The thing that makes our customer service so great, is the fact that our Reservations Team have actually visited the hotels in our collection and know first hand what they’re helping you to book. After each visit they put together a report which is shared around the team so everyone is in the know.
We thought we’d share some of their hotel reviews with you so you can get a better insight into our breaks and to help you make the best decision when booking your next getaway!
Recently, Mary from our Reservations Team stayed at Swinton Park, here’s what she thought of the experience:
The booking details:
- Date: May 2024
- Destination: Swinton Park, Masham near Ripon, North Yorkshire
- Number of nights: One Night Stay
- Room type: The Ripon Suite
- No. of guests: Two, Mary +1
“We stayed at Swinton Park for 1 night, the hotel is situated just outside of the picturesque village of Masham with the closest city being Ripon approximately 10 miles away.
The destination details
The hotel is a beautiful country castle that retains original features – The Coach House is located adjacent which features additional bedrooms and the Cookery School. The Castle is still owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family.
There is ample car parking next to The Coach House to make moving luggage easier for you can park at the main entrance on arrival and the concierge is happy to assist with luggage should you wish.
The entrance to the hotel is via a long avenue through the beautiful estate where you can see deer, wildlife and the River Ure. The acres of grounds are perfect for walks.
The check-in experience
On check-in, we were greeted by the Head Concierge who was very friendly and offered to take our luggage to our room. After a welcome drink in one of the drawing rooms we were given a tour of the hotel, an overview of the activities available that day and then were guided to our rooms. This is a service that each customer receives, and made us feel very welcome.
The Swinton Park room review
We stayed in the Ripon Suite which is very spacious. It has a separate living area with a sofa that converts to a double bed, a dining table, tea and coffee making facilities with a coffee maker, complimentary small bottles of sloe gin & whisky. The living area led to a separate bedroom and bathroom which featured a stand alone roll top bath and a large walk-in shower. The suite had beautiful views over the gardens and the river.
The hotel provides complimentary use of a selection of coats which are ready for guests in the wardrobe. Umbrellas and outdoor boots are available as well. A teddy bear is placed in each room called ‘Winston’ that you can buy to take home.
All the rooms and public areas in the Main Castle are very traditional in décor which is in keeping with the age of the castle .
The dining experience
Samuels Bar and Restaurant are located on the ground floor in the Main Castle. The Terrace Restaurant and Bar is located a short walk away through an archway behind the Coach House.
The Terrace is modern in style and furnishings, floor to ceiling windows, light and airy overlooking a courtyard garden and features an open plan kitchen.
We dined in The Terrace and chose some small plates. The food was tasty, fresh and well presented.
Breakfast was served in Samuels – a large beautiful traditional dining room – you have a choice to order fresh from the breakfast menu or there is also an option to choose from the buffet menu – all produce is either sourced from the Castle Kitchen garden or from local suppliers.
Things to see, do and try
The spa and leisure facilities are located behind the Terrace restaurant. There were fitness classes on offer, a good sized indoor pool with outdoor relaxation areas overlooking the courtyard garden. There is also a shop where you can buy some of the Swinton Park produce to take home.
There are a range of activities available each day which need to be pre-booked including a Cookery School, a Falconry, fishing and laser shooting. Guests can choose a complimentary short taster session from the activities that are available on the day there is an activities board on display behind reception.
There is a games room which features a full size snooker table, darts, mini cinema, children’s games and a museum is located on the first floor which takes you through the history of the Castle with archives and photographs.
The check-out experience
The hotel also provides a turndown service which includes a bottle of pillow mist to help aid sleep (however the beds are so comfortable you drift off quickly) a form to complete and leave outside the door to ask if you would like the concierge to help with luggage in the morning, drive your car to the entrance and ask if you also like your car de-iced in the winter ready for your journey ahead.
On check out you also receive a tin of Swinton Park mints for your onward journey.
The best bit
The best bits for us were the walks around the grounds and the Games Room.
We spent hours walking in the acres of parklands and surrounding woodlands taking in the beautiful views, wild flowers and wildlife.
We also enjoyed spending time together after dinner relaxing in the Games Room, playing billiards, board games and darts, which got very competitive!
Mary’s final verdict to complete her Swinton Park review
The service and attention to detail is really thought through at Swinton Park with guest comfort and enjoyment really being at the heart of everything.
A hotel and experience I’d definitely recommend.”
Recreate Mary’s Swinton Park experience by booking your next luxury escape to North Yorkshire at Swinton Park.
