Old Swan Hotel
Old Swan Hotel descritpion
Surrounded by picturesque lawns and gardens, The Old Swan was once the famous retreat of Agatha Christie. It has modern rooms with private bathrooms, and free on-site parking.
Originally an 18th-century traveler's inn, it now features rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV and suit press. Some also have a stand-alone bath and views of the garden.
The traditional Swan Lounge and Bar has a selection of beverages and afternoon teas, and the Wedgewood and Library restaurants serve fresh, locally sourced dishes.
The Old Swan was home to Agatha Christie during her disappearance in 1926, and has since been used as a movie set for the 1979 movie, Agatha.
Just a short walk from Harrogate town center, the building is a 5-minute walk from the famous Betty’s Tearoom and 15 minutes from Harrogate Train Station.
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Facilities of Old Swan Hotel
Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds | Terrace
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Room Service | 24-Hour Front Desk | Baggage Storage | Dry Cleaning | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Fax/Photocopying
General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Old Swan Hotel
Review 1：The bathroom sink was ridiculously small and located way too close in front of the loo. No shelves in the bathroom or bedroom to put anything on. The sink in the bathroom was clearly a,"vanity" sink which you couldn't wash in let alone get the kettle under for water.
Review 2：Lovely old hotel, spacious rooms, we were there for a wedding so theChristmas trees everywhere added to the atmosphere. We did feel sorry for the family taking afternoon tea who then got swamped by our wedding party! Excellent shower!
Review 3：Paid for an executive suite, which was £40 more than a standard, but I fail to see what was executive about the room. Duvet was 2 single's with a zip down the middle to make a double. 24hr room service was not 24hr
Review 4：Friendly helpful staff Great location to get to the nightlife
Review 5：Noise from the staff quarters on the East side of the hotel. Our room was on the second floor and after New Year someone from these quarters were playing something that I would not describe as music, which got louder and louder. Ask for a room away from these quarters.
Review 6：The location is close to the town centre. Clean rooms and comfortable bed. Reception staff friendly.
Review 7：We booked a deluxe executive suite. The bedroom was dark and cold with a small bed. We should have had bathrobes slippers and chocolates. None of which were organised.
Review 8：The reception and downstairs facilities appeared to be nice. Good location
Review 9：The cold drinks at the breakfast buffet. It was hard to tell what they were -- orange or grapefruit? Staff were lovely, though some could do with improving their English as they could not understand my questions.
Review 10：Loved the location and the style of the whole place. Reception and bar are lovely. Rooms are slightly shabby chic, but so homely and comforting I loved it.
Review 11：The bed wasn't flush to the wall so pillows kept falling down gap so affected our sleep and couldn't sit up in the bed because of this.
Review 12：The hotel was really clean and nicely decorated
Review 13：Our room was really small , window in bathroom was roughly painted, bath chipped . We found the reception and bar area very nicely decorated but the rest of the hotel ( mainly stairs , walk ways and our room ) very dated and tired looking.
Review 14：Good location , near enough to walk into town.. Breakfast staff were friendly.
Review 15：We stayed overnight on BH Monday & the information about breakfast stated it was served until 9.30 am we got down to the dining room at 9.15 where there was a large queue. No one seemed to be meeting & greeting so we all stood waiting the staff just seemed to ignore us all but they were clearing tables and then not coming to tell anyone. In the end as we could see tables ready we all started to help ourselves & we actually went back to the queue to tell others waiting where there were free tables! It was obviously very busy at the hotel but they would have known if they were full they needed more staff. Also no-one checked our room number to see if we had breakfast included in our room rate (it was cheaper without obviously) we had but wonder if there were people who hadn't & therefore got a free breakfast! Also the shower in the room was very hot & we couldn't get any more cold to come through the mixer tap..it was very nearly too hot to shower under.
Review 16：The location
Review 17：Difficult to control heating in room. Too dry and hot . Managed to open bathroom window for some fresh air.
Review 18：Very good breakfast and very well staffed. Impressive.
Review 19：The rooms are dated, small, our radiator was broken so the room was far too warm! There is only 1 lift so we had to wait a lot- fine when going downstairs - you'd just take the stairs- not great when you have suitcases.
