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Summary of reviewsThe Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group, set in the heart of the market town of Helmsley, is widely praised for its prime location. Situated perfectly on the market square, the hotel provides easy access to local shops, cafes and historical sites, making it an ideal base for exploring North Yorkshire's scenic beauty and rich history.
The hotel exudes old-world charm with traditional decor that complements its picturesque surroundings, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Guests also appreciate the convenience of free parking, which facilitates further exploration of the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales and moors.
Guests frequently commend the breakfast experience for its variety and quality, particularly the Full English breakfast which is often highlighted as exceptional. Although there are occasional mentions of improvements needed in fresh fruit availability and coffee quality, the friendly and accommodating staff enhance the overall dining experience. Dinner at The Black Swan also receives generally positive feedback with many guests enjoying the superb quality and generous portions of dishes, especially the fish and chips. The lovely dining atmosphere and friendly staff contribute significantly to the positive experience, despite some noting issues with menu variety and service delays.
The rooms at The Black Swan are noted for their comfort, spaciousness and beautiful decor with guests frequently praising the cleanliness and well-maintained condition. The beds are often highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. While there are some mentions of noise and varying room sizes, many guests find the rooms more than adequate with excellent shower facilities and tasteful interiors.
The hotel's dedication to cleanliness stands out with most guests noting the immaculate condition of the rooms and public areas. Minor lapses are occasionally mentioned, but overall, the housekeeping staff receives commendations for their efforts in maintaining a fresh and hygienic environment.
The staff at The Black Swan earn high praise for their friendliness, efficiency and dedication. Guests frequently note the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, enhancing the overall positive experience at the inn.
While the free Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews with some guests experiencing strong connectivity and others facing issues with sporadic access, the majority still appreciate the availability of this amenity.
The Black Swan's four-star rating is well-deserved according to many guests, who appreciate the luxurious service, charming ambiance and well-appointed rooms. The hotel's historic charm, beautifully restored with period decor and modern comforts, adds to its allure, making it a fascinating and cozy retreat for travelers.
Overall, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group offers a memorable stay with its prime location, charming ambiance, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff, ensuring a delightful experience for its guests. Show more
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Categories
Historic Inn
The oldest section of this Grade II listed inn is a timber-framed building from the late 16th century, with subsequent additions from the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a historic coaching inn and was mentioned in Dorothy Wordsworth's journals.
Dog Friendly Inn
This historic inn dating back to the 15th century offers dog-friendly rooms for a fee of £15 per dog per night. It provides a pet-friendly menu and even doggy ice cream. The pub area welcomes dogs with complimentary treats and water.
4-Star Inn
This historic inn offers a blend of architectural styles dating back to the 15th century. It features refurbished rooms with private bathrooms and a restaurant. Guests appreciate the charming atmosphere and convenient location on Helmsley's market square, along with the welcoming gardens.
Haunted Inn
Dating back to the 15th century, this inn has multiple ghosts, including a young woman in white and a pair of men's legs wandering the staff quarters. Guests have praised the on-site paranormal experiences.
Boutique-style Inn
Room Types
Suite Double Room with ViewThis double room with seating area features ensuite bathrooms, seating area, tea and coffee facilities.
Single RoomOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The single room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double or Twin Room
These rooms can be set as a twin or double and have either a shower or shower over the bath, overlooking the lane.
Family Room with Bunks
These rooms offer a king double bed and bunk beds overlooking either the lane or the garden.
Suitable for up to two adults and two children.
This family room has a flat-screen TV, electric kettle and tea/coffee maker.
Cosy Double RoomThese are the smallest rooms with a double bed and either a shower or shower over the bath, overlooking the lane.
This double room features a tea/coffee maker and electric kettle.
Superior Double or Twin with Sofa BedOffering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The family room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as a sofa.
Feature Double or Twin RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV.
Classic Double or Twin RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of the charming market town of Helmsley, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group boasts an enviable central location that has guests raving. Positioned perfectly on the market square, it allows visitors easy access to the quaint shops, delightful cafes and historical sites that the town has to offer. This positioning makes it an ideal base for exploring the scenic beauty and rich history of North Yorkshire, including nearby attractions like Helmsley Castle and the stunning Rievaulx Abbey.
The hotel exudes old-world charm with its traditional decor, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that complements its picturesque surroundings. The convenience of free parking is an added bonus, particularly for those looking to explore further afield in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales or over the breathtaking moors.
Overall, the hotel's location receives high praise for its accessibility, ambiance and the ease with which guests can explore and enjoy the beautiful village of Helmsley. Whether it’s for a leisurely stroll, local sightseeing or simply soaking in the historic vibes, The Black Swan serves as the perfect hub for a memorable stay.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group has received varied reviews, but it generally stands out for its quality and variety. Guests frequently praise the abundant choices and high standard of the cooked options. Several reviews highlight a delightful combination of continental offerings and the ability to order hot food to cater to diverse tastes. The Full English breakfast, in particular, has been cited as exceptional and well-cooked with generous portions, leaving many satisfied for the day ahead.
