Today’s article is by regular reader contributor, Graham.
In this post:
Hotel Du Vin – York
Following a multi-million-pound investment, the Hotel du Vin in York has recently reopened. Taking inspiration from the city’s stunning architecture and historic features like York Minster and the medieval Shambles, the design pairs striking russet and orange tones with muted pinks and vivid leaf green, lime, and celadon with dark wood and upcycled furniture.
With bold patterns and vibrant colours from Manuel Canovas, Caamance, and Schumacher, the first impressions of the hotel are that this is a refreshed and inviting space, situated a few minutes’ walk away from York’s tourist attractions.
Arrival
The reception area is on the small side; however, the friendly northern welcome was on the large side. Clocks are dotted along the reception walls, all displaying identical times, with the names of the towns and cities underneath, showing the names of other Hotel du Vin locations.
The offer to take my suitcase and belongings up to my room was a nice gesture and gave the impression that you were staying in a first-class hotel.
The Room
Rooms range from entry-level classic rooms to deluxe rooms, with the top-of-the-range suite level and signature suites.
Besides being in the main hotel, rooms are also situated in the adjacent block entitled The Minster. I stayed in one of the new suites – La Belle Epoque. The design of the room might not appeal to everyone, having what I call the Marmite effect: either you like it, or you don’t. The current trend of situating the roll-top bath in the room rather than in the bathroom is one that might not appeal to everyone. This suite came with two roll-top baths situated side by side – his and hers.
If you felt the desire to watch the flat-screen television while having your bath, the option was there. However, with the comfy settees just by the side, it might not appeal to everyone if you want to watch your favourite programme from the lounge area while your other half is having a bath.
The open-plan aspect also includes two washbasins and a part-frosted glass rain shower. The toilet area was in a separate small washroom, though the idea of having the vanity mirror in the same room as the toilet basin, as opposed to above the open-plan washrooms, seemed odd.
The suite came with a super king bed. A nice touch was the L’Occitane lip balm, hand cream, and pillow mist placed in small bottles at the side of the bed. The fine Egyptian linen and comfortable mattress provided a deep and satisfying night’s sleep.
The lighting in the suite was controlled by main switches and dimmer lights, and it was more than adequate to light up the enormous room. There was good air conditioning and some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds I have ever encountered in a hotel.
Pleasing to discover that the wardrobe had enough hanging space with a big drop for ladies’ dresses. Hidden away in the wardrobe was a kettle with coffee bags and tea bags, naturally from Taylors of Harrogate. If you fancied a stronger coffee, the Nespresso coffee machine was on hand too. A good idea might be to include a bottle of fresh milk in the fridge as opposed to the sachets provided.
The Restaurant – Bistro du Vin
The French-themed restaurant has a Prix Fixe Menu with two or three courses, a Taste du Vin five-course tasting menu, as well as an A La Carte menu. The quality and service were as good as any bistro I have dined in from Calais to Cannes.
Fresh Pain d’epi served with Maison Bordier butter was followed by a Goat and Beetroot salad and a succulent Rib-Eye steak served with a thick and creamy peppercorn sauce. A selection of French cheeses rounded off an appetising and aromatic meal.
Breakfast is served in the bistro too, with a continental buffet, or if you prefer, a full English can be cooked to order.
Conclusion
After having stayed in the majority of hotels in York, I can safely say that the newly renovated Hotel du Vin offers guests one of the most comfortable and stylish hotels in the city, with the added friendly and professional service that comes as standard. It is ideal for both business and travel guests.
With York best explored on foot, you can leave your car in the hotel car park (there is a car parking charge) and walk into the city centre within ten minutes, the same time it will take to walk to the railway station. Dog-friendly and customer-focused, Hotel du Vin stands as tall and proud as the walls that circle this historic city.
