Crathorne Hall

Crathorne Hall, a distinguished Edwardian country house hotel nestled in Yarm, United Kingdom, has earned a Michelin Key selection, signifying its exceptional guest experience. Reviews consistently praise its blend of historic grandeur with contemporary comforts, set within picturesque North Yorkshire countryside.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Crathorne Hall generally receives exceptionally positive feedback, with guests often describing it as "gorgeous" and "special". Ratings are high, with scores like 9.2/10 overall, 9.7 for staff, 9.5 for comfort, and 9.5 for cleanliness on various platforms. Many guests rate their stay as "Exceptional" (10/10) or "Superb", highlighting a luxurious and memorable experience.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Crathorne Hall:

• Stunning Location & Design: The hotel is celebrated for its beautiful setting amidst 15 peaceful acres of the Leven Valley, offering captivating views of the Yorkshire Moors. The Edwardian architecture and tastefully restored interiors, featuring opulent fireplaces, high ceilings, and rich wood panelling, create a grand yet welcoming atmosphere.
• Exceptional Service: The friendly, professional, and attentive staff are frequently highlighted as a major asset, often exceeding expectations.
• Dining Excellence: The Leven Restaurant's modern British cuisine, utilizing locally sourced ingredients, receives widespread acclaim, with food often described as "fabulous" and even "Michelin star quality".
• Dog-Friendly: Crathorne Hall is noted for being a welcoming destination for guests with canine companions, offering specific dog-friendly rooms and amenities.
• Versatility: It's praised as ideal for romantic getaways, weddings, and business meetings.

Room Quality

Crathorne Hall boasts 37 spacious and elegantly designed bedrooms, each with its own unique character. Rooms are typically large, featuring high ceilings and ample proportions, often including a sofa, writing desk, and comfortable King Size beds, sometimes with Hypnos Lansdowne cashmere mattresses. The decor is traditional, with tasteful use of browns, greens, and creams that complement the rural setting. Guests appreciate the generous storage, in-room entertainment (42-inch flat-screen TVs with Freeview and complimentary WiFi), and thoughtful touches like welcome goodie boxes with local snacks. Some notable accommodations include the Master Suite with views over the gardens and Leven Valley, and Feature Rooms with unique elements such as four-poster beds or private balconies. However, some guests have found the bathrooms to be more practical than aesthetically impressive, with muted decor, and there have been occasional mentions of issues with water pressure.

Dining Experience

The Leven Restaurant, awarded an AA Rosette, is at the heart of Crathorne Hall's dining experience. It offers modern British cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, including wood pigeon from the Yorkshire Dales and pork from Bishop Auckland. The ambiance in the Leven Restaurant is grand and sophisticated, with high ceilings, wood panelling, and views of the estate.

Breakfast is described as a "real feast," offering a wide selection including buttery croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and cooked options such as a classic full English, Scottish oak-smoked salmon, smoked mackerel, scrambled eggs, and decadent French cinnamon brioche toast or caramelised maple syrup banana waffles. Afternoon tea is a popular offering, served in elegant spaces like the Edwardian Room with garden views. Sunday lunches are also highly recommended. A café, bar, and al fresco dining options on the terrace or in the Sunken Garden further enhance the culinary offerings.

Service & Staff

The service at Crathorne Hall is consistently highlighted as a standout feature, with many guests praising the staff as "amazing," "professional," "attentive," and possessing a "personal, friendly touch". The hotel excels in providing traditional, old-school hospitality, where staff are eager to please and nothing is too much trouble. The longevity of many staff members, some having worked at the hotel for over a decade, is seen as a testament to the positive working environment and contributes to the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests report feeling genuinely welcomed and appreciate the personal attention to detail.

Location & Accessibility

Crathorne Hall is ideally situated in a rural, peaceful setting across 15 acres of the Leven Valley, on the fringe of the North Yorkshire Moors. Its location provides both tranquility and accessibility, being just five minutes from the A19, a major route in the North East. The affluent market towns of Yarm and Northallerton, with their independent shops, are nearby. Local attractions within easy reach include Mount Grace Priory (10 minutes away) and the distinctive Roseberry Topping (14 miles away). Durham Tees Valley airport is approximately 5 km from the hotel.

Value & Pricing

Room rates at Crathorne Hall can start from approximately £130.00 per night for a classic double room, though prices are subject to change. Many guests feel the experience offers excellent value, with one reviewer noting it surpassed a stay at a 5-star competitor in terms of food, room size, decor, staff, comfort, and attention to detail. The hotel also offers various packages, including festive options and extended stay deals.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Bathroom Aesthetics: A few guests have noted that while practical and functional, some bathrooms lack the "wow factor" and can be underwhelming in terms of aesthetic appeal.
• Shower Pressure: Issues with water pressure in the showers have been reported by some guests.
• Food Temperature: A singular complaint mentioned food temperature issues at both dinner and breakfast, although the guest still expressed a desire to return.
• Lack of Spa/Gym Facilities: For those seeking extensive wellness amenities, the absence of a pool, spa, or gym might be a minor drawback, though running trails and a Woodland Walk are available.

Sources

1. andylarmouth.com
2. booking.com
3. yorkshire-hotel.com
4. hotels.com
5. tripreporter.co.uk
6. muddystilettos.co.uk
7. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
8. handpickedhotels.co.uk
9. visitnorthyorkshire.com
10. ratedtrips.com
11. expedia.co.uk
12. booking.com
13. handpickedhotels.co.uk
14. britainsfinest.co.uk