The Cookie Jar, Alnwick, Northumberland - Explore & Book

"It’s easy to walk straight past this quietly chic hotel, in a quiet street minutes from the grand gateway of Alnwick Castle. Other than some smart window-boxes in the neat sandstone facade it barely announces itself. As a former convent, discretion and sobriety are perhaps not surprising – but, my, how that changes once inside. It’s smart and sassy and richly coloured, yet with a ‘kick-off-your-shoes and make yourself at home’ feel. The cosy sitting room (and it is a sitting room, not a drawing room) is a jolly jumble of wool-upholstered armchairs, little tables and standard lamps with an inviting wall of books. Walls, fabrics and lampshades are in striking shades of blue-and-white – a colour theme that continues, quite startlingly, in the dining room and, more subtly, in the 11 bedrooms. The latter, spread over a surprisingly large area of staircases and corridors, are plumply comfortable with luxury-hotel touches, while food is bistro-smart. A heated terrace at the rear makes a quiet spot for coffee and a book or drinks after a day of exploring the grand Castle and Garden or the famously wild beaches. Highs The discreet location – it feels like entering a private house – yet close to the town centre Bold and striking colour schemes and style that are genuinely refreshing without compromising on practicality Cossetting bedrooms, at every level, and where everything seems to have been thought of A fun dining room – dazzling design, pretty touches – where meals are relaxed affairs Lows The bistro has limited days of operation in the winter season Some bedrooms have limited or no views to speak of The Hotel does not have private parking however there's limited off street parking in front of the hotel, which does have timing restrictions (if you arrive after 2pm it's free of charge until midday the following day). There's additional free parking less than 5 mins away" - Helen Pickles