Set the scene
Grantley Hall’s slogan is ‘the difference is in the detail’ (a couple of staff even uttered it verbatim while sharing examples of said details). And it lives up to it: music is played in the car park ‘for the flowers and cars’ (including those Porsches and Lamborghinis carefully showcased right by the front doors); entirely bespoke scents are assigned to different areas of the hotel; the roof over the dreamy pool has been designed to replicate nearby 12th-century Fountains Abbey. Little touches like this abound. And bigger ones – an entire new basement floor was added for staff and storage during the hotel’s remarkable renovation. It would be difficult to come here and not be impressed by the grand, vintage setting combined with its off-the-charts luxury, both thanks to the laser-focused attention to detail of the hotel’s hands-on owner and team.

What’s the story?
The hotel reopened amid much local excitement in July 2019, following an extensive £70-million, three-year renovation project spearheaded by its charismatic Yorkshire-born owner Valeria Sykes, whose love for the place seems to shine from every corner (look out for her portrait by the bathrooms nearest the lobby; she’s been known to carve up the dancefloor in her namesake late-night Champagne and cocktail bar, Valeria’s, too). Sykes, who has a thing for listed period properties having already restored her former home, nearby Studley Royal House, had decided instantly that she wanted to rescue the 17th-century country pile after spotting it from the road one day, looking rather sorry for itself. The mansion had been sitting empty for six years, following numerous former lives, including as the private home of various lords and ladies (Queen Mary even paid a visit once), a World War II convalescent home and a much-loved adult training and residential centre.

Three Graces Spa Hydrotherapy Pool at Grantley Hall

What can we expect from our room?
Space. And lots of it, although the exact size varies depending on whether you are in the original more boutique Hall or the Fountains Wing, the large, recent addition. Suite 44 in the latter has an excellent view of the heavenly spa pool and hot tub, and encompasses a bedroom, office and sitting room in one, designed with fairly neutral greys, greens and creams, and with enough cool books and artefacts to make it feel more like your own apartment than a hotel. It also harbours a television disguised by a painting until you automatically lift it using a remote, which you may find yourself getting inordinately excited about. The floor – and the loo seat – in the roomy bathroom is heated to your preference, and a bottle of special rosy-red gin is provided, with an Alice in Wonderland-style tag advising you to ‘enjoy it “sloely” and let the magic begin’. We recommend following orders.

Shaun Rankin’s restaurant

How about the food and drink?
We flew through an eight-course pan-Asian menu at cool, shimmering subterranean restaurant EightyEight without feeling even vaguely uncomfortable, or hungry, afterwards – testament to the purity and precision of the fun, creative dishes created using local Yorkshire ingredients (Korean-fried cauliflower, anyone?). We had a more formal breakfast at Masterchef host and Michelin-star winner Shaun Rankin’s eponymous spot in the grand dining area, overlooked by classical portraits given a contemporary spin after having their eyes etched out (in such a way as to not put us off our food in the slightest). And we spent a lot of time at homely Fletchers located in the 18th-century addition to the property – a brasserie ideal for those after more simple British fare.

Anything to say about the service?
Staff are very sweet and fun, with a sense of humour. Ask if Tony can give you a tour – his in-depth knowledge of the place is fascinating and his passion infectious.

Fletchers Restaurant at Grantley Hall

What sort of person comes here?
There was a Ferrari event taking place on the day we checked out, with owners and enthusiasts of the cars excitedly congregating. There’s also a helipad, which was put to use while we were there. But as well as the evidently extremely monied crowd, there are other couples here too, enthusiastic about Yorkshire’s big-hitting hotel.

What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
Head to buzzing Bettys tea room in Harrogate but be prepared to queue around the block for its famed afternoon tea and Fat Rascal cakes (far more enjoyable than they sound). Alternatively, pull on the provided wellies and waterproofs and walk three miles through ancient woods to World Heritage site Fountains Abbey and the grounds of Studley Royal House.

Deluxe Room in the Fountains Wing at Grantley Hall

Anything you’d change?
We’d have made more time for breakfast in the fine flagship restaurant Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall – it’s not a place you should rush. Perhaps there could be more outdoor pursuits on offer to make the most of the attractive grounds, though one-to-one personal training sessions can be taken outside and the hotel may organise more group classes towards spring 2021. Though really, simply wandering the hotel’s own Edwardian Japanese Garden, where you feel like you’ve walked into a painting, is quite enough.

A final note: is it worth it?
Absolutely – for the heady old-new combination, blending impressive history and the very latest in luxury.