Brunch plates range from Eggs Benedict or Avo’ on Toast to crêpes – washed down with one of five classic champagne cocktails or a Bloody Mary.

Hotel du Vin Harrogate has quirky and unique private dining rooms. Varying sizes and styling ensures no two rooms are the same. There’s also the Cellar Snug, a small space downstairs with seating and a private bar (open on request) Wine tastings can be organised, afternoon tea booked and there’s even an extensive cigar cabinet should you feel the urge! 

PILLOW TALK

Housed within the magnificent Georgian-style houses are 48 stunning and timelessly styled bedrooms and suites. Each room, decorated with mellowed colours and a splash of patterned wallpaper, is named after a vineyard and offers a large, sumptuous bed with a pillow-topped mattress, luxurious toiletries and a huge television. Upgrade to a deluxe room or suite and treat yourself to a roll-top bathtub, slippers, robes, minibar and Nespresso machine.

And just when we thought we had seen it all, the Moët Vintage Collection suite features two side-by-side, freestanding roll-top bathtubs with an enormous double ‘walk through’ monsoon shower that spans the width of the roof. Ooh, the decadence!

OUT & ABOUT

A stones throw from the centre of Harrogate, the Hotel is perfectly positioned to explore the Victorian spa town. Oozing cosmopolitan charm, smart streets and quaint mews there’s plenty to do here. For a spot of retail therapy, Cold Bath Road is the Notting Hill of the north – offering bohemian vibes – to splashing the cash in the stylish Montpellier Quarter. There are plenty of quirky pubs, cafés, and restaurants to try too.

Harrogate is a spa town, so indulge yourself in wellness at the historic Turkish baths. An ornate Moorish-style bath house from the 1800s, (there’s the usual aromatic massages and treatments on offer of course) but the star of the show is the relaxing Frigidarium, Steam Rooms and Plunge Pool. The idea here is to relax and detox in rooms of varying temperatures – and 135 minutes for £19 is a bargain. Mercer Art Gallery is a hidden gem, occupying the 218-year-old purpose built spa room. It’s a gallery where the building is impressive as its 19th and 20th-century art collection – discover William Powell Frith, Dame Laura Knight and Alan Davie.

If you’re in Harrogate, a visit to Bettys Café Tea Rooms is the law – even if it does mean queuing around the corner with the rest of the tourists for a fancy Fat Rascal (a Yorkshire Scone to you and me) and a £3.50 cup of tea. Established by a Swiss confectioner in 1919, Bettys Café Tea Rooms has become something of an institution. If you fancy a treat, afternoon tea starts from £49 per person served up by staff in period costume on silver cake stands and pots of hot tea (there’s an extensive tea collection to choose from).

It’s a buzzy town, so you’ll find a packed calendar of events, but Yorkshire Feastival (25-26 June), has got out name all over it. Slip into your Daisy Duke’s for a weekend of live music, street food and pear cider (*wink* other drinks are available).

KID FRIENDLY?

Absolutely. You need to book the larger rooms, so there’s enough space to add beds for your kids. There’s an additional £30 for an additional child bed, but no charge for a cot. Under 4s get a free breakfast and ages 5-11 are charged at 50% full price. Everyone else? It’s full price, lady.

DOG FRIENDLY?

There are a few pet friendly rooms available, with an additional £20 per night charge for your pampered pooch.

ACCESSIBILITY

Two deluxe rooms are available on the ground floor with roomy monsoon showers and access to the restaurant, terrace and bar. If you need one for your trip, get on the blower and snag one, stat. There’s parking outside, but bear in mind some of the corridors are a bit tight for a wheelchair. Old houses are not always palatial in size.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: The ambience here is just right, great for special occasions, romantic getaways or a weekend away with the girls.

NOT FOR: Whilst the hotel does cater for children, the vibe here is chic and grown up, so more suited to those wanting a night off and leave the kids at home.

THE DAMAGE: From £139 room only in May and June, from £159 room only in July. Breakfast is included. Book the Suite Dreams package to reserve the best rooms in the house, with an escape in one of the luxurious suites, complete with a bottle of bubbles, breakfast, and and indulgently late check-out. Prices from £207. For a foodie experience, book the Taste Du Vin – 5 courses, wine fight + bed and breakfast.

Hotel Du Vin Harrogate, Prospect Place, Harrogate, HG1 1LB. Tel: 01423 608121.