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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
8:39 PM 19th November 2019
lifestyle

Double Tree By Hilton Harrogate Majestic

 
The Majestic Hotel is one of Harrogate's premier hotels, so when it was announced that it was going to be relaunched as a Double Tree hotel after a 15 million pound refurbishment, naturally I was curious.

Was it going to be that the Double Tree format was to be housed in the Majestic hotel or was it a case of the Majestic retaining all its features and the Double Tree brand carefully being there in the background?

Thankfully the latter is the case. Apart from the hot chocolate biscuit you are given at all Double Tree hotels when you check in, you would not know that the hotel was a Double Tree hotel - apart from the big sign above the entrance.

We arrived on a busy Saturday afternoon when a function was taking place - the car park could not cope with the huge numbers, cars were parked everywhere with not one single space available, even the turning circle in front of the hotel entrance had cars parked there. If you do plan on staying on a weekend night it might be best to check with reception if a function such as a wedding is taking place.

What a venue too for a wedding. The downstairs rooms have the elegance and sophistication you would expect in Harrogate. I would say that the majority of the funding in restoring the hotel has gone on the areas downstairs. It certainly does have the wow factor.

The rooms themselves feel to have been partly refurbished - the King Deluxe Guest Room we stayed in overlooked the town. The heating did not seen to be working properly so a storage heater was provided. The leather look headboard seemed very worn and was starting to peel on to the bed, possibly a remnant from the old hotel. The 49 inch TV came with a host of channels including international channels for overseas guests. The Nespresso coffee machine was a bonus and the fridge kept your Harrogate Spring Water cool. If you fancy a cup of tea then the Yorkshire tea bags provided along with the kettle will keep your thirst at bay.

The bathroom was well presented with a good selection of toiletries, a good vanity mirror - which is unusual these days. The shower was above the bath, so at this level you do not get a rain shower.

The free Wi Fi was fast and reliable.

If you fancy a pre dinner drink then Frederick's Piano Bar is an ideal spot to while away the hours. The Grandfather clock gifted to the hotel when it originally opened in 1900 is still there and is in full working order. The piano bar also provides afternoon tea starting at £25.00. They also do a vegetarian afternoon tea.

Meals are taken in Carters Champagne Bar and Grill, apparently this was a former Ballroom - It certainty still has an elegant touch. Service was quick and helpful. We started off with Sour Dough but they had run out of whipped pork dripping.

My main of Proper Yorkshire Fish and Chips came with a huge fish, I'm not sure what they had been feeding it on! Crispy light batter and a fresh piece of cod that was fresher than a winter morning jog on Harrogate's famous Stray.

My partner's 10oz steak came garnished with what seemed like Rosemary though it did not say anything on the menu about the garnish.The Sticky Toffee Pudding was moist and had a ginger bite to savour.

The Cheese board included a very mature Harrogate Blue, a typically crumbly Wensleydale, a mature cheddar and a creamy Brie - the young server didn't know the names of any of the cheeses but she did go away to check and find out.

The copious breakfast is also served in Carters. The breakfast team run it with military precision - everyone knows their job, the lady in charge has years of experience apparently and it shows. All the little touches made all the difference. Tables were cleared without delay, diners seated within minutes of arrival and everything waltzed along fine.

The continental selection is self service with the full English also being a buffet service, the food like the service was all top quality.

The Harrogate Spa has recently opened at the Majestic complete with a 12.5 metre indoor pool and six treatment rooms. The luxury spa offers a range of thermal experiences including a spa pool, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, fully equipped gym, relaxation lounge, a Zen and Courtyard Spa Garden and a cafe bar.

Majestically splendid, the Majestic has not let Harrogate down.

The Majestic Hotel, Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2HU
Telephone 01423 700300
www.thecairncollection.co.uk/Majestic