Recently dubbed by The Times newspaper as ‘one of the UK’s most glamorous station hotels,’ The Principal has been one of the crown jewels of York since its conception in 1878.
The 2016 refurbishment by award-winning architect, Goddard Littlefair, has cemented its place as a top tier modern classic, writes Krystal Starkey.
It’s a Friday morning, and my partner and I are in the car back home after an overnight stay at The Principal York.
We’ve come to the conclusion that we have never – and probably never will have – a better start to the day than the one we’ve had this morning.
It started at 7.30am when I woke up in a super king bed after a solid, utterly uninterrupted sleep, pulled open the curtains and saw York Minster in all its glory.
The room is generous in proportion, luxurious in design and has a calming colour scheme. I fell in love with the marble bathroom immediately and having now seen a walk-in wardrobe in the flesh, I know for sure that I need one.
The design across the hotel is a delicate blend of late-victorian architecture and modern elegance. Neutrals are the backdrop for textured layers with brass fittings. The iron staircase is a masterpiece, and, unusually, you might find taking the stairs a more attractive option in this establishment.
Anyway, back to the best morning of all time: We’d booked in at the leisure centre for 8am and when we got down to the pool, through sheer luck and timing, we had the whole place to ourselves.
The pool is a modest size but plenty for a quick swim. Next to it, there’s a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. We happily spent 40 minutes lolling around, giddy at the fact that we were the only people in there.
The buffet breakfast deserves a special mention. As well as the usual coffee, tea and juice, there’s also a freshly blitzed spinach smoothie.
The breakfast spread is kept immaculate – no beans in the sausages or mushrooms in the bacon here, and any spilt food is quickly swept up by the spritely staff. I pluck up an extra croissant on my way out and try to hide how much food I’ve piled on my plate.
So the Principal has got the mornings down, but the foundation for a successful morning is a brilliant evening first. And the hotel delivers on both fronts with its celebration package.
As part of the package, guests get to enjoy a bottle of Champagne on arrival and a delicious 3-course dinner in the AA Rosette Refectory Kitchen and Terrace restaurant. Watch yourself with this one, I practically danced down to dinner after a few glasses of bubbly.
The Refectory is an iron-built conservatory with leafy vines and tan leather furniture. It’s chic and understated.
I opt for the Chicken liver paté with seasonal rhubarb chutney and toasted brioche to start with and don’t come up for air until it’s all gone. I’m a believer in brioche and love to see it in savoury dishes.
My partner has the spiced vegetable soup and for the mains, a steak (medium-rare). I go for the Aberdeen Angus beef burger with truffle mayo. The portions are generous, and the meat tender and juicy.
For dessert, we chose the dark chocolate fondant with malted cream and the salted caramel tart with vanilla ice cream. Both of the desserts are indulgent and rich choices, and by the end of it, we’re debating who is going to roll who up to the hotel room.
The Principal really delivers on a luxurious and relaxing experience, and you’ll be ready to take on anything after an overnight stay.
To find out more about the Celebration Package at Principal York, visit www.theprincipalyork.ihg.com or call 01904 653 681
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