Review 20：I liked the downstairs of the hotel- the reception, bar area and function room. Smart and well designed
Review 21：Bad slow service at all meal times whilst we stayed. Both breakfasts we had whilst there were not as good as a second rate transport cafe. Waiting over an hour for first course at dinner,45 minutes before being asked if we wanted a drink. Rooms desperately need renovation one room we couldn't close the windows and it was freezing and in my daughters room the Windows wouldn't open and the room was 26 deg. They couldn't open the windows so sent a fan to the room. Their baby's cot in the room only had three sides secure so they had to push the cot against the wall to make it safe.
Review 22：Nothing really
Review 23：the rooms are very dated and the staff too busy to help or take any notice. Needs a complete makeover and some rooms are not fit for purpose.
Review 24：I didn't like very much except the central location to Harrogate town centre
Review 25：Breakfasts were not as good this visit. Very sparse buffet table. Very little choice of cereals, bread products and preserves. Cooked breakfasts served on cold plates without allowing guests time to finish their cereal, fruit etc. Consequently cooked breakfasts were eaten barely lukewarm.
Review 26：I love the central location of the Old Swan. It's so convenient but also set backin its' own little oasis of calm! The staff are always so welcoming and obliging too.
Review 27：The staff was not very helpful, I called 2 days prior to arrival, they couldn't find our booking, said they would ring back but never did I had to call the next day. On day if departure we got the bill but the money had already pending I. The bank, made us pay again, my husband had too call on wed 16 Dec to say payment had come out but the other was pending, they said again they would look into this and call back but again never did, but they must if sorted cause the money had been stopped from coming out, the customer service is not good if we had not if noticed we would of paid twice.
Review 28：The room had no view Dining room was too big Food was only average especially the breakfast
Review 29：Position of hotel excellent Car park good Hotel building fantastic
Review 30：Everything was really nice, and staff were really accommodation and very friendly,
Review 31：The hotel was brilliant, and had upgraded our room on arrival, it was an amazing suite with robes, slippers and a towel made in a swan, lovely. Stayed for other half's birthday, loved the real fire too, well worth it.
Review 32：The weather in Harrogate it rained all day, nothing the hotel could have done, the real fire in the bar was must welcoming
Review 33：Friendly helpful staff, big thank you for free unexpected upgrade, from a standard double to a suite
Review 34：no bad experience but felt there could have been better quality tea/coffee in room plus no hot chocolate
Review 35：friendly helpful efficient staff, good breakfast
Review 36：Reception staff delightful. Breakfast staff somewhat miserable. Cleared table before meal over.
Review 37：Style location and comfort of hotel. Parking very good too.
Review 38：2 of 3 lamps not working; sink plunger not working (reported but not fixed); loud band allowed to play until 3am; poor sound insulation (noisy snoring neighbour).
Review 39：Location and free parking
Review 40：The first floor hallway had a very unpleasant odour. I also was surprised when I received my bill as two of the nights were charged at over £140 per night. This was not broken down for me when I booked. The rooms need a safe for business customers to store valuables.
Review 41：The location is excellent for both business and pleasure travellers. Beautiful building and surroundings. The open real fires were very welcoming after a long day working.
Review 42：The underside of the bedrunner at the foot of the bed was stained & needed a wash. There was only 1 hot chocolate sachet & should have been 2.
Review 43：Very close to centre of Harrogate, staff very friendly. Lovely breakfast.
Review 44：Staff were ok but not the friendliest. Not able to book evening meal on arrival.
Review 45：Great situation. Room fairly small but quiet, comfortable and had everything that was needed.
Review 46：Central heating switching on and off kept me awake
Review 47：Bathroom spotless and although only a single still plenty of space to move around in the bedroom. Staff all friendly and helpful, and the breakfast delicious.
Review 48：Pillow choice would be nice , not happy with the way charges are explained , needs to be clarified on booking in , expensive and not to include breakfast . not totally clean in room and bathroom , quite dusty.
Review 49：Clean bed , warm room, nice biscuits
Review 50：Location is convenient for the town and room was comfortable and spacious. Hotel has charm and character including very creaky floors, windows that do not close properly and let in external noises, shower that is hot only (no working temperature control). Ground floor lounges and bar were very comfortable. Staff were helpful and friendly.
Review 51：Long wait at breakfast for table, The public areas where cold in particular the Breakfast room and Dining room in the evening, many guests complaining about temperature but not resolved
Review 52：Staff are very friendly, location
Review 53：Not a bad experience but our first stay was 24yrs ago! The hotel is huge and looks tired!
Review 54：Excellent location and car parking. Staff were friendly, reception and dining staff good and looked professional. The cocktail bar needs better supervision and staff need to look more professional.
