Escape to Yorkshire's Hidden Gem: The Crossways Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Yorkshire's Hidden Gem: The Crossways Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Yorkshire's Hidden Gem: The Crossways Hotel Awaits! - A Review… With a Few Hiccups (and a Whole Lotta Love)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through my recent stay at The Crossways Hotel in Yorkshire. Forget the polished brochure descriptions; this is real life, warts and all. Prepare for some serious feels, because this place… well, let's just say it got to me.
First Impressions (or, The Yorkshire Sun and My Blinking Eyes):
Rolling up to The Crossways felt… right. The Yorkshire countryside is just chef's kiss beautiful, and the hotel itself is this lovely, understated stone building that seemed to be perfectly nestled into the landscape. Getting there was super easy, with the car park being free of charge, which is always a win in my book. (And good to know they had CCTV outside the property - always makes a gal feel a bit safer!) I was so blinded by the sheer, gorgeous sunlight, I almost missed the elevator entirely, which, as someone who's lugged suitcases up five flights of stairs before, I was immensely grateful for.
Accessibility – Did It Work For Me? (Kinda, Sorta, Maybe):
Okay, this is where things get a bit… mixed. The website boasts of being wheelchair accessible, and while there were ramps and accessible entrances, I didn't personally test the entire setup. I did notice wide doorways and what looked like adapted bathrooms, so I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt here. They definitely scored points for having an elevator, and the overall layout seemed pretty user-friendly. The crucial detail here is seeing the Facilities for disabled guests are listed – a good start. Also, I like the sound of CCTV in common areas - extra piece of mind! However, this isn’t my area of expertise, so I can't speak definitively.
The Room – My Kingdom for a Blackout Curtain! (and a Proper Kettle):
My room? Okay, let's be honest, it wasn't perfect. BUT – and this is a big but – honestly, the charm outweighed the flaws. The room was spacious, with a ridiculously comfy extra-long bed - perfect for sprawling after a day of exploring. Complimentary tea was there and also a Coffee/tea maker and a Mini Bar. There were bathrobes which is nice. The bathroom was well-equipped, with a separate shower/bathtub. Slippers were provided! Oh, and there was free Wi-Fi which is pretty sweet! Having In-room safe box, and the desk was also helpful.
Now, the downside. The blackout curtains… were not blackout. Yorkshire sun, you sneaky devil! I was up with the larks, which, while lovely for seeing the sunrise, meant I lacked sleep - a real problem for someone who needs their beauty sleep! The internet access – wireless was good, but I did see Internet access – LAN listed too – which is useful for business travellers, or the like! The kettle also made a weird noise, I guess I should have asked for another… and the air conditioning was barely noticeable, but hey - it's Yorkshire, generally it's not boiling anyway.
So, the pros: Comfort, space, and a generally lovely vibe. The cons: Weak blackout curtains, slightly creaky kettle, and underperforming AC in the sun-facing room.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe and Sound (Most of the Time):
This is where The Crossways really shone. In the current climate, you need to feel safe, and they absolutely nailed it. The rooms were sanitized between stays, and there were anti-viral cleaning products used everywhere. Hand sanitizer was readily available, and all staff were wearing masks - yay! I was also very happy to see staff trained in safety protocol.
They also had the standard stuff like fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms. They had wake-up service, too - which is useful! And if you're not sure, you could ask someone at the front desk [24-hour] and there's security [24-hour] or a doorman so you know all the doors are locked behind you.
One thing I particularly appreciated? The lack of unnecessary clutter. There was no shared stationery lying around, which felt reassuring. The slightly scary thing was that room sanitization opt-out available was listed. I'm not sure if I'd want to do that, though!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Snags):
Okay, FOOD. This is a big deal for me. The Crossways offered a ton of options, which was exciting, but the execution was a bit… uneven.
Let's start with the positives. The breakfast buffet was pretty decent, with the usual suspects – bacon, eggs, pastries, the works. They also offered an Asian breakfast which was nice. The coffee shop served some lovely lattes, and the coffee/tea in restaurant (which I'm guessing means free refills) was a godsend after a long day of exploring. There's a snack bar if you get peckish. The restaurant also has desserts, soup, and salads – a decent spread!
