Harrogate - Hotel or B+B?

[LakeFlyPie]

DP and I need a room for saturday night stay in April, going to Royal Hall theatre and having a rare DC-free night away.

Am driving myself slowly mad on Trip Advisor and debating Rudding Park and taxi into town for evening or more central B+B but there are loads to choose from.

Any recommendations would be gratefully received.

[andadietcoke]

We stayed at the Hotel du Vin a couple of years ago. It was lovely, with views over the park, parking outside the hotel, and quite central. We had a great meal there too.

[grovel]

We loved Harrogate. Indian meal in the old Turkish Baths.

[grovel]

Oh and I'd probably do B&B. We stayed in the "best" hotel. Fine but not remotely romantic.

[LakeFlyPie]

Thanks for your replies.

I liked the look of Hotel du Vin but seems that it's due to be refurbished later this year and is a bit scruffy around the edges ATM.

I think B+B is the way to go as we won't be spending too much time in the room.
Have persuaded DP to come to the Turkish Baths so I think that our current itinerary is as follows:
Arrive mid-late morning on saturday, light lunch, general potter (or a siesta depending on the weather), late afternoon tea at Betty's, theatre in the evening, B+B and midday sunday session at Turkish Baths before heading home.

Recommendations for lunch and B+B most welcome

[notyummy]

I have stayed at the Hotel du Vin twice but not for 5 years. Was lovely then. If you decide not to stay there, it may be worth popping in for a drink and/or meal. Bar was very buzzy and food good.

[FetchezLaVache]

I live in Harrogate and I have heard good things about Harrogate Brasserie and Hotel Bijou, both of which are within walking distance of the Royal Hall. There are also millions of B+Bs in that area too, if you're not going to be spending much time in the room you could just go for one of those.

I recommend the Tannin Level for Saturday lunch.

I'll return to this thread if I can think of any more!

[MadameJosephine]

I stay atthis b and bevery year for the panto in Harrogate, it's run by a lovely couple, reasonably priced and very central

[MiniJellyBeans]

I would highly recommend Harrogate Boutique Apartments:

www.harrogateboutiqueapartments.co.uk/

• when we stayed, the apartment was gorgeous - very clean, luxurious, quiet, and we loved having our own kitchen, lounge etc - for about the same price as a hotel (I think it was £100 a night for the apartment). I've googlemapped the one we stayed in (in Valley Gardens), which is 1.6 miles from the theatre, so a short taxi ride.

[MiniJellyBeans]

Sorry, our apartment was on Valley Drive, not in Valley Gardens!

Also should say we booked it through something like lastminute.com, rather than directly on the owner's website.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Have stayed here a couple of times and it's nice. Not 'posh' but reasonably priced and breakfast is decent.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Lunch - there is a nice Scandinavian cafe which somebody on here recommended to me last year. Can't remember what it was called but was v good for sandwiches etc.

[FetchezLaVache]

Remus- that's Baltzersen's in the town centre and it is rather lovely!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

That's the one. I had a v good veggie thing with roasted vege and a truck load of melted cheese.

[LakeFlyPie]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Theatre, B+B and Turkish Baths booked.
Just need to see how many meals we can squeeze in
Does Betty's live up to it's reputation for lunch / afternoon tea?

[notyummy]

Betty's is lovely for lunch- traditional as you would expect- and there is usually a queue!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I don't think the food in Betty's is that much to write home about, but it's nice for a glass of Pimms in the evening when the pianist is tinkling the ivories.

[MadameJosephine]

My favourites for eating in Harrogate are the Drum and Monkey for fantastic seafood and the Orchid for their Asian banquets. Mmmmmmm their Thai duck red curry is to die for

[notyummy]

Oh yes Drum and Monkey good- although my recollection is you have to book well in advance.

[MrsMot]

Drum & Monkey all the way, you'll have an amazing lunch there. William & Victoria's also lovely.

In town agree about Hotel du Vin or If you want somewhere really nice out of town how about The Boar's Head Ripley is gorgeous, it's a lovely place to stay. Rudding Park's ok but a bit soulless.

Betty's is an expensive tourist trap (I worked there once upon a time..).

If you want a nice cosy pub to relax in evening time head for Hales.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

We had a v good meal in a huge and beautiful Chinese restaurant too. Really lovely building.

[LakeFlyPie]

Drum and Monkey looks lovely but DP doesn't eat fish or seafood so having persuaded him to come to Turkish Baths think a seafood restaurant might be pushing my luck!

The Tannin Level looking favourite for early bird, pre theatre supper and think Balzersen's looks more appealing than Betty's for lunch.