Review 55：Didn't manage the booking very well. Staff were not particularly helpful. No air con so rooms are very stuffy, lack of space to sit on lobby due to functions.
Review 56：Location of the hotel was great, just enough parking for guest.
Review 57：We were upgraded to a superior room on our day of arrival. Nice surprise, it was lovely. My partner loved the four poster bed and did not want to disturb the towel shaped like a swan on the bed.
Review 58：The cleanliness and state of decor of our bedroom (number 360) was very poor - shower frame very dirty and worn; no lavatory brush; small bathroom
Review 59：Location was excellent for central Harrogate.
Review 60：Firstly we waited an hour after the recommended check in time (2pm) for our room to be cleaned. Then we were put in room 342, a tiny room with two single beds and a bathroom no bigger than 2x2m. We were relocated to a much bigger room with what we thought was a double bed but it was two singles pushed together. In the early hours of the morning there was a constant banging sound. Perhaps it was the boiler because it continued for hours. Then as we were checking out my boyfriend has a £70 parking fine on his car in the hotel car park (which is owned by the council) the hotel gives you a permit to put on your car when you check in, if we didn't have to wait an hour to be checked in we would've had the permit immediately. This was a disorganised hotel.
Review 61：Location, modern bathrooms, grand reception rooms, complementary tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
Review 62：Harrogate itself is quite hilly, lots of cobbles and a steep camber on the pavements in places so difficult for wheelchair users. I used my blue badge and moved the car frequently on street parking. Taxi number provided by the Hotel when I enquired in case I needed one.
Review 63：This stylish hotel is delightfully spotless, staff not too posh to be approachable or to accept appreciation and they obviously take pride in their work and surroundings. Comfortable room, bed and pillows, great enamel bath for relaxing followed by a tasty breakfast. Room for disabled parking at the hotel and lift access to all floors.
Review 64：The water drained slowly in the bath from the shower!
Review 65：The Old Swan is our favourite Harrogate hotel. Great atmosphere, lovely staff. We had a great suite, very comfy.
Review 66：The heating in the room didn't work so we had to ask for a heater. The shower control was very stiff so could have been dangerous for older people/children to turn the heat down.
Review 67：The breakfast was good. Comfortable beds. Powerful shower.
Review 68：We had dinner in a huge dining room, but the staff put all the guests in a long line of tables along one wall, instead of spreading us out a bit to help keep the noise down and give us some privacy. The bedrooms were spacious, but far from being Executive Doubles. My room was in need of updating. The TV came out of the ark and was positioned such that it wasn't easy to see from the bed. It also took quite a bit of effort to get it to work.
Review 69：The location was very handy. Just five minutes walk into town, although some people may find the hilly terrain a little difficult on foot. Parking was good. The staff were attentive and courteous and resolved the small matter of them not having my booking for two rooms on their system. I don't think this was their fault, but something went wrong between Booking.com and the hotel. It was sorted out when I showed them the paperwork. Dinner and breakfast was good.
Review 70：Please ring me, bad but constructive feedback
Review 71：The professionalism of the staff. They did all they could to make our stay.the girl that checked us in was still smiling when she checked us out the next morning
Review 72：the view from the bedroom was not very appealing
Review 73：the position of the hotel in the town centre of Harrogate ,was able to walk into town to access restaurants without driving
Review 74：The accommodation was rather drab with dated dark wood furniture. Bathroom looked modern and bright. The bedroom we were assigned had spill marks on the chair and when we reported this, two staff came immediately to clean it, and apologised. Next day we found thick dust and an old wire coat hanger under the wardrobe. The hanger was removed when we told reception, but the dust remained! The lift was slow and very old and noisy.The corridors have steps which may be problematic for guests withe limited mobility.
Review 75：Staff very attentive and efficient. The hotel is a popular venue for weddings and leisure travellers, and is very convenient for Harrogate centre with adequate free parking space for guests. Plenty of restaurants and bars close by.
Review 76：The room is very small, dated, stuffy and very noisy. You have to be a small person to be able to utilise the shower and bathroom facilities. Before booking this hotel, check that there are no weddings arranged. If there is, then sleep will be minimal. Every little noise in the hotel can be heard, when it comes to weddings the noise is significant and goes on to the early hours of the morning. The price paid for the room represents NO VALUE, FOR THE MONEY PAID, grossly overpriced for the quality of room and facilities. One of the worst hotels I have ever stayed in and I travel a lot in the UK. Would not recommend to anyone.
