The best hotel in Harrogate? This is a bold statement we know, but from our experience it’s true. Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate totally exceeded our expectations.
Located in the heart of this historic town, this 4-Star hotel was easy to find and overlooks 200 acres of the spectacular Stray parkland, something Harrogate is famous for. They also have ample on-site parking, which is invaluable in this popular tourist town. They say first impressions are vital and this was ticking all of our boxes.
The property is a historical site in its own right, dating back to 1671 and sitting on the location of the town’s first-ever hotel; it has been brought bang up to date with an impressive refurbishment programme.
Our room was spacious, had lovely views and every amenity needed to make this a home from home experience. Tastefully decorated, the most comfortable bed ever, a coffee machine and luxury toiletries we will be buying for home!
However…we have to talk about the pièce de resistance that is Amber’s. This is no ordinary hotel restaurant, this is contemporary British cuisine in a sophisticated, relaxed setting, designed to offer hotel guests and local Harrogate residents something unique.
The usual hotel restaurant eating experience is elevated to a fine dining one, thanks to a significant £500k renovation to create a high-quality dining destination through its menu, service and décor. They have succeeded on every level.
We ate from their Sunday Lunch Menu and it was the best we have had in a long time – and that is saying something as we eat out for Sunday Lunch most weeks. The service was impeccable, the atmosphere so ‘feel good’ that we stretched it out to almost three hours, and the food! The food was simply excellent. Tender roast beef, flavoursome pork (with proper crunchy crackling), cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes seasonal vegetables and that all important extra gravy!
We never eat more than two courses, but here we polished off three!
Their menus have been carefully curated to showcase the best of Yorkshire and the British Isles, the team worked with local food suppliers to bring together the inspiration and ideas for each dish.
Dishes include 28-day dry aged steaks from Hereford breed Beef, sourced locally from Sykes House Farm, Wetherby, Roasted Gressingham Duck breast and of course their fabulous Sunday lunches with all the trimmings. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes are also be available.
With our own tummies full, we needed a walk. The sun was shining and walking around Harrogate, just taking in the sights and breathing the spa town air was just what we needed. Once back at the hotel, we sat in the garden sipping on our gin and tonics and realised just how relaxed we felt. Not a feeling you get at every hotel.
The following morning, we decided to explore more of what the hotel has to offer, and we discovered the most amazing private dining and entertainment space; The Imaginarium, which offers capacity for up to 28 people and is the perfect space for special occasions, meetings and intimate events. Another superb addition.
Harrogate is a great place to being the family or as we found, for a couples getaway and Cedar Court Hotel is definitely the best hotel to stay.
It is also only a quick stroll away from some of the must-visit attractions such as Betty’s Tea Rooms (famous the world over), Moorish-style Turkish Baths and a short drive to nearby Skipton, Ilkley and Knaresborough.
It’s official; we think Cedar Court Hotel is the best hotel in Harrogate.
Make sure you book your stay or Amber’s dining experience before word spreads. See you there!
Park Parade, Off Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, HG1 5AH. Tel: 01423 858 585
Images supplied
