A rail gem on the right track
The Principal York Station Road, York £124 a night for 2
THIS is a hotel with a lot of space – Victorian space, with imposing staircases, double-height ceilings and wide corridors.
Adjacent to York railway station, it’s now part of the Principal group that aims to breathe new life into venerable British hotels.
These days it’s lighter and brighter than its Victorian creators would have planned. Apart from the occasional bit of 19th Century tiling, the only patterns are the original plaster mouldings and panelling.
All the rooms have Yorkshire- themed books. You’ll also find an old-fashioned phone in a modish red colour for room service but, like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are serene. Room 101 has a view of York Minster and is popular with bridal parties.
The Siding is a modern addition with 30 rooms; if you want atmosphere, you’ll need to be in the original building. However, the Siding’s rooms have better access to the fitness room and the hotel’s swimming pool.
The pillared Garden Room, formerly the restaurant, is a place for afternoon tea or meetings – a blend of wing armchairs and a buzzy atmosphere. You can also get light meals here.
The main restaurant is The Refectory, at the back of the hotel, housed mostly in a light-filled conservatory with a few outdoor tables. The hotel also has its own pub, the Chapter House, which has its own snug, the Games Room. (This is, after all, a hotel with a lot of space to play with.) At heart, this hotel is a celebration of travel and Britishness. Even the reception desk is designed to look like vintage luggage and, to one side, there’s a tuck shop with British-made gifts and snacks.
The place: Victorian railway grandeur next to York station. You need never be late for a train again as one of the exits leads straight to Platform 1. You’ll also want to linger in the hotel; it’s elegant but friendly too. The accommodation: There are 155 rooms and suites. They’re all spacious and thoughtfully designed with a mix of cream, white and greys, with just enough wit to make them fun.
The food: Proper British food. Sunday lunch comes in under £20 for two courses. It’s not just the pudding that’s Yorkshire, so is the beef and the parkin cake, as well as the cheese. There’s less robust food, too. My salad with Yorkshire Blue cheese, poached pear and pecan nuts was delicious.