The Feversham Arms Hotel
The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa is situated in the heart of the traditional market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire. Upon arrival we were greeted by Ian who offered to take our bags from the car to the hotel reception for us. I have been reviewing hotels for a while now and this was the first time this was ever offered.
Tracey greeted us at the desk and was very friendly; she asked about our day and confirmed our reservation in the hotel restaurant and asked us to sign all the relevant paperwork. We ordered a newspaper for the morning however we didn’t receive this the next day. She took us on a tour of the hotel, showing us the heated outdoor swimming pool that was at 30 degrees and the hot tub, heated at 40 degrees in the centre of the complex, which was open until sun down.
She showed us where the restaurant and spa were (which we unfortunately didn't take advantage of) and then to our room. She assured us that if we had any questions to dial down to reception for help.
The whole hotel was decorated to a very high standard in neutral, natural tones with wood panelled walls and tartan carpets to bring the feel of the local countryside indoors. The walls boasted The Helmsley Galleries; a selection of the best paintings from artists in the north of England.
The spa suite overlooked the swimming pool and hot tub, it had an oversized bed, separate sitting room, large glass doors that opened up onto the balcony overlooking the pool garden and two TVs. The hotel staff had focused on the minor details too, with an array of magazines, reading material, DVDs to play on either of the two players and cds.
The bathroom was large with access from the hallway as we entered the room as well as the bedroom, with robes and slippers, a his and her's sink, plentiful supply of towels, a double ended bathtub and walk in shower. There was shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath salts and body lotion available to use as well as cotton pads and buds. Never before have I had so many products to choose from on my stay.
There were tea and coffee making facilities in the wardrobe, a dressing table and iron and ironing board. Everything that one could need for a short or long stay.
On the evening, we were served by Richard, in the sky lit three AA rosette restaurant, who was flawless as our waiter. He topped up our wine and water within seconds of us finishing a glass an offered advice on what to order when we were not sure. As he served us each dish he explained what it was, as the menu featured not only local produce but also unusual quality ingredients.
We both had the duck to start and the north sea cod and the beef for our main course, all from the a la carte menu, however there was a signature tasting menu also available. To finish we had Granny Apple and the Chocolate Roulade. Everything was cooked to perfection and time and effort had clearly been put into the presentation. At the end of the meal, there was a cheese board available on a hostess trolley, served and advised upon by the staff. For guests staying at the hotel £45.00 was deducted for the bill at the end of the night.
The breakfast was part buffet, part waitress service. We were able to help ourselves to cereals, pastries, juice and smoothies and were served with a rack of toast and full Yorkshire breakfast with locally sourced food.
Overall, the stay at the Feversham Arms was defiantly a novelty, to be able to swim and sit in a hot tub in October was certainly appealing! This establishment is of an exceptionally high standard, for its dining and its facilities. The staff were poised and helpful at any point we needed something.
From the roadside the hotel looks modest in size, however this is deceiving as it actually spans widely out the back, which can’t be seen from the entrance. That said, it does not detract from the quant feel that the hotel was clearly trying to maintain to blend in with the rest of the market town. It markets itself as somewhere in between a country house and boutique hotel, which I think is the perfect combination, it demonstrates class however not in a way to put off people from all walks of life staying. It has won many awards and well deserving of each and every one.
I would recommend this to anyone staying in the surrounding areas of York, Leeds, Harrogate, Teeside or Helmsley itself. The village is quaint with friendly people and has many shops to look around selling unusual gifts and local produce for Christmas.
TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1439 770 766
FAX: +44 (0) 1439 770 346
EMAIL:[email protected]
Tagged in Yorkshire