The Crown Hotel

56 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

3/5

Review type

Accommodation

Date of travel

August, 2017

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Wife

Reasons for trip

Personal / family celebration

Ten years ago two very good friends of mine emigrated to Australia in search of a new life closer to their son’s family who had made the journey two years earlier.

They returned to the UK a few days ago for a short holiday and we arranged to meet up in the popular Spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.

They had pre-booked a stay at the Crown Hotel in the center of town, so we followed suit, without knowing what the hotel was like.

We were familiar with Harrogate, having visited many times before, and had previously stayed at the imposing Majestic Hotel, the delightful Old Swan, the Cedar Court and the Cairn.

Everyone of the aforementioned has a special character and history of their own and so, as we discovered, has The Crown.

It’s history stretches back to the early 17th Century when the neighboring sulphur well was discovered.

In 1778, Charles the second, who owned the town, gave the famous Stray to the people, and allowed the Thackwray family to buy The Crown outright.

By 1840 it became known as the Crown Hospital as most of the people who stayed their came to Harrogate, believing in the health cures that the Spa offered.

In 1939 the Government requisitioned the Hotel, and the Air Ministry didn’t vacate the building until as late as 1959.

The Crown Hotel today retains the feel of a bygone age, with it’s huge pillars, sparkling chandeliers and oak paneled walls. The walls throughout the building are covered by old enlarged photographs of Harrogate and neighbouring areas of Yorkshire.

Our one night room stay cost £57 with an extra £7.50 each for Breakfast. When we booked the room two months earlier, breakfast was offered at £10 each, so there is a lesson here for anyone considering staying here in the future.

I’ve noticed over the years that old established Victorian Hotels have one thing in common.

Creaking floorboards.

Bedrooms have been decorated and modernised, Bathrooms have been refurbished. Trendy Bars and Conference Suites have been added, but creaking floorboards remain!

This was the only negative I can include in my report, although the view from our bedroom was not particularly inspiring as you can see from my photos.

On the positive side the accommodation was value for money, as was the breakfast in the magnificent oak paneled dining room.

The Hotel is very central to the town’s major attractions including the Spa Baths, Betty’s Tea Rooms and it’s within easy reach of a good choice of independent shops and restaurants.

Colin Wills

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.