Best Western Dower House, Harrogate

Bond End, Knaresborough, Harrogate, HG5 9AL
3

In the market town of Knaresborough, just 4 miles from the A1(M) and 3 miles from Harrogate, this charming hotel offers a warm and friendly welcome to business ... more

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£ Rooms from £55 (≈ $101) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
8/10 Check-in process
8/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
8/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
8/10 Overall value for money
  • 9/10 Judith ( Mature couple) 

    from Doncaster , GB  on  August 28, 2008

    "Very good" (97520215)

    The stay was excellent, especially as the weather was not kind to us and we had the use of the leisure facilities

  • 9/10 Margaret ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from South shields , GB  on  August 28, 2008

    "Unless the quantity of food improves, sadly, we will not recommend this hotel: which is unfortunate because the hotel and staff were faultless." (108060176)

    Lovely building, lovely clean room and a very nice staff.

    I have never had such small portions of food. My breakfast of bacon and eggs, was, one rasher of bacon and one egg. For dinner, we were served a minute quantity of pureed vegetable with our meal: no 'chewing' vegatables at all. I have never had a meal without vegetables. The 'fruit crumble' was the size of a dessert spoon: I am not exagerating. What little we had however, was very tasty.

  • 9/10 Robert ( Mature couple) 

    from Barnsley , GB  on  August 27, 2008

    "Excellent and will use Best Western in future" (107126493)

    Excellent setting. Hearty Breakfast. Near to local facillities

  • 9/10 Bryan ( Mature couple) 

    from Pontefract , GB  on  August 10, 2008

    "me and my husband are very busy people, we have 2 businesses to run and the stay in your hotel was just what the doctor ordered as they say, we loved it!" (108084764)

    rrom lovely (31), welcome bright and cheerful, staff very helpful, facilities clean and tidy, hoyel nice and clean, hotel grounds lovely

    booking our room on the internet we thought we'd booked the room that we eventually got, but when we arrived we were given an executive double room one that we had not seen on the internet, but things got sorted out by your efficient staff and everything was fine, (so internet booking was a little misleading),some parts of the hotel could do with updating eg decor

  • 8/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Macclesfield , GB  on  July 20, 2008

    "enjoyable" (108034970)

    The room was well furnished,clean and tidy. The resteraunt and bar were very good. A good menu, food excellent

    Curtains at the windows instead of v/blinds would have been more appropriate. The bathroom required a make over.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  July 16, 2008

    "Overall, the hotel was good for our requirements for the trip to the show." (108043543)

    Rooms were clean and comfortable. Evening receptionist very friendly. Leisure suite was clean and staff friendly. Location good for access to Gt. Yorkshire Show.

    Check in receptionist rather grumpy and unsmiling. Portions at breakfast (cooked) were very small. One of our party requested sausage and bacon only, as this is all she likes. She received one piece of bacon and one sausage only! Not much of a breakfast.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  July 11, 2008

    "A good couple of days; I would like these comments passed to the Hotel please since they were concerned about our complaints re food, a very fair attitude." (108039342)

    Staff attitude and helpfulness, all excellent

    Food, some items very poor including pink Duck, perfect colour but very tough. Ditto Steak. CousCous which was really vile in flavour. Duck served with 2 huge orange undercooked, tasteless sweet potatoes and nothing else, not even garnish unless you count 2 garlic cloves. Menu otherwise good on content quality and choice.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  May 28, 2008

    "Very good, the room was newly decorated and the hotel facilities were nice. The food was not as good as I thought it might be but the town of Knaresborough was lovely and I would definitely stay there again and recommend it to others." (97599827)

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  May 26, 2008

    "It was a comfortable stay which was very welcome after a long drive. The dining facilities were very good with pleasant staff and a good menu. The wine selection was good too. The TV reception in our room was appalling so we gave up on it. There were a few steps to negotiate, even in our room up to the en suite, which we wish we had known about in advance." (97642813)

    Pleasant decor, spacious room.

    Bedside lamps didn't work. We couldn't find the tea making equipment - it was in the bottom of the wardrobe!

  • 8/10 David ( Young couple) 

    from Castleford , GB  on  May 23, 2008

    "good" (97235352)

    Very good meal & staff very helpful.

    room a bit basic for executive suite

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  May 6, 2008

    "It would have helped if the on-line booking site had confirmed with the hotel the accommodation booked! Fortunately there were plenty of rooms still available" (97556311)

    Hotel very well situated for easy access in and out of Harrogate. Facilities in good order and the place is obviously cared for.

