Best Western Plus Cedar Court Hotel
As I pulled into the driveway of the Cedar Court Hotel,
I could not help but be impressed by this magnificent building. This
grand property dates back to
1671 and sits proudly on the
site of Harrogate's first hotel. The present building was built in
1855 and extended in 1861.
The present owners, Cedar Court Hotels, also have
properties in Huddersfield, Wakefield, and Bradford. Cedar
Court Hotel Harrogate opened in 1999 after a multi-million pound
investment. The restoration was completed sympathetically, with many
of the original features maintained and incorporated in the new
design.
I parked my car at the front of the hotel, there is a
further car park at the rear. With a total of 150 complimentary
parking spaces, there is ample room for all visitors to this 100
bedroomed four star hotel. Getting to Harrogate is easy, whether you
come by car, public transport or plane. The A1(M) is only 7 miles
away, Leeds/Bradford Airport just 12 miles, and Harrogate train
station is a mere 0.3 miles from the hotel.
This was my first visit, not only to a Cedar Court
Hotel, but also to Harrogate. Once I had checked in, the very
friendly receptionist gave me a map of Harrogate. As I had informed
her that I would be visiting the Turkish Baths during my stay, she
very kindly marked off the route that I would need to take.
I was travelling with my wife on this trip, we were
celebrating our wedding anniversary and had chosen Harrogate as I had
recently read an article which listed Harrogate as the third most
romantic destination in the world. The same article informed readers
that Harrogate had recently been voted 'The Happiest Place to live in
Britain'. Certainly, Harrogate has proven to be a popular destination
over the years. Its spa waters, containing iron, sulphur and salt,
having been discovered in the 16th century, have,
undoubtedly, been a major attraction.
Our bedroom was a good sized room and tastefully
decorated. There was a double bed with bedside cabinet
either side, a coffee table and two easy chairs, and a dressing table
and chair. There was also a TV and tea/coffee making facilities, and
a safe for guests use located within the wardrobe, which also housed
an ironing board, robes and slippers. The bathroom had a bath with
overhead shower, and there were complimentary toiletries.
As we had travelled a fair distance (230 miles), we
decided to relax and enjoy a cup of tea in the lounge area
before exploring the hotel further. The lounge area is situated near
to the reception, it has ample tables and comfortable chairs and has
a large wall mounted TV, there is also a bar serving teas and coffees
as well as alcohol and soft drinks. Afternoon tea, consisting of
sandwiches, scones, and cakes, can also be enjoyed here.
After resting for a while with a nice cup of tea, we went to explore the hotel and grounds. On the ground floor, besides the lounge and bar area, the hotel restaurant can be found. 'The Brasserie' seats 42 guests at present, but the restaurant is due for refurbishment in May/June 2016, and when completed will accommodate 130 guests. Also on the ground floor are the conference and meeting rooms, as well as the Business Centre. There are 10 meeting rooms ranging in size, with the maximum capacity being 350. The largest exhibition space is an impressive 295 sq. m.
There is a small fitness room on the 1st
floor, but with enough gym equipment to keep the most active guest
occupied during their stay. If further distraction is needed, there
is a Pool table on the ground floor, outside the Cedar Suite.
There are 2 lifts serving all floors, so access to all amenities is
good.
My wife and I had booked an early sitting for dinner,
6pm. We had been informed, when we checked in, that the restaurant
would be busy this evening. Indeed, although my wife and I were the
first diners in the restaurant, it soon filled up. The menu was
enticingly impressive, with
a varied and excellent
choice of 5 starters, 7 mains, and 5 desserts. A 3 course meal was
priced at £24.50, and a 2 course meal at £19.95. However, the
hotel often has very good offers on packages including dinner.
For starters, my wife chose Salmon, Haddock & Dill
Fishcake served with brown bread, lemon & tartar sauce.
I opted for the Ham Hock Terrine served with red onion
marmalade and warm crusty bread. For mains, we both decided
on the Duo of Red Mullet & Sea Bream served with white
wine sauce, buttered greens and roasted new potatoes. The food was
simply delicious, and was
washed down with a most enjoyable glass of excellent house red. The
restaurant staff were extremely polite and efficient, frequently
and attentively checking that everything was to our
satisfaction, which it was.
My wife and I had planned to go for a walk after dinner
but, unfortunately, it had started to rain. Instead, we decided to
retire to our most comfortable room, which was on the first floor
above reception, overlooking the front of the hotel and The Stray
(200 acres of beautiful tree lined lawns).
The next morning, breakfast was served in the Cedar
Suite. Once the refurbishment of the restaurant is completed,
breakfast will be served in there. Breakfast was self service and
consisted of an extensive choice of cereals, fruits, hot food, and
pastries. There was also tea, coffee and fruit juice.
As we were booked into the Turkish Baths this morning,
my wife and I had arranged a late check out. We left the hotel at
about 9am to walk to the baths, taking in places of interest along
the way, notably 'Betty's Tearooms'. We arrived back at the hotel at
12pm and checked out at 1pm.
Although a very short visit on this occasion, my wife
and I had thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Best Western Plus Cedar Court
Hotel Harrogate. We could not fault the hotel or staff in any way,
everyone had been very polite and most helpful, and there was a very
relaxed feel to the hotel, just what you need when on holiday. This
had been a celebration trip for my wife and I but the Cedar Court
Hotel would also be a perfect choice for a longer stay, ideal for
those wishing to explore Harrogate and the surrounding area. With the
facilities present in the conference and meeting rooms it is also a
great place to carry out business, and
with between 60 to 70 weddings taking place at Cedar Court Hotel each
year, it is testament itself that the beautiful setting of this
wonderful hotel is a perfect choice for a very special occasion.
For information on the hotel, room prices, business facilities or wedding arrangements, please visit www.cedarcourthotels.co.uk or email cedarcourt@bestwestern.co.uk or telephone 01423 858585
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