Balmoral Hotel Harrogate  

Having stayed and enjoyed the hotel previously we had high expectations which were entirely met despite the restaurant being closed for remodel. We were "upgraded" to the full suite in which we had previously stayed. Staff maintain high standards and the hotel is excellent for our needs. We would recommend highly.

The hotel was quite centrally located and our rooms had been recently upgraded with a modern decor. Molton Brown toiletries and thick towels were a luxury and newspapers were available to read in the lounge. The receptionist was very helpful in organising a taxi for us.

There is no evening restaurant facility but there are plenty of good restaurants locally. However, breakfast at the hotel was very poor. Firstly, the hotel had run out of butter - the duty manager eventually arranged to get some from another hotel when we insisted. Our cooked breakfast was cold so we asked for it to be microwaved. The waitress was very helpful and duly warmed the first meal which was fine. We then asked for the other 3 breakfasts to be warmed but the chef insisted on cooking fresh breakfasts saying this would only take 6/7 minutes. Our new breakfasts eventually arrived almost an hour after we entered the restaurant -We had to leave most of the breakfast as it was still cold and some of it was only partially cooked. We complained to the duty manager who told us that it had been unfortunate that they had run out of various items and that the chef had been flustered by an unexpected visit from the environmental health officer. This should not have impacted on guests. We felt that we should have been offered some discount on our bill for our very unfortunate breakfast experience but this was not offered. We have sent our comments to the group manager but have had no reply. It is a great shame that this spoilt our stay at an otherwise well appointed hotel particularly as we had been celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary with friends.

there was not any heating or hot water for showers in our room.The staff were apologetic and helpful in trying to resolve the problem and we appreciated their eforts.Sometimes these problems just happen.The bill in the morning was reduced considerably to reflect the situation.well done staff.

there was no evening restaurant as advertised had to walk to town centre to dine my wife is disabled and cannot walk far had I had known there was no dining facilities at the hotel I would definately have not booked the hotel. Also I was not informed about this until late after I had settled the bill

Mini suite very comfortable and hotel peaceful and private.

The hotel is described as having a cocktail bar and restaurant - it has neither.

Hotel and bedroom clean and well appointed, friendly staff, not bad location for Harrogate town centre. Taxi to sister Hotel to use their restaurant for dinner was included.

Decor very dark,Hotel very quiet at the time we visited, down side, the parking area was very small and there was no restaurant open, breakfast served in the bar area. Room rate did not reflect the lack of facilities,

Very convenient for the conference building and centre of town

Very friendly and helpful staff

Superb breakfast.

No lift,very difficult to carry luggage upstairs and along corridors. Breakfast tables too small.

The hotel was lovely, albeit very dark. We found it impossible to read in the room without the main light on, which then meant a trip out of bed to turn it out. Most disappointing was the lack of evening restaurant facilities, which were majored on on your website. There were lots of local facilities, but it would have been nice to stay in on at least a couple of occasions.The bar area, which was very well appointed should have been buzzing, but was empty and soulless, because of the lack of restaurant facilities which drove everybody out. This lack of facilities prompted the question about when is a boutique hotel really quite a high class bed and breakfast ? Could you include grapefruit juice at breakfast ? (and perhaps two eggs ?)

The one thing that impressed us from the start of our stay was the helpful staff. We were celebrating a birthday & an anniversary & on the night, the staff found out & joined in, providing us with complimentary champagne & chocolates. The rooms are comfortable although not to my taste in the furnishings, although we did have a four poster. The parking at the rear was easy & free which in Harrogate is not always the case. A ten minute walk to the centre is about right & the area is quiet, The room was kept exceptionally clean & the bathroom was up to date & well supplied with toiletries & lovely towels. The breakfasts were superb as was the service in the restaurant.

Apart from the room furnishings which are not to my taste I have no complaints about this hotel.

The room was spacious and the bed extremely comfortable. Tea and coffee -making facilities were excellent. There was even real ground coffee in sachets. Staff were on hand to replenish supplies in the evening. Very pleasant helpful staff.

There was no lift and the stairs turn part way up, not easy to negotiate when lugging a heavy suitcase. Both my wife and I tripped on the stairs on two separate occasions.The hotel is not far from the town centre but returning involves a steady uphill climb,fine for young active people, not so good for those who are old and less mobile.