The Principal York

The location, clean but seemed deserted especially at night. York was nice though !

Booked what looked like a nice hotel, we got a room in the annex with a view of road and railway track, noisy at night from trains and cars and motorbikes racing through the tunnel outside and the room was bland, noisy corridor on the second night too - I would not recommend this hotel especial when paying £323 for 2 nights with no breakfast and another £30 for parking for such mediocrity. Had a real problem trying to contact 'In House reservations' prior to arriving as wanted to change our arrival date, reception stated no problem as room was available but had to be confirmed by 'In house reservations' but no one at In house reservations, 6 phone calls ( well over an hour on hold in total) over 3 days with no response, messages were left on my behalf by reception for a return call but nothing, sent email with no response, finally on 3rd day after another phone call l sent an email raising this to a formal complaint and an hour or so later received a call, a weak apology and then told that room was now not available, 2 hours later they called back to say it was available this being the tuesday afternoon and we were due there wednesday - nightmare service ! I raised the issue of the noisy room when checking out and response was ' well you didn't ask for a quiet room - if you come again ask for a quiet room' Definitely won't be going back there !

The property was newly renovated and had a lovely area with comfy sofas in the centre of the hotel. The location was exactly what we wanted. This is right next to the train station and we didn’t hear any noise in or around the hotel. They have managed to make it feel like it is further away than it is.

The pool is small and dated, it feels like you are at an old swimming baths. The steam room was turned off, and sauna is tiny. You basically have to sit on someone as you try to get out. The staff were fine but for the price I paid I expected a better service. On arrival there was not enough check in staff ( Friday at 6pm) with only one member of staff and was greeted to a queue of 8 other couples waiting to check in. Then everyone who had just checked in was returning to the desk with their room keys not working, this happened 3-4 times whilst in the queue. When checking out, I mentioned the long queues on check in and the member of staff said ‘what do you want me to do about that’. So that was my leaving impression on the property...