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3.5
#20 of 23 hotels in Harrogate
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
This grand, Victorian hotel boasts private gardens, a gym, and classical decor. Its traditionally furnished rooms feature private bathrooms, while Harrogate’s centre is 5 minutes’ walk away. Each room at The Cairn includes a TV, along with 24-hour room service and tea/coffee-making facilities. Some rooms offer luxurious bathrobes, wine, and chocolates. Free parking is also available as well as Free WiFi in public areas and in Superior Rooms. The Windsor Restaurant serves a locally sourced traditional menu, with a carvery and an extensive wine list. With its classic pillars and arches, guests can relax with a drink in the bar and lounge area. Both The Royal Pump Room Museums and Betty’s Tea Rooms are a 10-minute walk away. Harrogate Theatre and Harrogate Rail Station are 15 minutes away on foot.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Cairn Hotel garners mixed feedback from visitors, with its prime location often celebrated for enabling easy exploration of nearby attractions. While the service has received both commendations for efficiency and critiques for disorganization, the hotel's cleanliness is a highlight, with rooms generally regarded as tidy.
However, the charm of its nostalgic atmosphere is sometimes overshadowed by the dated decor and the need for updates in both rooms and amenities. Guests are divided on the value, balancing the spacious rooms and convenient location against maintenance concerns and additional charges.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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We recently stayed here with a dancing group. The hotel is a little tired and dated however it is in the process of being updated whilst still being used. I hope it still keeps the original charm, we used the ballroom and that is a beautiful room, our room was very nice , although our hot water didn’t go very hot so chose to shower more than relax in a bath, and the sink taps were in need of replacing, difficult to turn off, the room was however very comfortable, there were mugs, a full size kettle and plenty of tea coffee options (although we did take our own too) a good reception on the tv and a comfortable bed, it was also clean and housekeeping were reliable and good, I found the bar to be very over priced and we actually took our own drink to the hotel and had a relax in our room with instead of using the bar several times , although when we did use it it was expensive. It was around £7 for just a glass of Rose wine.. although again the bar staff were really nice. The restaurant was the reason I didn’t give 5 stars, the waiting staff were attentive, very good and very polite, could not fault them but I found the food hit and miss, several of my starters had a salad garnish that was very wilted , where as someone else on our table looked fresh . I had Bakewell tart one evening and it looked like a mini pizza slice and tasted like sweet mush , however another night had a lovely sticky toffee pudding. We queued for our mains and breakfasts, both were served very quickly and breakfasts were mainly ok but I changed to an omelette for the last two mornings and they were both beautifully cooked, the evening meals were more miss than hit for me. My favourite was the salmon , that was cooked perfectly, again not h8ng really bad but nothing special. The servers were really nice though, very quick and good team work . I had to use reception a couple of times as was having a parcel delivered and I spoke to two ladies, both were great and one even bought the parcel to our room, Excellent service, I never complained to any of the staff about our little issues as they all worked extremely hard and it felt petty, and over all we had a lovely experience, so the positives definitely outweighed to negatives, The hotel has a good sized free car park, is close to beautiful Harrogate , we walked it everyday , our car stayed in the car park throughout our 4 night stay .