Review 77：The positive points for this hotel are few but they are the location and parking, although the parking is not close to the hotel entrance so you will get wet if raining.. Nothing else positive about this hotel
Review 78：they never mentioned there was a wedding. The dining room and bar were unavailable. If we had known we would never have stayed in this hotel.
Review 79：public rooms fine, the bedrooms - worn out!
Review 80：More expensive room with "external views" was a view of an old shed! Connecting door between rooms was thin enough to hear next door's conversations.
Review 81：Location handy for Harrogate centre. Old style hotel. Kippers at breakfast were large and good.
Review 82：Bathroom had a drench head shower head which was just to much water .!!!! There was no hand held shower on the bath as an alternative . The water was way to hot even after turning it down to cold and no hand rail on wall to hold on to . Felt very unsafe in the shower . Not a good experience . Booked an executive room and expected bed to be king size but we got a standard double bed .!! Very small !!
Review 83：Good central position to the town .
Review 84：The lift was not working There as a wedding on and the party took over the bar,it was packed in the evening
Review 85：The location was great having a car park in town
Review 86：The general lack of information, either about the hotel's facilities or from the staff.
Review 87：Loved some of the original that had been sympathetically treated. Some of the modern elements were a little hamfisted and the reading room was exceptionally clinical, badly lit and unwelcoming.
Review 88：Room was small but ok. The shower could not be adjusted, it was boiling hot so we could not use it. Even after complaining, the following day was just as bad. No marmalade at breakfast on both days
Review 89：Great location, close to shops and attractions
Review 90：the dining room at breakfast was too busy and chaotic so we didn't bother and just went out for breakfast as I say it was because it was all elderly people not suitable for us
Review 91：we were in room 392 a deluxe room sadly there was nothing deluxe about it
Review 92：We spent a lot of money for a room for one night, this didn't include breakfast. The bedroom was small and basic with a poor view from the window of a building site.
Review 93：The hotel is beautiful and in a great location.
Review 94：The food within the hotel was below average both dinner and breakfast! Although the hotel reservation states check in time from 2pm we were not given our keys to check in until 3pm,which is unacceptable with a baby!
Review 95：The staff at the restaurant were great and very accommodating with us and our 6months old baby.
Review 96：nothing
Review 97：We booked a short break,24 hours prior to arrival. We were up graded to a suite on arrival because of our extended stay with no charge. The rooms were quiet with garden views. They were clean and well appointed.
Review 98：There were a few things missing in our room that we had to ask for. Whilst staff provided these I wasn't happy I had to ask for these.
Review 99：Staff were helpful and excellent location.
Review 100：Bathroom was dusty, especially around higher areas and window sill. Double bed was two singles pushed together. Power failure on morning of check out lead to a delay on breakfast. Fresh orange served in hot, freshly dishwashed glasses is not ideal.
Review 101：Nice, quiet location.
Review 102：we found our bed hard but were supplied with a topper for our second night
Review 103：ground floor very nice breakfast very good rooms ok ours could do with upgrade
Review 104：No bad experience, however I could not get a vat receipt due to a printer fault,
Review 105：As I was in Harragate to attend an evening function I did not spend a lot of time in the hotel, that said it was comfortable the staff were very nice and although I left early the next day and missed the cooked breakfast the receptionist made up a continental breakfast bag for me to take away. Thank you
Review 106：No window blind in bathroom (and room overlooked by building site). No extractor fan in bathroom. WiFi very expensive (for their prices, should be free and in room, not just in reception area)
Review 107：The location was perfect for visiting Harrogate and the free parking was a great bonus. The staff were excellent especially the waiters during dinner. The free mini afternoon tea was a lovely surprise.
Review 108：Breakfast reception was poor. No staff at reception desk to greet us. We queued along with others and when eventually greeted by the supervisor it was very poor and unprofessional as commented on by another guest. She rolled her eyes and didn't even apologise for the wait.
Review 109：Overall location and hotel appearance and decor was to a good standard.
Review 110：The modern facilities balanced with the period features. Friendly staff and willingness to make our stay pleasurable. Upgraded to a suite making everything a special occasion.
Review 111：Room overlooked wall and flat roof. Dinner was included, but we weren't impressed with choice as I was on restricted diet. Other guest was in similar position on the same day.
Review 112：Staff were brilliant, location was excellent. Breakfast had good choice and variety
Review 113：Parking facilities limited at busy periods (Exhibition weekends). Room was very warm, clearly known by the hotel as a fan was left running in the room (to no avail).
