A “magical” North Yorkshire hotel with “positively jaw-dropping” suites has been included in a brand-new awards category by the Michelin Guide.

Just like Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys are awarded to the most outstanding hotels and are given either One, Two or Three Keys.

Ripon’s Grantley Hall has been presented with Two Keys for an “exceptional stay”.

Commenting on the first Key Hotels, the Michelin Guide explained: “These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveller, each vetted by our hotel experts and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value for the price; and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.”

You can see all the hotels included in the first-of-its-kind Michelin Key Guide across the UK and Ireland here.

What did the Michelin Guide say about Grantley Hall?

The experts shared: “You couldn’t ask for a more classic example of the English country-house hotel than Grantley Hall, a 17th-century Palladian gem in the Yorkshire Dales. The exterior, electric lighting aside, remains just as it was, while the interiors have been brought up to contemporary luxury-hotel standard — retaining their historical aspect, of course, but looking as fresh as the day the Hall was built.

“The rooms are divided between the main house and a contemporary addition; the former are perhaps more idiosyncratic in their layouts, owing to the contours of the old house, but neither category is categorically more desirable.

"Throughout, the historical atmosphere is complemented by thoroughly up-to-date comforts and spotless ornaments and textures. They’re all luxe, but the suites are positively jaw-dropping; the Royal spreads out over two levels, and the Presidential has a grand piano.

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“Bedrooms aside, Grantley Hall’s attractions include a surprisingly extensive spa and fitness centre, as well as no fewer than two bars and three restaurants, including the flagship, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, recipient of one MICHELIN Star.”

On Tripadvisor, guests have also highly praised Grantley Hall - the hotel currently has a 4.5/5 rating from 863 reviews.

One posted: “Stayed for my wife’s 80th birthday in the Royal Suite together with my son and daughter in law who stayed in a suite.

“From the second you walk through the entrance it’s amazing. The room was out of this world, the staff are the best I have ever come across and I have stayed in some great hotels.

“The grounds are pristine and a delight to walk around. As for meals in the restaurants, perfection is the only word I can describe them as. The spa and outside area are a delight.

“We just cannot wait to return to this magical place.”