Search Best Hotels in Helmsley

We usually stay at the Fairfax or the Feathers, but they were fully booked. We decided to try the Black Swan, probably shouldn’t have. The hotel is very tired despite the recent renovation - I can’t see where in the upper halls and bedrooms? The room was very basic. Bathrooms need updating, and in fact cleaning before guests arrive. We were very late to check in, despite this we had to ask for the bathroom to be cleaned as it had been forgotten about, hairs, old water marks and tide rings - grim! Though the lady member of staff did apologise profusely and was very nice at both dinner and check out - a real asset to the hotel. A room bug bare for me was nowhere to hang longer items like coats and dresses. The wardrobe was for shirts and folded trousers only. I had to hang long dresses on the light fitting. Also there is no shaver/toothbrush socket in the bathroom. Such little things that would make stays easier. We had dinner, which wasn’t bad for ‘pub grub’ but it wasn’t restaurant quality so to speak. I’d add that the gravy and sauce were more like water in both consistency and taste. Pies were great! Sadly we didn’t get to try the breakfast (which was included in our rate) as despite being a weekend, there are no room-service options and breakfasts aren’t available past 9.30am. So Sunday at 9.41am, we had to trot over to a nearby café to have breakfast. This was very annoying as you can imagine! I wouldn’t recommend staying here with so many better options locally. Which is a real shame, as the food used to be so much better and I would’ve expected after renovations the hotel would’ve seen an improvement. It has not. But, if you just want pub food and you’re in the area then maybe give it a go.

Booked the hotel mainly to use spa. Had a suite with separate sitting area which had a wood burner. Didn't need to use it because room was already cosy. Bed was comfortable but not much room either side for getting in and out. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and coffee machine provided, along with still and sparkling water. Only thing I didn't like in room was the glass door to bathroom directly opposite the toilet, but that's just my personal preference.