The Cookie Jar

We wanted to stay in Northumberland to visit Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Craster. We spent two nights at the Cookie Jar which was perfectly situated for the above and loved our stay here! We had a comfortable room tastefully decorated with everything we needed. Delicious choices on the breakfast menu served by Lyn with care and kindness and humour. We will be back in the future, thank you!

Hello friends and fellow travellers Barry Allan here, once again embarking on a journey to find that special place to enjoy great food and fabulous hospitality. Recently my fiancée and I, travelled to the lovely little town of Alnwick for a short break, staying at the stunning boutique hotel that is the Cookie Jar, originally a former convent. The Cookie Jar is set in the heart of the town, together let’s head inside you will not be disappointed! It was a cold rainy evening when we arrived, hungry and tired. As we pulled up outside the Cookie Jar, it is said that first impressions are everything and the Cookie Jar did not disappoint, what a stunning building, as we approached there was free car parking, which is a bonus, we were met with a welcoming light glowing at the front door. We were instantly stunned with the radiant decor of a small sitting area beautifully set out. The manager Lynn was there to greet us and what a greeting we received, Lynn was the friendliest upbeat bubbly person you could ever wish to meet, we were made most welcome, from that moment we knew we were in for a wonderful visit. We were offered all the details we required for our stay, Lynn then walked us to our room, already we were feeling very much at home, and we excitedly walked into our room. We were met with what I can only describe as, absolutely stunning so beautiful as for the bedroom size it was huge. As the building was a former Convent we were met with the most beautiful stained-glass windows, the very large bed was made up with the softest quality linen. If I was not already impressed, I turned to see the largest free-standing luxurious bath, that I have ever seen, the shower was also large. I noticed the soaps and shower gels, were of quality. This room was simply delightful, outstanding and definitely somewhere special to stay. As we settled in, I decided to make a cup of coffee, there was a little surprise next to the kettle, to accompany your coffee or tea, homemade Cookie Jar cookies, they were delicious. We unpacked our bags and sat down, mesmerised at the beauty of this place, not a speck of dust to be found anywhere, this also included the guests lounge, dining room, reception, everywhere was immaculate and maintained, 5-star standard all the way so impressive. We decided to take a walk around the hotel, we were so chuffed, as everything could not have been more perfect, the hotel felt so homely and warm, we knew we had made the right choice staying here, it was simply wonderful! So fellow travellers to sum up the Cookie Jar, this is not “just a hotel” and restaurant, this will be a place where after spending time there, you will leave with wonderful memories and I am sure like me, you will plan your next visit. Please take time to read my review on the absolutely fabulous restaurant, the Cookie Jar is the gift that keeps on giving. Happy Travels, Kind Regards Barry Allan

Just had a terrific mid-week stay at The Cookie Jar. We loved the decor, the room and bed were spacious and comfortable, and the breakfast cooked options all superb. The staff were really friendly. I even had my muddy running gear washed and dried! It has a great location adjacent to the castle's main entrance and we appreciated being able to park in front of the hotel (although this option may not be available to all guests if the hotel is full). Highly recommended.

We have been regulars at the Cookie Jar, especially this year as we have been using it as a base for our move to Northumberland. We can’t praise it highly enough. The rooms are individual, distinctive and always comfortable with everything you need for either a short stay or longer holiday. The staff are all so friendly and helpful, with great local knowledge. The breakfasts are extremely well cooked and the buffet section of fruit, muesli etc is always fresh and replenished. Dinner in the bistro is also excellent, and nicely informal. Finally, the location is ideal for exploring Alnwick and the wider area. It really is the best place to stay in Alnwick by some distance.

This hotel is perfectly located to explore the wonderful Town of Alnwick. It is right near the Castle . We received a very warm welcome on our arrival and were shown to our suite ‘The Chapel’. We were impressed and loved spending time over Christmas here . The only thing missing was a fridge in the suite having said that there was a fridge near reception which provided fresh milk for guests .Breakfast was a pleasure we don’t normally show up for this anywhere but apart from Christmas Day we attended . The restaurant was relaxing with good views of the garden . Choice of breakfast was good and delicious. |The staff like everything to do with this hotel were outstanding . Special mention has to go to Louise and Linda who are an absolute credit to the hotel . They were very warm , knowledgable and genuinely nice people . Both naturals who could teach other hotel staff elsewhere a thing or two .Housekeeping staff are never really mentioned as they are not seen but our room was kept well stocked and spotlessly clean and fresh for our entire stay so thank you to them . To conclude we will definately be back to stay and can’t thank everyone at The Cookie Jar enough for making our first Christmas away from home very special and one we won’t forget:0)

What a special place! Nothing could possibly be faulted: service, rooms, food, decor….perfect in every way. We will certainly be back. Also brilliantly set up for anyone with mobility issues with no stairs to the Bistro and a lift. Everything thought out down to the smallest detail - even a gift for the dog!! Thank you!

The Cookie Jar is in a lovely spot close to Alnwick Castle. The staff are friendly and the breakfast is delicious. Everyone clearly works extremely hard and you are made to feel welcome. There is no dedicated parking for this hotel but we managed to park with ease even in August. Although you do have to remember to move your car during the day to fit in with on street parking regulations. We had a few tiny niggles, for example, the flashing light from a pedestrian crossing, was noticeable even though blinds were down. It's not an easy one to rectify due to the shape of the window but it did mean that it took me sometime to get to sleep. If this is something that's an issue for you, it might be worth taking a sleeping mask as a precaution. Also, we did not enjoy our evening meal at the bistro. The restaurant ambience and staff are very nice and the young staff certainly try their best but the food was and issue. Our starter of figs with cheese appeared to have been made well in advance, it was unappetising and we didn't eat it. We did mention this to the waitress and she did apologise. It all felt a bit awkward. We did not return to dine for the remainder of the trip. Overall, it is a good base.

We spent a long weekend here which was (it turns out!) a surprise getaway for our engagement. The Cookie Jar was just perfect. It’s our new favourite place - the team were all lovely, the hotel is gorgeous (very homely but still feels luxury/ very high end), food was 1000/10. Breakfast and dinner you’d go for alone. Couldn’t fault it, honestly, and couldn’t recommend it more. We will be back every year now! Thank you