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The Grand Hotel York is just as it says in the name, the epitome of luxury and grandeur. Not only is it the only 5 Star hotel in York – with fantastic staff, beautiful interior and excellent facilities it is clear to see why – it also resides within the former headquarters of the North Eastern railway. Its historic charm and fantastic location provide the perfect setting for a fairy tale wedding. With stunning views of York Minster and the city’s walls, the Grand Hotel is merely a five-minute walk from York Train Station and the city centre. The exterior of the hotel is majestic, and upon entering, I felt a true sense of the historical significance and sheer beauty of the building.
Greeted by a wonderfully helpful and gracious porter, I was welcomed into the hotel as if I were an old friend. The staff at The Grand evidently took pride in their work, and were the most helpful and sincerely friendly hotel staff I have ever had the pleasure to meet. With a glass of bubbly fizzing away, I was led up the most beautiful antique staircase, a true gem reminiscent of high society glamour and grandeur. To my delight, the Concierge Jordi Vaca explained in great detail the heritage of the hotel; The Grand was only recently converted from the much esteemed historic railway headquarters in 2010. Its age takes nothing away from the Edwardian charm of the building, with its stunning original wall tiling still intact. The hotel has 107 rooms, all of which feature King Sized Beds, 24 Hour Room Service, Free Wifi and perhaps most fabulously of all – a bathroom with underfloor heating.
After a fantastic first impression, I was led to a stunning, spacious room with impossibly high ceilings and glittering gold chandeliers. The Grand Boardroom is perfect for the Bride and Groom searching for pure indulgence. The large windows and long velvet drapes are effortlessly beautiful, letting in plenty of natural light to offer a truly romantic setting.
Taken on a tour through the hotel to the Junior and Master Suite, I was mesmerised by the elegance of the rooms. The Master Suite is perfect for a bridal party, and is utterly stunning. With two spacious rooms to get ready in for the big day, the Suite also offers a traditional freestanding bath, double walk-in showers and a separate guest bathroom. Should you choose this Suite, you will also receive complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Molton Brown toiletries and stunning views of the historic city walls. No two rooms the same, your stay at the Grand will be a fabulously unique experience you’ll never forget.
As to be expected in such a luxurious setting, The Grand features its very own spa. What is perhaps most luxurious about its facilities is its location – the Spa is built within the building’s vaults, which historically stored the city’s wealthiest riches. Offering spa treatments including facials, massages and manicures, your bridal party will thank you forever. The spa features its very own gym, a heated 14-metre pool and an aromatic steam room, all included in the price of your hotel room. What more could a girl ask for?
The exterior of the hotel is just as striking as its interior, with immaculate stone flooring and fantastic scenic views. For an extra sprinkle of glamour, a red carpet can be laid out in anticipation of your grand entrance. The Concierge was only too pleased to tell me about a recent engagement he organised, in which he laid out a path of rose petals for the bride-to-be to follow to her future beau.
If you are searching for a getaway just as magical as your day at The Grand, I would strongly recommend Superior Motor Cars, ‘Yorkshire’s finest collection of wedding cars’.
Offering both a self-drive and chauffer service, Superior Motor Cars have a wide selection of enchanting wedding cars. From the Rolls Royce to the Bentley, your dreams of driving into the sunset with your true love become reality. Accompanied by complimentary champagne, these classically vintage cars are the perfect edition your day. Superior Motor Cars is a family-run business which has been established for 16 years, and they pride themselves on living and breathing cars, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
If by now you have already decided this 5-Star venue is exactly what you have always wanted, Shuti Shuti Patisserie offers just the right amount of elegance and luxury to compliment this venue perfectly. In its first year of business, this exquisite micro-patisserie works with you to design your very own unique and deliciously mouth-watering wedding cake. Inspired by the ever-changing seasons and her background in art, Eszter Takacs is passionate about focusing on the flavour of her creations. Her cakes don’t use fondant icing, as Eszter prefers to work with butter cream to ensure your taste buds tingle with delight. She also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options for those who require it.
Also at the Wedding Fayre was Rachel, from Ray of Light Letters. Based in York, Rachel and her husband Stephen create stunning, handcrafted lighting for weddings in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. A family business, Ray of Light Letters allow you to personalise your finishing touches, shining a light on the beauty of your big day. They create each of their letters from scratch, and provide what Rachel light-heartedly calls an ‘end-to-end service’. They work with you from the first moment of designing your specially crafted piece to the final set up of the décor on your wedding day. With prices starting at just £50, this is truly a wonderful personal touch you can cherish forever.
My visit to The Grand Hotel was nothing short of magical. It truly lives up to its name, and offers you a paradise retreat without ever leaving the UK. If you long for the fairy tale wedding of your dreams, I simply can’t recommend The Grand York Hotel enough.
Abbi x