Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa

Their slogan is "one of the most picturesque hotels in Yorkshire" and, if anything, that is an understatement.

Set amongst the woods of Otley Chevin, this hotel is fairly remote yet only a ten minute drive from civilization and the airport, meaning that its location is perhaps its most valuable aspect.

The other aspects of the hotel are not without their charms, however - I went here for a wedding and stayed the night in one of the quaint log cabins, finding the facilities, food and service excellent. To me, the Chevin hotel definitely belies it's three star hotel rating. Which is why I give it four.

Update of a previous review which I now have deleted.

I have been a regular (several nights per month) at this hotel for several years, My company being in nearby Horsforth, though I live on the Wirral. Its had a few ups and downs, but since becoming part of the Crerar Group, many improvements have been made, and still more are planned,many lodges are to be refurbished. It really is a pleasant place to stay. The restaurant, (extended out to overlook the lake) last year now serves excellent food, and staff are polite and attentive. It is good enough to justify an entry under Restaurants as well as 'Hotels'. I am on first name terms with many of the staff.

There is a pool, sauna, gym etc.

Note no mobile phone reception up here ! Very convenient for Leeds/Bradford Airport.

The symbol on the Qype map is in the wrong place ! Its east of Menston on the 'top' road towards Bramhope (now corrected)

(later edit 12/11/09. I continue to stay regularly. Many of the lodges have now been refurbished, I am promised one of the new rooms next time. Work continues on the others, completion by February 2011. Hotel name seems to have changed to Chevin Spa (new sign outside). I may be able upgrade to 5 stars when all rooms finished. Dinner continues to be excellent in all respects.
New edit, May 25th 2010 work has now started on extending and improving the leisure centre
Yet another edit, 9/10/10

Leisure centre now complete, with bigger and better facilities.

Some more refurbishment of rooms is to take place. Things slowed down a bit as the excellent General Manager left a few eeks ago, another starts shortly. He will need to appoint a new chef, and change the menus, as they have been working with temp chefs and using same menus for a while. But I still love this place and stay at least twice a month for a couple of nights.

We also had a family lunch for 11 here on Sept 4th , my fathers 90th birthday. They did us proud , and threw a cake in free.

Still 4stars, not quite five but they are getting closer.
And another edit, 28/1/11

New manager Jurgen Kruijt, and new chef in place and this place continues to improve. I stayed two nights again this week, and both dinners were excellent.I particualry enjoyed a starter of three salmon types (marinated, smoked and mousse) and a main course of Gressingham duck breast was ccoked to perfection.

There is a heating problem in cold weather in some of the larger rooms (eg 40-48), the smaller rooms and lodges (49 upwards) are very cosy.

When occupancy is low , breakfast is served individually direct from the kitchen. When fuller, they do it buffet style, but as with most hotels that do this, some items dont keep sufficiently warm. Still annoying theers no mobile phone reception, but I doubt there is little can be done about it.
Further edit 3rd Aug 2011

Still staying very regularly. New Restaurant Manager Rob Holmes is back after a year or so at a Harrogate Hotel. New menus start next week. Table d'Hote is being abandoned. There will be 6 course tasting menu and an expanded A La Carte. I will report again when I have tried it. THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN AWARDED AN AA ROSETTE.

Meanwhile the hotel group (Crerar) has initiated a heinous charge of £2.50 for Credit Card payment of hotel bill. I immediately emailed HQ, and got one back from the Chevin Manager, (whom I know) saying they will not charge me as he wants my regular business. This however is hardly the point. !Its a matter of principle. I need two nights every week in the area and this is by far the best hotel in the area.
Further edit 9th Aug

Well its only a week since my last edit. I tried the new 6 course tasting menu, but it was rather disappointing. I declined the first course (mini Scallop and Black Pudding Salad), second course had a choice of two (I had Quenelle of Salmon, which was very good), then was served a Veloute of Broccoli in a small cup, also good. Choice of two mains formed the fourth course (But one single lamb cutlet, and not too well trimmed, really was far too small, barely a mouthful of lean meat). An excellent poached pear with home made ice cream came next, and finally a very tasty piece of blue cheese on a biscuit with two grapes. By piece I mean a morsel, no more than a half inch cube, one mouthful. Coffee is included. Price too heavy at £32.95.

Having said that the A La Carte menu was much expanded with something for everyone, and I am sure this is the better option and will be well executed. Three courses however will certainly cost more than th eold Table d'Hote or the tasting menu described above.

I am back next week so will try something form the a La Carte

(PS The house bitter has changed from Mary Jane to Ilkley Gold)

Very nice wooden lodge style decor, with attentive staff and pleasant
view to the lake. However I felt the food did not really match up to this nice atmosphere. The starter took some time to come which could have been due to the fact we asked for it to arrive with the kids meal. And the best part was in fact one of the kids meals, the fish and chips, unfortunately with frozen chips. Our main came a while later which included a duck with bean casoulet, a scallop with belly of pork and gnocchi with sweet potato. The ideas were better described than executed with under cooked beans served with over cooked duck leg, although the sauce served with it was above this mediocre standard.
Overall i felt they may have been a bit understaffed and it could be this that had let them down. With the simple yet imaginative menu I would possibly give them another shot at redemption but may wait some time to allow for full staff contingent to return from summer holiday.

We stayed two nights at this hotel on a groupon deal £95 B&B. The Hotel is very warm and welcoming and the staff were excellent. We had a basic room, and although small it was well equipped and comfortable. The only downside I would say is that the food and drink seemed a bit pricey. The breakfast was amazing and you really must try the french toast with smoked bacon and maple syrup, yum!