  • 8/10 Wendy ( Mature couple) 

    from Lancaster , GB  on  April 14, 2008

    "We went for just a two-night weekend stay and for most of the time we were there the swimming pool was out of action which was disappointing. All other facilities were fine and the staff were extremely pleasant. The food was of a high standard. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Dower House." (97119791)

    Central location, very nice food, friendly staff.

    Room a little dated with squeaky floorboards.

  • 8/10 Cheryl ( Other) 

    from Hebburn , GB  on  March 16, 2008

    "Very helpful staff, food excellent quality, room good size, but lacking extras like a trouser press and minibar, which should be in an executive room. Bathrooms are dated. Noise from the pool extractor fan could be heard all night, but we are assured that this is a problem that has just come to light and is being seen to. Also there is a refit program due to start soon for all the bathrooms. Which is needed.!!!!! But in all, it was a very comfortable stay in a good location and good value for money." (97484333)

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  October 30, 2007

    very clean bright and warm.

  • 9/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from County durham , GB  on  October 23, 2007

    "It was an excellent visit. Staff exercised high levels of courteousy and exuded a warm disposition. We thought the price regime for dinner was a little high." (97960676)

    The garden cottage was ideal for us as pet owners.

    Only that the bathroom wall heater appeared not to be working

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 28, 2007

    "Very enjoyable stay, excellent service from staff, always polite, friendly and helpful. Good food. Nice setting, easy walking distance into town and walks by the river." (99723133)

    Very clean, spacious room, well serviced.

    No air conditioning, however a fan was provided.

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  July 9, 2007

    "This was one of the nicest hotels I have stayed in. The facilities were lovely, the house and surroundings charming and the restaurant especially fine." (97616313)

    The room. Beautiful furniture and decor.

  • 8/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Preston , GB  on  May 28, 2007

    "Position. The initial room we had overlooked a busy and noisy road. We were moved to an alternative room which was quieter" (99096694)

    good up-to-date decor

    Overlooked the car park

  • 6/10 Kerry ( Young couple) 

    from Doncaster , GB  on  May 16, 2007

    "I felt a litte disappointed as I expected a higher standard of room. However the leisure facilities were a real treat and the food good so that redeemed the overall stay." (99042121)

    Leisure facilities and food.

    Size of the room and the shower was not in full working order.

  • 4/10 Christine ( Mature couple) 

    from Oldham , GB  on  May 4, 2007

    "The hotel being old was very noisy with creaking floorboards. You could hear people in other rooms walking about. The plumbing was in need of immediate attention, being extremely noisy in not just our room but adjacent rooms too. Being weekend it was very busy with weddings. The garden was quite overgrown and in need of some care, it spoilt the overall look of the place. A beautiful building looking a bit neglected in a great location." (99736355)

    Central location, good for acess to surounding area, excellent breakfast.

    Misleading bar snack menu, slow service. Was locked out at 12.30am and took 20 mins to find somebody to unlock the front door.

  • 3/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 21, 2007

    "My room number 15 was very shabby and poorly equipped. The bathroom was dirty with mould around the edge of the bath and damage to fittings and fixtures that had not been repaired. The bathroom must have been at least 20 years old - the enamel on the bath was worn away from use!" (99618731)

    Position of Hotel.

    One of the worst bathrooms that I have seen in a Hotel or B&B.

  • 9/10 Susan ( Mature couple) 

    from Shrewsbury , GB  on  April 14, 2007

    "Our stay at this hotel was very pleasent. The receptionist was very welcoming and helpful at all times. Our room was a executive suite which was quite spacious with plenty of character maybe needs a refurbishment soon but very clean with everything you need. Only real niggle was the shower was abit old. The food was excellent especially the breakfast we had a table overlooking the garden and the service was perfect which made a most pleasent start to the day.Overall a lovely stay we left wishing we could stay longer." (99587922)

    staff very friendly and helpful especially the receptionist and waitress.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 13, 2007

    "Generally the stay was reasonable. Food and service were excellent and the manager responded positively to my comments. I suggested he refrained from sending a welcome card to guests whereby we were addressed, too familiarly, by our first names (and in my case, misspelt) Nice idea but more thought needed. We would come again if guaranteed a much bigger room and decent shower.Sadly, the hotel was fully booked, otherwise we would have requested a change of room" (99172776)

