HOTEL REVIEW: The Principal York

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Great Indoors

Published on Sunday, 28 May 2023 13:38

Last Updated on 29 May 2023

Madeleine

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The Principal York Hotel: 4 / 5 stars.

Monica Costa and myself headed North to sample the joys of York and review The Principal York Hotel. The Telegraph gave it 4 stars and we concord with this rating.

For convenience / comfort

Adjoining York station, it really is spitting distance, with an easy-access entrance. For all its proximity, you never hear a train or smell one. It’s a delightful 10 minute walk to the Minster, passing over the old walls and river. Popping in to sort tickets or grab a Pret was very useful. Regarding comfort, the room was stocked with shampoo, conditioner and body soap, hairdryer, safe, fridge and refreshments. I’ve had a few holiday nights ruined by clapped-out, concave, lumpy, or uber-soft mattresses, so I’m very particular.  I’m with Goldilocks on this one. Room descriptions should include the mattress type, different types should be available, and we should be able to choose our room accordingly. Ours was thankfully medium hard and supportive, ‘Just right’. Another delicious extra is the spa with a pool and heat suite, consisting of a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

For style / service

A monumental Victorian station hotel, it emulates a modest stately home in its lengthy facade overlooking landscaped gardens.  Part has been gravelled over to create a generous car park. Inside, its grandiose atrium and luxurious balustraded staircase are tailor-made for romantic photo sessions. The interiors are contemporary, in neutral colours with distressed mirrors, but respectful to the original features.  The personnel were courteous, efficient and available. We asked Reception if they had welcomed anyone famous, and apparently Johnny Depp stayed in our very room, 101!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For catering

Dinner and breakfast were in a vast conservatory-style extension over-looking the gardens. The hotel is keen to promote local producers, and York is famous for its York Gin so we treated ourselves to a G&T. We also sampled ‘fettle salad’ a Yorkshire version of feta, ‘but creamier’.  Our compliments to the chef for the meltiest steak ever, the creamiest crême brûlée and a varied, generous breakfast spread. Staff were hushed, prompt and warm-hearted.

   

 

 

 

 

 

For good value

Our ‘Junior’ had nothing junior about it: for £140 we had an enormous space, vast windows, walk-in closet, separate lavatory and ball-and-claw bath. Sweeping views of gardens, parks and the Minster made our suite feel Bridal. A couple we met come once a month, on this occasion, to celebrate a birthday. Any excuse. How wonderful, and what a marriage! Monthly MOTs at 60+!

Getting there

A direct high-speed LNER train from King’s Cross takes 1.5 hours on a good day. Some are non-stop, others take a bit longer, but they are very frequent. On our trip, there was a broken line, so we were diverted, which lengthened the journey, but still it was easy.

Even better if: there was an option of tempur pillows, some Lobby furnishings were refreshed and the lockers in the spa were repaired and coin-free. In true Polizzi fashion, I did notice dust in the intricate iron balustrades and on the hall lamps…