I took the afternoon off work to travel down from Durham to York with my friend Caroline, we arrived at The Principal Hotel, and it was such a good location next to the train station. As we were heading to Malton food festival the next day it was easier to bring the car, but next time, the train would be best.
I have walked past this hotel so many times, and I loved it a few years ago when the York Wheel was nearby but it was great to finally go inside and have a look around and even be a guest.
We checked in at 4pm and were welcomed by a lovely staff member on reception who then showed us to the main lobby and gave us a short tour of the facilities. This really helped us get our bearings of this grand hotel.
Our superior twin room was situated on the second floor and I instantly fell in love with the red telephone, shame I didn't need to make any calls. As a guest of the hotel for the evening, the manager had left me a handwritten note welcoming me to the hotel and a treat hamper complete with champagne and chocolates!
It was lovely to be able to see the York Minster and city walls from the bedroom window which really reminded you that you were only 10 minutes walk from the centre. The windows were unable to open, but there was a Dyson fan provided which we really needed as we did want some air in the room as it was a warm day.
Due to the room being classed as superior, it came with a tuck box, which was basically treats to go with coffee and tea while staying in the room. Ours came with a crisps and kit kats but there was different options at reception to choose from. Such a nice touch if you were arriving at the hotel late and needed a snack before bedtime.
I loved the table and chair in the room, you could lift part of the table top up to find a mirror which was perfect for drying your hair and putting on makeup in the morning. Loved this.
As soon as we chose our table in the Garden Room just off the Lobby, we were offered the seasonal cocktail, the Bramble.
The Twilight Tea was served shortly after our drinks arrived which included 2 finger sandwiches each, 2 scones each (1 fruit, 1 plain) with jam and cream plus 4 small cakes which were so delicious - 1 Lemon profiterole, 1 green tea cake, 1 chocolate orange cheesecake with a twist, the biscuit coated the outside and 1 pink marshmallow. We shared them all, but I wish we had got one of these each yummy desserts.
We decided to have some chill time in our room and watch a film, the TV set up was great and it had the ability to stream to Apple and Android devices for music and apps. We decided to watch a film on my iPad instead and the Wifi connection was brilliant, sometimes in hotels it can be a bit hit or miss whether you can use your own device.
After the movie we went to the Chapter Bar in the hotel, for espresso martinis.
Reflecting on a lovely evening, it was a great way to start a weekend!
The next day, we got ready and headed down for breakfast before going to Malton.
Breakfast is served in the green and leafy Refectory Restaurant where you could help yourself to hot food, pastries, toast plus a selection of yoghurt and fruits.
The choice of cooked breakfast was really good and constantly being topped up so it didn't run out.
I couldn't fault my visit to the hotel, my friend and I were provided with first class service in all areas of the hotel, I will be recommending it to friends and family on the decor and service alone, but the rooms were lovely and comfy too.
The hotel does have a gym and pool but we ran out of time to use all the facilities after a few cocktails.
Kristina x
This was a gifted experience from the hotel in exchange for a honest review, all opinions are my own.
It looks so beautiful, especially the breakfast room with all of those plants! Principal Hotels always look amazing, they need to open one in Newcastle!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Twilight Tea, although I agree, I'd want a cake each!
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