THE owners of a new-look £7m hotel in Harrogate have caused raised eyebrows by advertising spacious suites for lovers.

The former Harrogate Spa Hotel, in the town centre, is being converted into a 47-roomed hotel - with four of the rooms being described as 'sexy.'

Residents have complained about a poster outside the hotel promoting the suites.

But Robin Hudson, managing director of the Hotel du Vin chain, has defended the break from traditional hotel rooms, which he said could be boring.

The controversial rooms have been converted on the top floor from ex-staff rooms.

They have 8ft beds in an open plan setting. The showers will accommodate up to six people and there are two free standing baths.

Building the rooms meant raising the roof of the former building and creating dormers overlooking the town's 200-acre Stray, at West Park.

The hotel and 100-seater bistro is to open on September 15.

Smokers are also catered for, with a cigar humidor, a small room where cigars are kept at ideal temperatures and devotees can enjoy their favourite brands