Also, A la carte in restaurant means I can order what I want! And there's a poolside bar - perfect!
The restaurants do International Cuisine too! Plus, they restaurants are Vegetarian restaurant, too! However, it's worth noting that I saw Breakfast takeaway service, and Alternative meal arrangement listed.
Now, the negatives. The service in the main restaurant was a bit slow at times. I ordered a soup one evening (the soup in restaurant), and it took forever to arrive. They did offer 24-hour room service which is great - but it does mean I have to eat alone.
One night, I splurged on room service – a late-night bowl of… well, let's just say it wasn't the prettiest plate presentation, but it did hit the spot after a long day.
The Verdict: The food was decent, with some definite highlights (that coffee!). However, the inconsistent service let it down a bit.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreamin' (Almost):
Okay, this is where The Crossways almost won me over completely.
- The Spa: Oh, the spa! This is what drew me in. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool - but the best bit? The Pool with view! It looked amazing in the photos - a glorious outdoor pool looking out on the rolling hills. Okay, so the spa was out of action during my stay! Gutted doesn't even begin to cover it.
- Gym: The gym/fitness area looked well equipped.
- Massage: The hotel offered massage - I think it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of hiking!
I just need to go. Again.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:
The Crossways has got you covered in the convenience department. They have a concierge to help you out. The daily housekeeping keeps things tidy.
The Really Important Bits:
The Crossways has a lot going for it. They have a front desk [24-hour], Luggage storage , Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and safety deposit boxes.
They had car park [free of charge] which is a bonus, and airport transfer if you need it.
In Conclusion (Because I could go on forever):
The Crossways Hotel is a mixed bag. It's got flaws, sure – the blackout curtains, the slightly wonky service in the restaurant, and the spa! But it's also got a ton of charm, a commitment to safety and cleanliness, beautiful surroundings, and a genuinely warm and friendly atmosphere. It's not perfect, but it's real. It's a place where you can truly escape, relax, and recharge.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Though, this time, I'm packing a sleep mask, and making damn sure that spa is open!
Mystic's Hidden Gem: Ashford Motel - Unbelievable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a Pickering adventure at The Crossways Hotel. I'm not promising a perfectly polished itinerary, because, let's be honest, life (and travel) rarely is. This is going to be more "slightly-unhinged travelogue" than "strictly-ordered schedule." Let's see how this mess unfolds…
The Crossways Chronicles: A Pickering Pilgrimage (with a Side of Mild Existential Dread)
Day 1: Arrival and Pre-emptive Hangovers (Probably)
14:00 - Arrival at The Crossways Hotel, Pickering. (Or thereabouts… depending on how long the M62 decides to be a parking lot.) Okay, so the drive. The drive from, ugh, back home. Never a great start. Always involves me realizing I forgot something vital (like my will to live, apparently.) Anyway, finally there. First Impressions? Charming. Like, ridiculously charming. It's got that classic English countryside vibe. Think "cozy" meets "slightly damp." (I swear I smell scones already.) Reception? Efficiently polite. No complaints. Yet.
14:30 - Check-in, Scoping Out the Room, and Immediately Regretting Packing So Many Sweaters. Room: Adequate. Clean enough. View: Overlooking… a very green field. (Note to self: Pack binoculars next time – the wildlife could be fascinating). Immediately unpacked and realized I brought the wrong socks. Seriously, how does this happen every single trip? Took a deep dive into the welcome pack. Promises the hotel has a beautiful garden. I'm going to hold them to it.
15:00 - The Pub Crawl Begins (or, Trying to Find a Decent Pint). The Black Swan - first impressions? Really busy, locals look ready to get messy. Pint here, actually very nice. The barmaid was very welcoming.
17:00 - Dinner at The Crossways Restaurant (Hopefully Not a Disaster). Okay. This is the big one. I had been looking forward to this. It looked amazing. The menu whispered of locally sourced ingredients and culinary masterpieces. The reality? Well… the salmon was slightly overcooked, but the service was really friendly! I had a good time and met some other travelers who were surprisingly nice.