Review 114：Location
Review 115：It was an ok three star hotel. The floors creak, it has a bit of dust, a bit of rot, nothing outrageous except that it was GBP200 per night. It would be ok for 80 but the price made it terrible value for money.
Review 116：Location. Everything else was ok
Review 117：Our room was comfortable, though there were several cobwebs hanging from the ceiling and in the corner of the wall which looked like they'd been there for some time. Also there was a kettle and cups, but no coffee/tea/sugar or milk to make a drink with!
Review 118：The Hotel has a lovely ambience and the position of it close to the town was really good for us.
Review 119：Ancient and clunky lift. As I got a parking ticket for second night more attention should be drawn at reception and in room literature to keen traffic wardens! (Yes I was given a pass OK for first night but I forgot the second).
Review 120：Classic British hotel magnificent dining room just like a 1920's ocean liner comfortable room and bathroom beautiful location quintessence of Harrogate.
Review 121：Relative.y slow service for breakfast. Buffet style would be more efficient and would reduce the long wait to be seated and served. Sauce bottles caked with old dried sauce around the top was perhaps the most offputting thing about the whole breakfast apart from it being overpriced
Review 122：Comfortable room with good facilities within
Review 123：All good - our room was rather warm, but that wasn't a big problem.
Review 124：Beautiful hotel and setting, elegantly furnished, clean, fabulous food and very helpful staff, spacious bedroom and easy parking. Easy access to the town.
Review 125：Breakfast !we asked for continental . No croissants were available . We asked and told chef was putting some in and it would be 5 minutes . After 10minutes we asked again and were told that they had run out ! It was only 9am ! Not great however when we complained the staff were great and said we did not hVe to pay for breakfast . Good customer service in the end.
Review 126：Efficient concierge . Good location . Lovely atmosphere in hotel
Review 127：Not particularly a bad experience but some breakfast items were not readily available so other items on plate went cold!!
Review 128：The Suite was roomy and extremely comfortable
Review 129：Our stay was absolutely fine. A spa would have been nice, but we knew before, that this was not the case. Good food, but slightly on the pricey side if you don't book a package.
Review 130：Nice location, interesting touristic attractions, very nice hotel and very friendly staff. Got upgraded from a standard room to a suite, so really can not complain at all. Agatha Christie, Dustin Hoffman and Karl Marx certainly knew why they were staying here.
Review 131：Rooms are small. For what you pay for a night in north of Ebgland it was hard to justify Breakfast - full breakfast for _£30 extra on top of our room. It's not worth that, even with unlimited toast and coffee... Staff at breakfast are not so helpful. Take a long time and many of them pass you off to a colleague rather then take your orders
Review 132：Great character about the place.
Review 133：The hitel had a party on 50th so restraunt was unavailable.However bar food menu available.Ordered food,10minutes later advised that selection was Not available-reordered then had 90min wait.Not advised but chased several times.Agree kitchen busy but they knew it was coming in well ahead of time so had time to prepare.Food arrived and was not brilliant but OK.We had no apology from staff even when we reported to reception.All we got was "Kitchen was busy last night"Thats not good for a four( 4)star hostel
Review 134：Fantastic building with history. comfortable room.Quiet hotel with nice grounds
Review 135：There seemed to be a shortage of staff to serve dinner -- for instance I had to wait over half an hour for coffee. But the staff were all friendly.
Review 136：I liked the quality of the food served for both breakfast and dinner. The public rooms in the hotel were very elegant, almost from a bygone age.
Review 137：Cooked breakfast was poor. Tasteless and stale as it was self service and had been standing to long. At such a good establishment it should be cooked to order
Review 138：Location was good. Room an bed was clean and comfortable
Review 139：No bad experience although the bedroom I felt was for a single person only.i would not go back to such a small room but if a bigger on was on offer I would be back often.
Review 140：The hotel was perfect, the position was great, food and staff could not be better, and excellent value for money.
Review 141：Room was too hot with no means of fresh air because the window catch was broken. Therefore a very uncomfortable sleep. Now understand why there where teaspoons on the outside windowsill.
Review 142：Reception staff very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was good with a good selection to choose from
Review 143：The room was rather a long way from reception when it was known that I was disabled.
Review 144：The welcome was a good one. The staff were prepared for us. The ere was a good welcome for me (my husband ) as I was disabled.
The Fine Print
Please note that extra beds/cribs can only be accommodated in the Executive Rooms.