Why Bookworms Should Visit The Mount Royale Hotel, York

Mount Royale Hotel York UK Britain

Mount Royale Hotel York (image provided by Booking.com)

Rolling our suitcases past the ivy-clad exterior of the Mount Royale Hotel, our expectations were high; nothing this picturesque on the outside could fail on the inside surely.

We often find that, when planning a city break, choosing a hotel to suit our needs is extremely difficult.  Not only do we enjoy the comforts of a modern hotel, we seek out charm, character and bath tubs.

Now I know, to some, it sounds a little bizarre but for us there is nothing better than slipping into a scolding hot bubble bath after a long day traipsing the sights of a city.  So, on entering our room, you can only imagine the joy on both of our faces when we realised that the bathroom had a full-sized, extra deep bath tub to relax in.

Garden Room Bedroom Mount Royale Hotel York UK

Not only that, the bedroom itself was huge.  We had a king-sized bed to sleep soundly in, a seating area with large comfy chairs and the added surprise of a walk-in wardrobe.  However, what toped it all off, was the private patio area where, if you were visiting during warmer months would have been an enjoyable place to spend time looking out over the well-tended gardens.  Or perhaps, you would have preferred a quick dip in the outside jacuzzi, which was perfectly nestled under a pergola covered in beautiful, climbing plants.

The view garden room Mount Royale Hotel York UK

The view outside our room

It is fair to say that we were both extremely impressed.  Space in any city comes at a premium and therefore to have such large rooms is often unheard of. 

But, this for me at least was not the best part.  I had heard wonderful things about the bar area of the Mount Royale, apparently so I had been led to believe, it would appeal to the book nerd in me – and I guarantee it did not disappoint. 

Wandering through the narrow corridors, and ducking under the low-level door frames we emerge into what I can only describe as the cutest (yes, that’s right I have just said a bar area is cute!!!!) nook-turned-bar.  Here you could relax for hours, curled up with a good book in an elegant leather chair whilst warming yourself next to the open fire.  Alternatively, head further into the maze of rooms where you will find sumptuous sofas inviting you to sink down onto them and enjoy a fabulous cocktail or glass of wine.

Bar at the Mount Royale Hotel York UK

Nook Bar at Mount Royale Hotel York UK

The Library bar at the Mount Royale Hotel York, UK

This is the place to lounge and unwind, perhaps play one of the many board games dotted around or pick up one of the delicately bound books to see what lies beneath the front cover.

The Library Room Mount Royale Hotel York UK

This is the one room that every bookworm will covet.  It is a more than just another room with a few books in for you to enjoy.  The wall paper recreates a library, with floor to ceiling books printed across it and the lamps are spectacular.   No bibliophile in their right mind would walk past them without stopping, it just would not happen.

Wallpaper, bar, Mount Royale Hotel, York, UK

Book Lamp Stand Mount Royale Hotel York UK

The wonderful thing is, that even if you are not a guest of this hotel, but want to spend time in this bibliophile’s retreat, you can and whilst there I whole-heartedly suggest booking a table at the OXO Restaurant next door.  With all ingredients being locally sourced, the head chef here cooks to season, taking pride in every dish that he sends out.  No detail has been overlooked and all dishes have been designed so that tastes compliment not overpower one another.

OXO Restaurant Mount Royale Hotel York UK

Location of the Mount Royale Hotel

If you are after a hotel in a great location look no further.  The Mount Royale Hotel is just a ten minutes walk away from Micklegate Bar and signals the entrance to the inner historical city.  Within minutes you can be wandering down the famous cobbled streets around The Shambles, be strolling around the grounds of the Yorkshire Museum or take Afternoon Tea at the legendary Betty’s Tea Rooms

It is also one of the few hotels this close to the city with a free on-site parking facilities, so rather than paying for the hefty parking you have the freedom to wander the city walls knowing that your car will always be in safe hands.

What Makes the Mount Royale Hotel Really Stand Out?

Yes, the decor in the bar area is a plus and the bath a real selling point for us but ultimately we like to visit places where we feel welcomed and the Mount Royale Hotel does just that. 

From the moment we walked through the door, from the reception team to the bar staff, everyone was attentive and wanted to help us enjoy our stay.

One morning at breakfast, a team member found out about my slight obsession with all things fictional which lead to a conversation about how there was once a man called Mr Chicken who worked in the Railway Offices on Micklegate with another gentleman by the name of Dickens.  This Dickens individual just happened to have a brother called Charles.  Rumour has it that Mr Chicken became the fictional character of Mr Micawber, one of the most memorable characters ever created by the writer.

Now, how many large hotel chains have the ability to get to know each of their customers like this?

The Mount Royale Hotel may be a small family run hotel but in our opinion it completely overshadows the larger hotel companies that can be found anywhere.

If you are after a stay that will leave you feeling warm inside, spend a night or two at the Mount Royale Hotel.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Mount Royale Hotel for making our stay truly memorable.  Although we did receive a complimentary stay all views and opinions are our own.

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