19:00 - Post-Dinner Stroll (and Maybe a Bit of Cider-Induced Philosophical Wandering). Ah, the garden. Here it is. A place for peaceful contemplation. Beautiful. The air is clean and crisp. Maybe I'll actually get around to finishing that novel. Maybe. Or, more likely, I’ll just admire the roses for a while then head back to the bar. The roses, I might add, were an absolute triumph. Just beautiful.
20:00 - Back to the Bar for Last Pints. Time to assess the day. Mixed feelings. Good company. Good food. (mostly…) The impending doom of the next day still looms, however. Is this what life is about? Pints and roses? Hmm…
Day 2: Moors, Memories, and Mild Panic
09:00 - Breakfast at The Crossways. (Praying for strong coffee and an absence of burnt toast.) Breakfast bar: Not bad. A bit of a queue, but that’s to be expected. Scrambled eggs. Sausage. All the usual suspects. The coffee, thankfully, was indeed STRONG. I think I needed it.
10:00 - North York Moors National Park (Taking a Deep Breath and Hoping I Don't Get Lost). This is the main event. The Moors. I’ve heard tales of their rugged beauty, their vastness. I feel like a tiny explorer sent to tackle this vastness. And here I am, standing at a crossroads, figuring out which way to go. Gorgeous. Absolutely stunning.
12:00 - Lunch at the Railway Cafe. A bit of an adventure, I have to admit. Needed a place to recharge my batteries. Sandwiches, cakes, and the best cup of tea I tasted for ages.
14:00 - Pickering Town Centre. The town is nice, quiet, and full of history. Browsed the shops, bought a postcard I won't send, generally enjoying the quaintness. The local people smile and are helpful. A proper taste of small-town England.
16:00 - Back to the hotel. Needed a quick rest.
19:00 - Dinner (Take 2). The restaurant was nice, once again. Different, really nice staff.
20:00 - Evening Drinks (Back at the Bar, Of Course). This feels like home now!
Day 3: Departure (and a Vow to Return, Eventually)
09:00 - Breakfast (Repeat of Day 2 - Fueling Up Before the Great Escape).
10:00 - Final Stroll Around the Hotel Grounds (Saying Goodbye to the Roses). One last look at the rose garden. I'm going to miss this place.
11:00 - Check-Out (With a Sigh of Relief, and Maybe a Secret Plan to Come Back). Farewell, Crossways. You were… an experience.
12:00 - Departure (Back to Reality, and the Dreaded M62).
Final Thoughts (AKA Random Ramblings of a Slightly Sleep-Deprived Traveler)
Pickering. The Crossways. The Moors. It's been… a journey. A bit messy, a bit wonderful, and definitely in need of multiple cups of coffee and a solid nap upon my return. The imperfections were part of the charm, the unexpected moments the best. Would I recommend it? Hell yes. Would I go back? Absolutely. But first, I need to go home and unpack my luggage, make a new plan, and wash all the socks.
Escape to Istanbul: The Row Taksim's Unforgettable Luxury
Crossways Hotel: Honestly? You've Got Questions, I've (Maybe) Got Answers - And We're Gonna Get Chatty About It.
1. Okay, First Things First: Is The Crossways Actually a "Hidden Gem" or Just, You Know, Another Hotel That Exists?
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" gets thrown around more than a frisbee at a dog park. But... *whispers* ... I think The Crossways kinda *is* one. At least, it *was* when I stumbled upon it last summer. I'm talking the kind of hidden that's less "secret society" and more "your cool Aunt Mildred's recommendation you'd never actually *look* for." It's tucked away, sure. Not exactly Disneyland, but... Look, I got *lost* trying to find a decent pub in the area first. That, in itself, felt like an adventure. If it makes you feel better, I called the number on the website and got put through to what sounded like a very, very patient elderly woman who gave me excellent, *detailed* directions.