    Room far too small for two people. Bathroom poor e.g shower very weak-mould on ceiling above shower. Whole bathroom needed updating

  • 9/10 Linda ( Young couple) 

    from Morecambe , GB  on  April 10, 2007

    "we were really impressed by the standard of the hotel. this is the first best western that we have stayed in and hope to stay in another in the future. the hotel was decorated lovely and had a very homely feel. the breakfast was excellent and plentiful. although we did not use the gym/pool facilities they appeared to be excellent." (99749699)

    The accommodation was very clean, decorated to a high standard and very helpful staff. we booked an executive room although i am not too sure that our room was classed as this - after looking at pictures of other rooms ours was maybe classed as a large double. this did not cause any problems as the room we stayed in was lovely.

    nothing! if i was to be picky the restaurant menu appeared to be pricey - we ate out of the hotel in a nearby indian restaurant purely because we fancied a good curry!

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  April 3, 2007

    "Lovely leisure facilities, very helpful staff throughout the hotel. Beautiful food served in the hotel dining room, comprehensive menu." (99395964)

    quality of leisure facilities. Helpful staff.

    water flow to shower - poor

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 2, 2007

    "A pleasant break with good size room and lovely breakfast: leisure centre was well laid out together with large swimming pool. Staff polite and friendly." (99437234)

    Spacious room with good facilities: excellent breakfast:

    Disappointed with evening meal

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 26, 2007

    Comfortable bed - surprised how well my bad back took to it! Excellent value breakfast - much better than I was expecting, served by attentive young man, most helpful.

    Slightly cramped & could do with a facelift - especially bathroom

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 16, 2007

    "Really friendly and helpful staff, even though they were busy at times. Food in the bar was excellent and of restaurant quality, was good having the leisure centre on site, so convenient and relaxing....and last but not least..... comfy beds!" (99681901)

    convenient location, homely atmosphere. Excellent food, handy for swimming pool, easy parking,

  • 8/10 Terence ( Mature couple) 

    from Worthing , GB  on  March 15, 2007

    "I would not like to have paid a full price for my stay, but generally the discount offered from the website I booked through was fair." (99289185)

    Good position for town etc

    Creaking floorboards, and guest noise from neighbouring rooms throughout the night.

  • 10/10 Rachael ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Sunderland , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 28, 2007

    "Everything was excellent. Including leisure facilities. The staff very friendly and welcoming, could not have asked for more." (99019624)

    The staff were the best asset to your hotel and lovely surroundings

    nothing really...maybe more biscuits with tea and coffee facilities

  • 9/10 Julie ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Cumbernauld , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 28, 2007

    "Our overall stay at the hotel was excellent, we had a lovely evening meal on our first night and the staff were very nice, from the hotel receptionists to the waiters & waitresses. We also used the leisure facilities which we thought were very good." (99065040)

    The staff were very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble and made our stay very enjoyable.

  • 9/10 Yvonne ( Young couple) 

    from Livingston , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 19, 2007

    The hotel was quiet,clean,friendly staff and the food and service was out of this world,unfoftunately we only stayed for one night so did not have time to try out the leisure facilities but we will use the next time.

    not being able to smoke in the room

  • 7/10 Tania ( Young couple) 

    from London , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 3, 2007

    "Do people still really have fried bread at breakfast? Thought the choices could have been better for breakfast. Nice location though and the room was quiet despite the proximity to the main road." (99757394)

    Room was a bit basic for an executive room but we were there for a funeral so weren't really that concerned.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  December 30, 2006

    Handy to relatives, large car park, bed comfy.

    Entry to bedrooms through the smoking lounge. An Executive room over a noisy kitchen

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  December 18, 2006

    Quite nice accomodation with good pool and spa facilities.

    Noisy pipes at night. Didn't get a nights sleep. Had to move rooms at 4am! Helpful staff, but no reduction given for troubles. Breakfast poor!

  • 7/10 Frederick ( Mature couple) 

    from Darlington , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 8, 2006

    The food and the staff were excellent.

    The television reception was atrocious. The bed was hard with springs protruding. The noise, on both nights, from the entertainment downstairs, went on till the early hours and prevented any attempt to sleep.

