Booked a last minute break, 7th to 9th February 2012 and must say wasn't expecting much given that it only cost £74.80 for 2 b&b. However we were pleasantly surprised, the room was small but perfectly formed, spotlessly clean with the added bonus of some very nice toiletries in the bathroom. The staff were great, nothing was too much trouble and they were always on hand if needed. We had a slight mix up with our meal order on the first night, but this was rectified immediately and we were offered the cost of our food off the next evenings order by way of an apology so full marks for customer service. Food was good with decent sized portions and was reasonably priced, though snacks were expensive, 80p for a packet of crisps!! Breakfast was excellent and the dining room staff were very attentive and always cheerful. The only thing I will say is that , from the photographs, I expected a character property , and the interior is anything but. However , its set in beautiful surroundings, a little off the beaten track but perfect for a relaxing break, with York and all it has to offer, a mere 10-15 minute drive away. I would certainly go back again , in fact we're planning to do just that.

This was a last minute booking as a birthday trip for my husband. We arrived in our room to find it freezing cold - the radiator was turned off. Discovered why it was off when we turned it on to hear loud water hammer noises in the radiator!! There was only one chair in the room (for 2 people!!) and it was broken badly and unsafe. The TV didn't work, so I put my hand behind it to switch it on at the wall only for it to 'sizzle and spark'. There was obviously an electrical fault. This was reported to reception, and to give them their due the maintenance man was there within 5 mins to try and fix the tv. He also obtained 2 chairs for us and extra biscuits (we were convinced it was a room for 1 person as only one pack of biscuits and one chair!!!) I expected that if the TV had sizzled and sparked it would have been removed!!! It should have been as that is dangerous.
We went out for a few hours and came back to the room, carefully switching on the TV. It worked for a little while and then the picture froze but the sound continued. (maintenance man had said they were very very old TV's!!)
We went to reception and after having explained about the electrical problems with the TV we were given another room, and so moved our things. Got unpacked and settled in - and switched on the TV. This was an identical tv to the last room and also didn't work! We were unable to change the channel on it and unable to get rid of the channel menu in the middle of the screen. By now we were really fed up and went again to Reception to speak to the manager. He came and was sympathetic and checked what rooms were left. There was only one with twin beds which apparently was an upgrade. He took us along to see it. If it was an upgrade it was only because the room was about 3 ft longer, and it had an extra chair in it, and a different tv. We had no option but to take this room even though we had specifically said we did not want single beds when we booked. The manager did help us move our things into this room which was good of him, and also brought us a bottle of wine.
This room was unbearably hot, and we couldn't seem to lower the heating down at all. We were in bed when the fire alarm went off and we had to get dressed and get out of the building. No explanation of what was going on as we were told we could go back to our rooms, and in fact the alarm went off again as we were all going back into the hotel. It was quite late before we were settled into the 3rd room and had need of the loo - every time it was flushed we had this water hammer noise which went on for about 10 minutes really loudly. An extremely disturbed first night for both of us!!
Neither of the 2 single beds were comfortable, we could feel the springs through the mattress, and found the beds really uncomfortable.
Each day we were asked if we wanted to eat in the restaurant that evening - and were given times that were free. It appeared we couldn't select an early time, there were tables at 8.30 and 9pm one evening. Too late for us so we went out.
The cleaning of the room was very good, and the 1 packet of biscuits was replaced daily!!!! I think for me the fact of the 1 chair per basic room, and the 1 pack of biscuits was not what you would expect in a room for 2 people and seemed petty. Where is the 2nd person to sit????
Each of the 3 rooms we were given was very poor - and if there had been another room in the hotel then I think we would have moved again as the plumbing noises were unacceptable. (though fixed the next day when we reported them)
The breakfast in this hotel was the best part of the weekend, it was very good with lots of choice and someone constantly checking what needed replenishing. Plenty of staff around to help - clearing of tables was done quickly to enable more people to come in (there were queues). There appeared to be 2 managers on duty, the female one was in a very dirty/grubby grey suit each day (the same suit with the same stains on it each day!!!!) Whether this is a uniform I don't know, but I heard others commenting on it too!
This hotel was not worth the price I paid for it - and I would not be likely to stay there again.
Some of the rooms may well have been updated - but the TV's in 2 of the rooms we had were in my opinion unsafe and should be replaced. I'm surprised the fire alarm doesn't go off more often - as I felt very unsafe in this hotel.
I'm puzzled as there have been some good reviews of this hotel - the only thing I can think is that there are different standards of rooms, and maybe that booking on Lastminute.com has put us in the most basic type of room!!!

Stayed here for 3 nights over the Christmas Holiday. It was a last minute and got it for a good price of £40.00 a night. We thought well lets see what we get for that sort of money. We arrived and was very pleasantly surprised. Yes the Hotel is a little dated, but the staff cannot do enough for you. Our room had a 32" flat screen on the wall..so after going out on Boxing Day shopping at the Outlet Village near York we decided to have a night in and watch the box. The bed felt like it had a memory foam mattress although I am sure it wasnt but it was lovely and comfy.

We had Christmas Lunch there and it was really nice, there was a lovely atmosphere and all the children who were there just for a meal were given presents by the Father Christmas who came (I think it was the Manager).

We have stayed in a lot of nice Hotels around the world and we would not be afraid to go back here again, it has lovely grounds and I would imagine it looks gorgeous in the Summertime. For anybody who doesnt want to drive into York as well there is a Park and Ride about 5 miles down a straight road, although it wasnt operating on Boxing Day.

Forgot to mention that when we arrived there was 2 Fluffy White Bathrobes on the bed, 2 little bottles of Wine one red one white and a bar of chocolate..never had that before, a very welcome gesture and well done to the Management for that one. They also have white fluffy towels.

I dont mind recommending this one as the staff are friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them...a little moan is could not get a signal on mobile and Christmas morning had to drive down the road to wish family and friends a Happy Christmas., but if that is my only moan we did OK.

Liz&Al Cheshire

Stayed friday thru Sunday 27/29th January 2012. Had a horrible trip on M62 and wished we had stayed at home in Chesire.However greeted by a very friendly receptionist (Rebecca ) and guided to the bar which offered good range of food. Room was perfectly adequate, small but spotlessly clean with little extras Premier/Travelodge don,t provide. Soaps/Shampoos really nice towels etc. Excellant breakfast next morning. Hotel is just an 8 minute drive from York park and ride terminal so access to City was so easy. Had a problem with a basin plug in our room. Mentioned it to reception (Rebecca again) and a maintenance man was at our room within 5 minutes, job sorted in a further 5 minutes. Tried the restaurant but slightly disappointed with our Steak . Overall,excellant experience, cheaper than Travelodge would definately stay again and would recommend to anybody looking for budget accomadation with a few frills.