If you have ever been to York, you will know that the bustling, historic city truly is the heart of Yorkshire. Teeming with independent coffee shops and boutique stores, even the big high street names appear innocuous settled within the stunning, Georgian architecture. With more pubs than days of the week and more attractions per square mile than any other city in the UK, it is no surprise that holidaymakers, tourists and students all migrate here to escape normality. So, if you haven’t been, then why not?! And we know exactly where you should stay.
The Grand is a 5* Hotel located a stone’s throw away from York Railway Station and truthfully lives up to its name. A cheery welcome from concierge and valet parking is the ideal greeting (mainly because parking in York is a nightmare), but right through to check-out, the customer service is exceptional. Upon entering the reception area, the classic and luxurious style is undeniable, and this continues throughout the hotel. There is even a ‘check-in lounge’, for those that find the process that little bit too strenuous. Wide and spacious corridors provide ample space for guests to relax on velvet, cushioned chairs with their tipple of choice and not to be disrupted. The bedrooms are all a generous size, with plush yet comfortable interiors. The chefs go as far as to make homemade shortbreads to be placed in every room, and even change the flavours throughout the week.
Built in 1906 as a business hub for railway companies, the Grand was known as ‘the Palace of Business’, which is still fitting today. There are several beautiful boardrooms that can easily be turned in to cosy private dining rooms with little effort. The Grand Boardroom is the star of the show with original, ornate fireplaces, velvet curtains and a built-in, hidden chalk board, taking up most of the wall ready to be personalised. There is also the smaller, yet just as elaborate, Chairman’s Suite next door, perfect for drinks receptions or intimate dinners with surrounding views of the city walls. Also a site to behold, and a recent addition to The Grand, is The Cookery School. For team building, hen parties or for budding chefs, the school is a unique and entertaining experience for everyone. Learn to make Thai green curry, chocolate soufflé, British classics or French cuisine with state-of-the-art equipment and sleek surroundings. Often incorporated within the dishes, is honey which is made on site in their very own apiary. You can even go and see the bees working away in the observatory!
Whilst on the subject of food, it should be said that The Grand has several fantastic offerings: Hudsons, is an intimate, fine-dining restaurant which serves tasting menus and afternoon tea with a twist. The Rise serves locally sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner options in a contemporary, elegant setting. The 1906 Bar offers a variety of cocktails and an extensive whiskey list as well as light bar snacks and sharing boards.
In a nutshell, The Grand really does have it all. Meeting rooms, The Grand Boardroom, TWO restaurants, comfortable bedrooms, ‘white-rose’ lounge, pool, spa, cookery school, check-in lounge, bee farm… what more could you want?
