The Principal York Hotel #Review

The Principal York Hotel Review: May 2018

Located in an enviable postcode in the heart of York, with views of the Minster, only a few small steps away from York Train station, the Principal York is the place to stay, play and enjoy your stay the Yorkshire way.

The breath-taking building with grandeur and grace stands dominant and proud, awaiting to welcome visitors to enjoy a first-class experience.

The gorgeous grounds have that secret garden feel.  These vast sprawling gardens are an ideal hub in which to escape the hustle and bustle of York and have some rest and relaxation time.  You may not be the only residents taking advantage of the greenery, you may be lucky to see a ducky.

Warmly welcomed at reception by Alex and his team, we knew the stay was going to be rememberable for all the right reasons.  The perfect balance has been struck, with their choice of bespoke décor, between the opulence of late-Victorian architecture and contemporary charm which suits the discerning and modern traveller.

The restorations and refurbishments, carried out by award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair, have remained sympathetic to the original period features retaining the buildings elegance and natural charm.

Take the sensational staircase or catch a ride in the lift up to your room.  The décor is well balanced using natural tones and textures to create an elegant space to revitalise and relax.

Useful features at the bedside brilliance included enough plug sockets to charge all your gadgets, reading lamp, notebook, pen and a cool quirky red usable telephone.

The spacious room included two full length mirrors, one suspended on the wall and another behind the grey doors to the right, in a wonderful wardrobe with plenty of space to hang all those fancy outfits.  Also, a flat screen television tastefully fitted above a fabulous fire surround. Particularly nifty was the table which had a fold out mirror feature, which was ideal to beautify located where natural light was plentiful.

The solid wood unit provided additional garment hanging space, a safe, mini fridge, tea tray, and a complimentary tuck box.  An extra super surprise, just for us, came in the form of this wonderful wicker hamper packed with Yorkshire treats.

Fantastic, fresh and fabulous, the bathroom was stunning.  Fully tiled, including a top of the range standing shower unit, a vanity sink area, with a super large mirror, and exquisite Elemis toiletries.  Bathrobe on the door ready for you to get all snuggly.

After some in room pamper time, strut your stuff, make an elegant entrance and walk your way down the opulent sophisticated staircase like a movie star.

Delightful dining can be enjoyed at the Refectory Kitchen and Terrace, where they celebrate seasonal local produce by using some of Yorkshire’s finest ingredients.  Along with Yorkshire’s finest staff, as George and Richard did a fab job looking after us throughout the evening.

Meaty Main and a vegetarian option both went down a treat, which included the roasted cauliflower risotto, with watercress, ginger and toasted sunflower seeds.  Also, the sensational Sirloin 10oz served with hand-cut Maris Piper fries, vine-on cherry tomatoes, a Portobello mushroom with lashings of peppercorn sauce.  Why not go all out an add on some tasty truffle and parmesan fries.

Mains and Mojito mix well, so why not pair them up with a refreshing mouth-watering virgin blueberry Mojito shaken up with blueberries, mint, sugar syrup, apple and soda.

Devine desserts included the delicious dark chocolate cheesecake, pistachio crumb and steeped blackberries.  Also, a trip to Yorkshire would not have been complete without trying the cheeseboard, that includes a variety of regularly changing cheeses from Yorkshire and across the UK.  Served with honey, Netherend Farm butter, caramelised walnuts, home-made chutney and Peter’s Yard rye crispbread.

Make things even sweeter with a brilliant berry fizz, a non-alcoholic mocktail made with a mix of blackberries, blueberries, apple, cranberry, elderflower, vanilla syrup and lemonade.

After dinner why not chill in many of their lovely lobby areas, or if you need to get online the free wifi throughout the hotel worked wonders, without a device, well head to the business centre for all your online needs.

Luxury for me don’t get better than breakfast in bed, the continental offering included fresh juice, fruit, pastry’s, toast with preserves and tea/coffee.

Feel like something hot to start your day, well pop on your fluffy robe, and why not opt for the full English breakfast or go for the hot vegetarian option.

Work off some of your indulgences, by heading down to the leisure club which includes a gym with a range of cardiovascular and resistance training equipment.

Take a dip in the heated swimming pool, then chill out in the steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Have a fabulous finale to your stay and conclude in the gorgeous grandeur of the Garden room.  Served between 5 – 8pm, enjoy a tremendously tasty twilight Afternoon tea, in this sensational setting.

Wyatt and Sebastian provided a wonderful welcome and provided sensational service throughout.  There was even a game station if you fancy challenging someone to a game of scrabble.

Twilight tea, as you gaze over the grounds with the marvellous Minister in the backdrop, made for the most perfect early evening.

Twilight time includes two finger sandwiches, delightful home-made scones with clotted cream and jam, along with some lovely cakes and pastries.  Also included, a bramble cocktail which they were more than happy to make a non-alcoholic bramble mocktail for those who do not drink or are the designated driver.

There was even a delightful departure, with the lovely Carolyn on check out and super Steve the door porter, who directed us through the building to a door, that lead directly onto the train station platform, to ensure smooth and safe onward travels.

I love the people of York, Love York and Love The Principal York.

Thank you for reading 😊

Melanie xx

Contact:

https://www.phcompany.com/principal/york-hotel/