  • 9/10 Robert ( Mature couple) 

    from Paignton , United Kingdom;GB  on  November 25, 2006

    "We enjoyed a three night stay on a D.B&B basis. We were very comfortable but would have found the Dinner menu repetitive and a little restrictive if we had been staying longer. The staff were very friendly and polite and the service was excellent. Good leisure facilities." (99257039)

    Clean, comfortable & spacious room. Good on site parking.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  November 18, 2006

    "Very nice, accommodating hotel. The staff was very professional and could not do enough to help. I have and would continue to recommend this hotel to family, friends and work colleagues." (99690758)

    Convenient for local amenities and also very accommodating staff.

    The breakfast order on the first morning of our stay was a little poor in terms of we had to chase our drinks and toast.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  October 16, 2006

    "very friendly and proffessional staff......lovely dining room very clean .....evening meal slightly dissappointing ...booked b& b and evening meal ..so couldnt understand the £25 limit ......booked an excecutive room,but couldnt see what the difference was ...but overall the stay was very good .......and would stay a gain" (99042137)

    large kingsize bed

    small but adequate tv

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  September 5, 2006

    "We booked the deal that included a double room, breakfast and evening meal. The meal allowance per person in this deal is £25 per night (wine/drinks from the bar are not included in this total). An average 3-course meal in the hotel cost about £20-£25, good selection of wines in the £13-15 price range and above. We really enjoyed the food but I would not recommend eating here if you are looking for meat and two veg! Staff were all very friendly and polite." (3305268441)

    Good food, swimming pool, good location.

    Dated decor.

  • 9/10 L ( Mature couple) 

    from Skelmersdale , UNITED KINGDOM;GB  on  September 3, 2006

    "We found The Dower House to be in an ideal location, walking to town was easy and lots of things to do in the immediate area. We both enjoyed the stay, a perfect, quiet, midweek break for us. The staff were very courteous and nothing seemed to much trouble. The food choice was large and when served it was good to looked at, then to enjoy. Highly recommended." (3305277077)

    Very clean, quiet and spacious bedroom. Brilliant leisure facilities on site, which we only managed to try out on our first afternoon.

    Nothing at all.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 28, 2006

    "Room very good. Restaurant fair. The hotel is well situated and very convenient for access to railway station." (3305244107)

    Clean and comfortable

    View from the room

  • 10/10 Graham ( Mature couple) 

    from High wycombe , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 27, 2006

    "Considering we booked this hotel on line after only seeing the photograph of the outside we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived and saw the accomodation.The staff were very friendly and polite and nothing was too much trouble.The service in the restaurant was excellent and the food of good quality and cooked superbly and served promptly.Although we didnot use the Leisure Club facillities we did look at what was available and on a future visit would definately make use of them" (3305242306)

    The room was larger than we expected and the bed was enormous! Everything was as we expected and more.The hotel was a lovely old building but very modern inside.We cannot fault the hotel or the service we received. It was excellent. We would certainly stay there again in the future.

    There was nothing to dislike

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 26, 2006

    The resturant was excellent value for money

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 26, 2006

    "Overbooked in Knaresborough. Transferred to Cairn. Pleasant enough." (3305252068)

    Room was ok.

  • 9/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Seaham , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 23, 2006

    "Well worth the stay the restaurant meal was excellent and staff very pleasant and competant" (3305235754)

    Nice clean and comfortable

    nothing

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  August 17, 2006

    Friendly staff, good breakfast. Room adequate

    A little old fashioned. Also I arranged an early check in at 1.30pm, we arrived at 2pm and could not access the roomuntil 2.25pm I know that this was a special request but I was lead to believe that it would not be a problem. It just made things very rushed to start with.

  • 4/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 15, 2006

    "Breakfast service was very slow, although it was 30mins before breakfast serving stopped the starter choices of grapefruit/orange segments etc were the 'dregs' and should have been replenished. Had to ask for glasses for fruit juice, no natural yogurt. Morning service needs to be smartened up. This put us off considering having a meal in the hotel." (3305197118)

    Proximity to local attractions/town centre.

    Double room was extremely small, clean but little space and very creaky floorboards.

  • 5/10 Andrew ( Young couple) 

    from Bath , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 13, 2006

    "food in the restaurant was very poor the service on the friday night was very slow due to another function taking place although the staff were friendly and polite a few extra would have helped" (3305126000)

    quite noisy

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 31, 2006

    "We liked the hotel overall but I am quite a traditional eater and found the menu guide in the room very limited for my taste. I do believe the hotel has recently changed hands and the menu is being updated to accommodate the change in opinions on food but I personally would have liked to see at least one choice of a traditional meal with fairly basic vegetables." (3305027270)

    It was clean and nicely appointed

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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