Scotia House

We stayed for a Valentines weekend and although the weather outside was a little chilly, the welcome from Mark, our host, was certainly very warm. Parking is on the road near to the hotel and the hosts will provide you with free parking vouchers which you leave on show in the car. Top Tip Find your parking place on Alexandra Road which is about 50 yards from the hotel before you check in. Use the parking disc on a temporary basis until the hosts supply you with parking permits for the duration of your stay - right up to midday on your last day which is a nice touch. Also it’s free parking on Sunday so if you check in or check out on a Sunday you can park right outside the hotel. Our room was on the top floor of the house facing the front. People have said that these front facing rooms can be affected by traffic noise outside but our sleep was not disturbed at all, helped by good double glazing fitted to the room. There were also some ear plugs left for us in case the minimal noise that did come in could be zoned out - a nice touch. Top Tip Although being on the top floor wasn’t a problem for us - I can see it being a bit of a problem for those less mobile, so check with Mark and Gillian if a lower floor room is available before booking if you think that could be a problem for you. A nice touch we thought, especially with the weather being a bit chilly, was the provision of hot water bottles and dressing gowns, which were gratefully used ( even though the dressing gowns were a bit of a snug fit 😊 ) Tea coffee, biscuits and water are provided in the room and a freeview tv has all the channels you need. The hotel asks you not to take any alcoholic drinks back to your room without asking first. Not a problem for us but just thought I’d mention it. Make up removal pads and a black facecloth are provided for your use and the hotel does warn you in their brochure that charges will be incurred if any makeup is left on the bed linen. So be warned. The hotel is situated on Kings Rd opposite the international conference centre. It is central to everything and within easy walking distance of Harrogate and its many shops and restaurants. As stated before, Mark was a very congenial and warm host and met us when we checked in and although they don’t live there permanently he was also on hand every morning just to say hello and offer any travel advice that we needed. No food was provided on site but with the amount of restaurants close by this was not a problem. All in all a lovely home away from home and we will be back in the future