Old Swan Hotel

Hotels
8 (5251 reviews)
Swan Road , Harrogate , gb

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Good food
Cons:
Room quality issues
Cleanliness concerns
Overpriced amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
6.96
Several reviews mentioned cleanliness positively, but some rooms had issues indicating a lack of thorough cleaning.
Service
8.93
Staff were consistently described as friendly and helpful across multiple reviews.
Location
8.97
Location was highlighted positively, being convenient and close to town.
Room Quality
6.92
Mixed sentiments; some rooms had significant issues, affecting overall perception of quality.
Amenities
7.95
Amenities received a mixed response with some lacking, such as in-room facilities, but overall sufficient.
Value for Money
7.91
Generally viewed as reasonable pricing, though some items were noted as overpriced.
Food and Beverage
8.46
Food received positive remarks, particularly regarding breakfast quality.
Overall Experience
7.93
The overall experience was shaped by some negatives but balanced out by positive aspects, leading to a satisfactory stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 04:58

Property Description

Historic Charm and Modern Comforts
Surrounded by picturesque lawns and gardens, The Old Swan was once the famous retreat of Agatha Christie. Originally an 18th-century coaching inn, this historic property seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern amenities.

Elegant Rooms and Dining Options
The hotel offers modern rooms with en suite facilities, tea/coffee-making amenities, and scenic garden views. Indulge in a culinary journey at the Swan Lounge and Bar or the Wedgewood and Library restaurants, known for their locally sourced delicacies.

Central Location with Famous Neighbors
Located a short stroll from Harrogate town centre, The Old Swan is within walking distance of iconic spots like Betty’s Tearoom. With its proximity to Harrogate Railway Station, convenience meets luxury at this historic gem.

Book now to experience a blend of history and luxury at The Old Swan.

Important information:

Please note that extra beds/cribs can only be accommodated in the Executive Rooms.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LBA

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 10 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 10 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 4 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 5 years old to 15 years old stay for £15 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 5 years old to 15 years old stay for £15 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 5251 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.96
Service: 8.93
Location: 8.97
Room Quality: 6.92
Amenities: 7.95
Value for Money: 7.91
Food and Beverage: 8.46
Overall Experience: 7.93
J
Josh family_with_children gb
10
2026-03-21 via Nuitee
J
Joanne couple gb
10
Pros:

Very lovely rooms warm welcome

2026-03-21 via Nuitee
A
alicin99 Couples Birmingham, West Midlands, England
10
Best Hotel in Harrogate
Pros:

We just came back from a 2 day break in Harrogate. I don’t write reviews often but this Hotel however has surpassed our expectations by far each time we have stayed here. This was the third visit, we wish when came to Harrogate before we had stayed here. The Swan Hotel is far superior than the more expensive 4 star hotels we have stayed in.

Firstly it has character & ambience that you feel and notice as soon as you walk in, always greeted with a warm welcome too. The spacious Wedgwood dinning room is the best dinning room in a hotel we have ever stayed in world wide including Four seasons, Mandarin Oriental they don’t come close. You really feel like you have gone back in time. The photos don’t do it justice, you have to stay here to understand. Our executive room had high ceiling, the most comfortable bed a glorious proper bathroom with a nice deep bath, quality and traditional, no sub standard modern baths you get these days! The room keeps in character with the hotel, no wonder Agatha Christie stayed here. Considering the price to stay with breakfast is already great value for money, we also received a cream tea in the lounge with warmed scones, clotted cream and the most delicious homemade Bakewell slices. Breakfast was delicious hot drinks served to you, a plentiful cold breakfast buffet with everything you could want, one morning it was the usual hot buffet, proper flying saucer mushrooms, the bacon was proper shortback👍. I was however the awkward one who decided to ask if they did porridge made with water, the waitress was amazing, tall mature lady with blonde hair, nothing was too much trouble and yes the kitchen staff made me a hearty bowl of porridge made the traditional way not in a microwave. Please thank the kitchen staff for doing this for me, I can imagine how busy they are not only preparing breakfast but for other events in the hotel. All the staff we came into contact with during our stay understand great customer service. A big shout out to the reception team who sorted replacement room keys for us when we left them behind on a table, so gracious they had cancelled the old ones re coded and replaced with new ones. Considering the size of this hotel they must work so hard to keep the traditional style in keeping, all the wooden furnishings were polished. They have achieved fantastic results updating and decorating the hotel and guest rooms the last few months. Yet still keeping the style that Agatha Christie would have experienced. The most important achievement to us was the cleanliness of this magnificent hotel, I was blown over by this we are well travelled I have yet to stay anywhere that is kept so clean and tidy. The reviews don’t give a true reflection of this Hotel presently, you won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to our next stay.

2026-03-20 via Tripadvisor
C
Charles extended_group gb
10
2026-03-20 via Nuitee
R
Robert solo_traveller gb
9
Great hotel right next to the centre
Pros:

Really lovely old building right in the centre of Harrogate

Cons:

Bed was a little hard

2026-03-20 via Nuitee
D
Dominic solo_traveller gb
10
2026-03-20 via Nuitee
A
Andy couple gb
10
A nice a relaxing break for the wife’s birthday
Pros:

Lots of history and a stunning building

2026-03-19 via Nuitee
R
Robinson couple gb
9
A freindly and relaxing hotel
Pros:

The staff were, without exception, friendly and helpful

Cons:

The alternatives to a cooked breakfast were limited

2026-03-19 via Nuitee
B
Broomhead solo_traveller gb
8
2026-03-19 via Nuitee
A
Ann couple gb
10
2026-03-18 via Nuitee
G
Gillian couple gb
7
Short stay, convenient and comfortable
Pros:

The property was close to the city centre but also a quiet location. Great shower and spacious room.

Cons:

Couldn’t see anything to control heating in room. Could have been a little warmer but the duvet did the job.

2026-03-18 via Nuitee
J
Jane extended_group gb
8
Nice but breakfast disappointing
Pros:

Nice old building

Cons:

Breakfast on the Sunday was terrible don’t understand why as it was lovely on the Saturday

2026-03-18 via Nuitee
S
Susan couple gb
7
2026-03-17 via Nuitee
F
Fay extended_group gb
6
Great location but a tired hotel
Pros:

Location. Staff generally polite and helpful but not exactly cheerful. As requested rooms were located close together. Beds were clean and comfortable.

Cons:

Decor in room drab and tatty. Wallpaper peeling off walls and ceiling. Carpet worn and dirty in places. Cracked tiles in bathroom. Wardrobe extremely small. Even public spaces looked very tired and in need of refurbishment.

2026-03-17 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
10
Lovely treat
Pros:

Great location great staff

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-17 via Nuitee
N
Nancie couple gb
7
Overall very nice hotel
Pros:

Loved location. Staff friendly

Cons:

Bathroom very small - shower / bath tight space. Cracked tiles on floor Tea making facility in room awkward access

2026-03-17 via Nuitee
M
Michael extended_group gb
9
2026-03-16 via Nuitee
J
Joana solo_traveller gb
9
Magical, fun and comfortable
2026-03-16 via Nuitee
K
Kevin couple gb
9
2026-03-16 via Nuitee
W
Williams solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Close to the centre of Harrogate plenty parking available

Cons:

Bed could be bigger for the size of the room

2026-03-16 via Nuitee