Once a small and rather unassuming Yorkshire spa town, Harrogate’s rebirth as a major destination for business conventions means that the town is now awash with modern, efficient and well-equipped hotels as well as plenty of traditional bed and breakfast options. The scenic town is easy to get around on foot, and most of the accommodation is to be found within walking distance of many excellent restaurants and lively bars, as well as the train station and conference centers.

Attractive Spa Town
But Harrogate is far more than just a destination for networking business travelers. An attractive town with a good tourist infrastructure, Harrogate attracts plenty of families, retired couples and foreign visitors, particularly during the height of summer (although, in the north of England, summer is admittedly a rather loose concept), when guest houses and bed and breakfasts may well be booked up, making it worth while arranging your accommodation prior to arrival in the town.

Options for Business Travelers
Business hotels in the city range from bog-standard rooms in chain hotels (the Harrogate branch of no-frills chain Travelodge being a case in point) to super-smart accommodation, and you should expect prices to vary accordingly. Similarly, you will find tiny bed and breakfasts with just a couple of rooms, as well as larger guest houses that are as likely to cater to business guests as holidaying families. A good business option that offers great conference facilities is the Crown, an attractive and spacious hotel that has been in business for some 300 years. The hotel is centrally located, and offers good conference packages as well as arranging weddings and other special events.

Romantic Breaks
The picturesque setting among rolling hills makes Harrogate an appealing destination for a romantic getaway, and if you’re looking for something special, the sleek Balmoral Hotel, just a few minutes outside the town center at Franklin Mount, fits the bill nicely. Voted one of Britain’s top 10 boutique hotels by the Daily Telegraph newspaper, it’s not a cheap option but there are some good advance deals here, especially on the suites and mini-suites, and the restaurant is excellent. There’s also a plush health spa for those who really want to indulge themselves.