However, some guests have pointed out areas for improvement. Fresh fruit availability and coffee quality have been commonly mentioned as lacking. Occasional issues such as lukewarm servings, chaotic buffet arrangements and delayed service have also dampened the breakfast experience for a few. Despite these criticisms, the friendly and accommodating staff often enhance the overall dining experience.
The breakfast setting itself is also appreciated with well-organized dining areas and comfortable seating. Overall, most visitors find the breakfast to be a substantial and well-prepared start to their day with particularly high marks for the variety of options and the quality of the cooked dishes.
Dinner
Guests of 'The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group' had a mixed but generally positive experience regarding dinner at the hotel. Many appreciated the delicious and superb quality of the evening meals, praising particularly tasty dishes and generous portions. The fish and chips, in particular, stood out as a favorite. The breakfast offerings also received high marks for taste and variety with several guests noting an excellent full English breakfast and hearty vegetarian options.
The atmosphere in the dining areas was well-received, described as lovely with friendly staff. The setting of the restaurant added to the dining pleasure, making some dinner experiences very enjoyable. There was satisfaction with the menu choice during some reviews with special mentions of well-presented and cooked meals. Christmas dinners and special family evening celebration meals left a lasting positive impression on some guests.
However, there were notable drawbacks. Several guests found the food mediocre and overpriced with some describing it as not up to the standards expected at a higher-priced establishment. The menu was often cited as limited and lacking variety and there were comments about service being slow or inattentive. Some diners encountered undercooked or bland dishes, which contributed to disappointing meals. These issues sometimes led guests to opt for meals outside the hotel after initial attempts.
Despite the mixed reviews, the overall sentiment reflected that, for many, the positives of tasty food, pleasant dining environments and great breakfast offerings outweighed the negatives, making the dining experience at The Black Swan worthwhile overall.
Rooms
'The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group' boasts an array of attractive room features, offering a generally positive experience for its guests. The rooms are frequently described as comfortable, spacious and beautifully decorated, providing a charming and cozy ambiance. Cleanliness stands out with numerous reviews highlighting rooms being spotlessly clean and well-maintained.
The decor often receives praise with several guests appreciating the modern but classic furnishings. Comfort is a priority here with many guests noting particularly comfortable beds and bedrooms. The hotel provides rooms with lovely views, either over gardens or squares, adding to their appeal.
However, room sizes vary significantly with some guests finding certain rooms small and cramped and others describing their rooms as spacious and well-appointed. Noise can be an issue, especially for rooms located close to busy hallways or staff entrances. Some guests noted that certain rooms feel dated or tired and could benefit from updates.
Accessibility and room location within the hotel can be problematic due to narrow staircases and long distances from the reception. Additionally, the absence of air conditioning in some rooms makes them uncomfortably hot, especially with limited ability to open windows.
Despite these occasional downsides, many find the rooms more than adequate for a comfortable stay, often pointing out the excellent shower facilities, tastefully done interiors and the hotel's quiet, peaceful environment. Overall, the rooms offer a mix of modern comfort and classic style, making 'The Black Swan' a worthwhile choice for many travelers.
Beds
At The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group, the comfort of the beds generally stands out in guest reviews with various praises highlighting "comfortable," "comfy," and "very comfortable" beds. Guests frequently mention large, cozy and inviting beds that contribute to a restful night's sleep. Positive notes also include spacious and clean rooms, often adorned with excellent bed quality and accommodating amenities.
However, not all feedback is glowing. A recurring theme seems to be issues with pillow comfort with some guests describing them as either too hard or mismatched, reducing overall sleep quality. There are also mentions of the bedding not meeting the expected standards and occasional dissatisfaction with the bed’s firmness or size.
Despite these inconsistencies, the majority of guests appear to find the beds at The Black Swan conducive to a good night’s rest, often emphasizing the comfort and size of the beds as key highlights of their stay.
Cleanliness
Nestled in the heart of [Location], The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group stands out not just for its historic charm but also for its exceptional cleanliness. Guests frequently highlight the immaculate condition of the rooms and public areas, noting that the hotel is generally very clean and well-maintained. The rooms, comfortable and spotlessly clean, offer a cozy ambiance that is both warm and inviting.
The hotel's dedication to cleanliness extends to its bathrooms and common areas, which are consistently kept fresh, tidy and hygienic. While most rooms appear to be in pristine condition, some guests have pointed out specific instances where cleaning could have been more thorough, suggesting that attention to detail in some areas might be lacking at times.
Despite occasional minor lapses, the overall cleanliness of the hotel is impressive, earning high praise from guests who appreciate the beautifully decorated, fresh and well-cared-for environment. The housekeeping staff also receives commendations for their efforts, ensuring that rooms are clean, comfortable and well-maintained.
In summary, The Black Swan provides a clean, comfortable stay in a charming, historical setting. Its consistent attention to cleanliness, even if not uniformly perfect, ensures that most guests enjoy a pleasant and hygienic experience.