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had initially booked as part of a group, but decided to stay an extra night so we could see more of the town. That was a process easily arranged which was a great relief. The booking staff were very helpful and got everything sorted for us very quickly. The hotel is in a great location, only a few minutes walk into town (it is slightly uphill for the return walk though). There is a large car park and nice grounds to sit outside for a drink or sandwich etc on a nice day. The food from both the bar and the restaurant was brilliant. There is lots of variety and plenty of options for vegetarians (like me) and vegans. Our room was on the 2nd floor and was really nice. It was at the back of the hotel so was very quiet; it was spotlessly clean and really spacious - couldn't fault it at all. There are COVID arrangements in place at the moment which mean that housekeeping staff don't enter your room during your stay. Towels can be changed every day simply by leaving them outside your room. This also applies to having the bin emptied too. Every day the refreshment tray supplies are replenished by leaving a bag by the door. This arrangement worked well and we've got to admit we quite liked it. Some of the public area décor could maybe do with a lick of paint here and there, as some parts are looking a bit tired (that was the only aspect that stopped us awarding 5 stars). All the staff we encountered during our stay were very helpful, efficient and friendly. All in all we had a very enjoyable stay and are looking forward to our next visit. Thank you to all at the Cairn Hotel for all your hard work.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:The rooms at the back are quieter.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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So stayed here Saturday 19th Sept for two nights, first impressions very nice lovely looking hotel, loads of parking, well maintained, all social distancing measures in place, sanitiser by the entrance as you walk in floor signs directing you, you keep your key with you once received, I noticed you have to pay for Wi-Fi in your room unless you book superior (I did)which I feel is poor and wouldn’t be happy to pay it’s 2020, we had room 303 and whilst that should have been superior I don’t think it was it was very cold and the heating was set on a timer by the hotel we had no control the windows need replacing as the breeze just came through them we had to close the curtains early to try and retain heat, overall the room was very clean and the bed super comfy. The first evening we decided to eat in the hotel bar we have stayed at a sister hotel many times before the Cumbria Grand another Strathmore hotel the bar food their is exceptional fresh tasty excellent quality the same can not be said about the Cairn they do have a pop up that states the food is excellent quality locally sourced I am sorry but the £10 pizza was a frozen one and so was the fish with the chips the chips were nice though 👍🏻 the only place the fish and pizza were locally sourced was the local frozen food supermarket really let the place down we were really disappointed and ate out the next evening, the staff are exceptional really friendly and helpful the bar man on duty adhered to all the rules and regs and was a joy to be around, had a great nights sleep, the breakfast the next morning made up for the poor bar food with fresh omelettes made to order along with hot food and a selection of cereal, the service the first morning was slow 20 minutes to get coffee And our order taken but it was really busy with a queue to get in the dining room so not too much of an issue felt for the staff to be honest, Monday morning was very different much more peaceful and relaxed served straight away and the staff member was so friendly and chatty thank you, I started my review with would I stay here again and my answer is yes but would not order food from the bar I cannot comment on the restaurant as we never ate there in the evening, I do know it was a set menu with limited choice and that is why we decided on the bar menu that and our previous experience of the fantastic bar food we had at the Cumbria Grand. Overall a lovely hotel great staff but the evening food and cold room let it down
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had a long weekend over Easter and couldn't have asked for a better hotel! The staff were so friendly and very helpful as I am disabled and have an Assistance Dog. The breakfast had so much choice to suit everyone's tastes and the waiters/waitresses were very attentive. I would highly recommend a stay here.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently visited the Cairn Hotel for a weekend break in Harrogate.
It is in an excellent location - walking distance to and from the centre (even in high heels) The car park was included in the price of the hotel, as was breakfast, which we were really impressed with.
The Covid measures really impressed us. One way systems, hand sanitiser, the restaurant for breakfast (with option to eat in your room), the bar system etc. We felt really safe which was important to us.
Breakfast was absolutely delicious. There were great options and the staff were all really friendly especially the Scottish gentleman serving juice who was so happy he couldn’t help but make everyone smile.
It is true that some of the decor is a little tired but that didn’t impact on our stay at all - we had seen pictures of the rooms when we booked and so we knew what to expect.
Everyone was extremely helpful and kind.
We will definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friend and I have just returned from a 4 night stay at the Cairn. We travelled on a great value Coach Tour with Strathmore Travel. Our package included bed, breakfast, dinner, three drinks vouchers per day, packed lunches on a couple of days and soup /sandwich lunch on final day. Our twin room was warm and comfortable with super comfy beds fitted with crisp white linen and good pillows. Bathroom was on the small side but perfectly adequate with good shower, bath, shower gel and soap plus soft white towels. The room was a bit dated but an extensive refurbishment is ongoing at hotel. A team of painters/decorators were on site and we noted new carpets being delivered. We didn't hear any noise from the renovations.
Breakfast had a good selection of cereals, fruit and juices plus generous hot cooked breakfast items with plentiful warm toast, tea and coffee delivered to table. Dinner menu varied each evening with choice of four starters, mains and dessert. We enjoyed good locally sourced produce with our favourite of our stay being succulent Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes and vegetables. 99% of diners enjoyed the Roast Beef!
The hard working staff were an absolute credit to the hotel and were always friendly and helpful.
