Cairn Hotel

“Victorian heritage and character”

We stayed at the Cairn Hotel for four nights bed and breakfast as we were attending the Yorkshire Motorhome Show, as exhibitors. We stayed in a Superior Double room on the first floor at the front of the building. Our room was spacious with a large en suite with a powerful shower over the bath. A … more

We stayed at the Cairn Hotel for four nights bed and breakfast as we were attending the Yorkshire Motorhome Show, as exhibitors. We stayed in a Superior Double room on the first floor at the front of the building. Our room was spacious with a large en suite with a powerful shower over the bath. A kettle with tea, coffee and biscuits was provided. The bed was comfortable. The room had everything we needed. Although at the front of the building, overlooking the large car park, all was quiet and peaceful. The Cairn Hotel is situated on one of the main roads going into Harrogate, Ripon Road which makes it easy access from the A1 as we were travelling from the north. It is so also only a few minutes walk into Harrogate Town centre. Breakfast is served in the Windsor Suite, a grand dining room with beautiful stained glass windows. There is everything you could want, cereal, yogurts, fruit with a cooked full English from the hot servery. The waiting staff are professional and attentive without being obtrusive. We love the Cairn Hotel. We have stayed here before and will return. The rates are competitive as Harrogate has many hotels as it was the place to be when the rich and famous used to flock here to take the renowned Spa waters. The Cairn was a "Hydro" in it's heyday and there is lots of information regarding it's Victorian history available in the hotel. This is definitely a huge part of it's attraction for us. The hotel has character, history and charm. Who cares if there's a bit of peeling paint and signs of wear and tear here and there. The building is over 100 years old and like many grand old hotels these days, especially with listed status, the upkeep cost must be enormous. If you're looking for sleek, modern lines - this isn't the place for you. If you are interested in history and enjoy the traditional character and ambience of a Victorian building, you'll love the Cairn, as we do!

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“Charming hotel, great value.”

We spent a couple of nights midweek at this charming hotel. It is a beautiful old building and yes it could do with an update but for me it just added to the character. The room was a bit dated but everything worked and was very clean. Biscuits and a box of tissues in room were simple but nice extr… more

We spent a couple of nights midweek at this charming hotel. It is a beautiful old building and yes it could do with an update but for me it just added to the character. The room was a bit dated but everything worked and was very clean. Biscuits and a box of tissues in room were simple but nice extras. Breakfast was very good and the staff were lovely. The location of this hotel to town centre is a 10 minute walk, there is also a large free carpark in front of the hotel.

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“Room for improvement”

Thought long and hard before writing this review. When we arrived the lift (the only one) was playing up and within 24 hrs completely broken – late on a Friday afternoon. It was not fixed until the following Monday afternoon. Given there was a party approximately 100 adults (average age around 7… more

Thought long and hard before writing this review. When we arrived the lift (the only one) was playing up and within 24 hrs completely broken – late on a Friday afternoon. It was not fixed until the following Monday afternoon. Given there was a party approximately 100 adults (average age around 75+), plus other guests, it was not funny having to walk up and down between floors. “Lifts break in other hotels” was the Management response. Perhaps Management should look at installing a second lift. The restaurant was good with a nice selection of food. I liked the way “starters and deserts” were served and the main course was buffet choice which you queued for. One night “half a chicken” was served as one of the choices. The pieces was so large there was very little room on the plate for vegetables. Some people said they only needed half of the portion. The staff’s response was “well just leave the other half”. Such an unnecessary waste of food and Management should perhaps look at this matter. service selection was good but service was at time slow. The Barman disappearing from time to time leaving customers waiting to be served. He was either collecting glasses etc or delivering meals to those who had chosen bar snacks. One was even heard to swear on an occasion. More staff is needed. To run out of cans of Diet Coke and Jamesons whiskey mid Sunday afternoon is poor Management organization. Room was comfortable but no fridge or safe.

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