Staff
The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group boasts a team of exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, earning high praise from guests for their dedication and professionalism. The staff's demeanor is frequently described as friendly, efficient and accommodating with many guests noting the warm and welcoming atmosphere they create. Reception staff, in particular, have been highlighted for their exceptional service, contributing to the overall positive experience at the inn. Guests appreciated the staff's attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond, showcasing excellent hospitality and customer service. Although there were occasional mentions of staff feeling overworked or disinterested, the overwhelming consensus points to a team that is cheerful, polite and eager to assist, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay for visitors.
Wi-Fi
The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group has garnered mixed feedback regarding its Wi-Fi services. Many guests appreciated the presence of free Wi-Fi, describing it as strong and good in certain areas of the hotel. Positive remarks highlight high-quality photos and easy accessibility to Wi-Fi in some parts. However, a significant portion of reviews point to issues with connectivity, noting that the internet was often hit or miss, sporadic or even entirely unavailable in specific rooms or areas. Frequent comments mentioned that the Wi-Fi server frequently became overloaded, leading to repeated disconnections, particularly during the evening. Overall, while some guests had a satisfactory experience with the Wi-Fi, others felt that it requires substantial improvement to ensure more consistent and reliable access throughout the property.
4 Star
The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group offers a distinctly four-star experience that leaves many guests pleased with its service, rooms and ambiance. Guests frequently praise the hotel for its wonderful surroundings and staff, who consistently provide a welcoming and efficient service. The rooms are noted for being clean, spacious and often luxurious, providing the comfort expected in a four-star establishment.
The hotel’s decor and ambiance have been appreciated for their classic charm, although it's styled in an old-fashioned manner that some might find lacking modern luxury. The beer garden is also highlighted as a delightful feature, enhancing the overall guest experience.
While the majority of feedback aligns with a positive four-star rating, there are mentions that the service and breakfast do not always meet the elevated expectations set by a four-star status. Despite this, many believe the hotel deserves its current rating with some even suggesting it nears a five-star experience. Overall, The Black Swan stands as a solid four-star hotel with a few areas of improvement needed to fully reach the quintessential luxury standard.
Historic
Nestled in a historically rich location, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group stands out as a fascinating establishment brimming with old-world charm. The hotel, a beautifully restored and characteristic building, retains its period decor and historic ambiance without feeling stuffy. This historic hotel manages to seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern comforts, featuring oak beams and first-class decor throughout.
Guests frequently comment on the hotel’s captivating atmosphere, noting its full-of-character feel and loads of charming features. The building itself is described as beautiful and lovely, reflecting a timeless elegance that has been lovingly maintained through meticulous renovations. Situated in a beautiful spot within the village, the inn makes for a picturesque and historically enchanting stay.
The location itself is also a significant draw, placing visitors in the heart of town with several historic sites nearby. The historic setting of the hotel, coupled with its gorgeous, old-world appeal, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past while providing a comfortable and inviting place to stay. With its characterful ambiance and traditional feel, The Black Swan is more than just a hotel; it is a cozy retreat that oozes charm and timeless allure.
Boutique-Style
Nestled in a charming locale, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group offers a boutique experience with a stylish and tastefully done interior. Guests appreciate the beautifully decorated spaces that exude boutique charm and character-filled luxury. While the reviews highlight the establishment's clean and luxury feel, specific boutique features are not detailed, but the overall sense of a boutique quality stay is clearly conveyed. This charming and stylish inn stands out for its intimate boutique size and tasteful decoration, making it a delightful place to stay.
Luxury
The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group offers a distinctly luxurious touch throughout the property, delivering a great value for money experience despite the steep prices. Guests are welcomed into luxuriously comfortable rooms and well-maintained surroundings, where the overall atmosphere carries a luxurious feel. While some perceive it more like a restaurant with rooms rather than a traditional luxury hotel, the four-star rating and justified pricing reinforce its standing as a premium stay. The blend of good luxury and meticulously crafted ambiance makes it worth the high price, ensuring that guests leave feeling they received great value in return.
Dog Friendly
The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group stands out as a top choice for travelers with dogs, consistently praised for its dog-friendly facilities and atmosphere. Many guests noted the welcoming environment for their pets with some even sharing that their dogs loved the experience. The hotel offers dog-friendly rooms, designated dog areas and inclusive policies that allow dogs in nearly all dining spaces, which delighted many pet owners.
The staff's warm and accommodating attitude towards dogs enhances the experience, making it clear that dogs are genuinely welcomed rather than merely tolerated. The presence of separate dining areas for those bringing their pets further underscores the hotel's commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay for both dog owners and their furry companions. Such features make it an ideal destination for dog lovers.
However, guests mentioned a few areas for improvement. Some rooms were challenging to access with dogs due to the need to climb several flights of stairs and there were occasional complaints about barking in the evening. Additionally, the noticeable smell of dogs in the hallways and the varying hygiene standards in dog-friendly bedrooms were points of concern for a few guests.
Overall, The Black Swan is highly regarded for its dog-friendly accommodations with numerous positive remarks about the facilities and services provided, making it a favored spot for those traveling with their four-legged friends.
No, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group.
Yes, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group.
No, The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group doesn't have a gym.