Harrogate centre is a short walk downhill from the hotel and a bus stop is located directly outside. Harrogate has lots of individually owned shops and we enjoyed some retail therapy.
We had a lovely stay at the Cairn and would return again.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We decided to choose this hotel due to parking. All measures were in place for Covid with laminated A4 distancing on the floor which in my opinion were a trip hazard but the hotel seems to have done its best in this respect with one way systems and hand sanitisers everywhere. The room was dark and dismal and we were stuck facing a brick wall. The whole hotel needs to be updated. It just looks tired and in need of a real makeover. The room smelt musty. The hot breakfast was not as up to the standard for what we paid but I did enjoy the pancake which was served fresh and hot. My husband finished his hot breakfast by the time the waiter came over to us to ask if we wanted toast or a top up of coffee. We stayed two nights but if we come to Harrogate again we will not choose this hotel.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Cairn is ideally placed for access to the centre of Harrogate, shops (and Bettys) are about 10 minutes walk away but if you want to ride the bus stop is outside the car park entrance. Also easily accessible are the Valley Gardens and Harlow Carr Gardens. Our room was on the first floor facing West with the sun shining into the room in the afternoon and evening. The new bathroom was well fitted with shelving for toiletries with shower/bath gel etc provided. The large room had lots of drawers, a wardrobe (with plenty of hangers), a telephone, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities and biscuits. Because of Covid-19 arrangements have been made to replenish supplies without the need for staff to enter the room. Breakfast and dinner are served in a large dining room with excellent choices for both continental and cooked breakfast, and three course dinners with a choice of 5 main courses. Included is after dinner coffee and mints which are served in the large lounge just outside the dining room. The management deserve credit for the way they've dealt with Covid-19 and the staff are friendly and helpful. We've been coming to the Cairn since 2006, this was our second visit this year and we're coming here again later this year.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Rooms facing West don't have main road traffic noise.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We got a night in the hotel with dinner and breakfast as a present for Christmas and went on a Monday night. Pulling up to the hotel was beautiful, as was the entrance! When we got up to the room, our 'superior' room was tiny and had scaffolding the whole way round outside - not the end of the world but we had not known about the works until we got to our floor and there was a bit of paper on the wall. It would have been nice to have been told be reception or by Management when booking the hotel. We opened the wardrobes and there were cobwebs in every corner, deeming it unusable. The bathroom was grubby and again the radiator was full of dust and cobwebs. Dinner was okay, the staff were super friendly and helpful, but the food was only luke warm. The bed was on wheels and not locked, so it was moving all over the place during the night. 8am the next morning, there were work men literally stood on the scaffolding outside our window, banging away. Even if this had not woke us up, Housekeeping were knocking about 5 minutes later. Since we were only staying the one night, it was not needed and we had until 11 to check out. Breakfast again, the staff were so lovely but it was only warm. Overall, a very disappointing stay. Considering they were going to charge an extra £165 for a second night, we were expecting a LOT better.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our last stop on our holiday around the UK so we decided to treat ourselves-or so we thought! We spent £150 for bed and breakfast for two so you could say that our expectations were high. We arrived early however as we couldn’t check in until 4pm(it said 3pm on the website) we just popped in to use the toilets and to let them know our car was in the car park. From the outside the hotel looked grand and the foyer looked impressive. We were impressed and couldn’t wait to check out our room. Harrogate itself was lovely. It was our first visit and we really loved it. We got back to the hotel and after some confusion over our booking we managed to check in. Our room was supposedly a superior double. We were disappointed to say the least. Small bed and it didn’t particularly look refurbished. The layout was poor, dirty mirrors with fingerprints on, dusty furniture. Dirty paintwork throughout the hotel in fact. The tea and coffee was in a plastic bag with polystyrene cups and disposable stirrers! Every other hotel we’ve stayed in has had proper cups and spoons even the Travelodge (which was better than The Cairn and less than half the price!) Terrible. We complained and were moved to a different room which was slightly better although there were still dead flies on the windowsill to greet us! I’d have expected to pay half the price for what we got. Don’t be fooled by the outside appearance.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Harrogate area.
PRICE RANGE
£62 - £111 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
cairn hotel harrogate
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandYorkshireNorth YorkshireHarrogate
NUMBER OF ROOMS
135
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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