2. What's The Vibe? Is It All Polished Silver and Stiff Upper Lips? Because, Eugh.
God, no! Thank goodness. I mean, it's got character, right? It's got... history. You can *feel* it. Not in a dusty, cobwebby way (mostly!). More like... a comfortable, slightly-worn armchair you just want to sink into with a good book and a decent whisky. Think cozy fireplaces, proper wooden furniture, and the kind of staff that are actually *genuinely* friendly. They remembered my name after, like, a day. That kind of stuff goes a LONG way. Okay, maybe a little bit of that *did* remind me of my Great Aunt Mildred's house. The *good* parts, though, not the weird smell she kept in the bathroom...
3. Let's Talk Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? Because My Knees Can't Handle Tiny.
Right, this is where I'm being honest. Some rooms, *definitely* not designed for giants. I'm not a giant, but my boyfriend... Bless him. He's got legs for days. We had a good laugh the first night trying to navigate around the bed. I'd say, if you're over 6ft, give them a call and *specifically* ask for a room with a bit more space. But, and this is the key, the *character* of the rooms… seriously. Thick curtains, antique furniture, the whole nine yards. Feel! It's just *there*. It's wonderful. Definitely more cozy than cramped. Just… check the legroom. And the shower pressure was AMAZING. Actually, that's important. I can't stand a weak shower. That's a dealbreaker, usually.
4. The Food. THE FOOD. What's The Deal? Because I Travel For Calories.
Okay, buckle up. The food… oh, the *food*. This is where The Crossways *really* shines, honestly. I’m not exaggerating. Their restaurant, The Yorkshire Rose (or whatever it’s called... I'm not great with names), is just... *chef's kiss*. They use local ingredients, and it's all cooked to absolute perfection. The first night I had a lamb shank that was falling-off-the-bone tender. Divine! Truly. The best I've ever had. Actually, I may have *dreamed* about it that night. The next morning, I ordered the FULL English, and it was... faultless. Proper bacon, perfect eggs… and a black pudding that didn't make me want to cry. Okay, maybe I teared up a little, they're just that good! I seriously considered never leaving the hotel. Food coma heaven, every single meal.
5. What's There To *Do* Though? I'm Not About Just Sitting Around, You Know? (Kinda Am, Though.)
Okay, so, Yorkshire. It's beautiful, right? Rolling hills, cute villages… all that jazz. You can hike, you can bike, you can visit historical sites (castles! ruins! more ruins!). The Crossways is a great base for exploring the area. I spent a day getting lost in the Yorkshire Dales – which was kind of terrifying, but also stunningly scenic. Then the next day I visited this little village with a *fantastic* bakery that smelled like heaven. And another one was spent just *reading a book*. I'm not gonna lie, after all that food, I spent quite a bit of time recovering in the hotel lounge, which had a beautiful view. You can tailor it to your energy levels, you know? I'd say it's perfect if you enjoy a nice mix of adventure and quiet time.
6. The Service? Tell Me It's Not All Snobby and Overpriced.
Nope. Thankfully. The staff are genuinely lovely. They seem to actually *care*. The lady who runs the place… or maybe it's the manager?… anyway, this woman was so *charming*. She remembered what my boyfriend and I liked to drink at breakfast. I think that's the best indicator, actually. If they care enough to remember the details, they're worth a second look. They were attentive without being intrusive. Always happy to help. I'd say it's worth the cost, especially for the food. Maybe I'm a bit of a sucker for good service, but it makes a big difference, right?
7. The Downsides! What Didn't You Like? Spill The Tea!
Alright, alright, the inevitable realism. The wifi... was a little spotty in my room. Not a dealbreaker for me (I was on *holiday*, after all!), but if you *need* to be glued to the internet, maybe bring your own portable router or something. And honestly, the decor is a little 'traditional'. Think floral patterns and lots of wood. Some might call it 'charming', some might call it 'Grandma's house'. But it's not really the kind of place to worry about, honestly. And the other thing? Leaving. Ugh. That was the worst part of the whole trip. I'm already planning my return. I’m serious, the chocolate brownies were too good to pass up. All the other negatives seemed to fade away.
8. Would You Recommend The Crossways? Be Honest!
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, yes! Look, it's not perfect. But it's got character, it's got charm, and it's got *amazing* food. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in a beautiful part of the country, this is a fantastic option. Just... order the lamb shank for me, okay? You won't regret it. And tell the staff I said hello! Okay, IPasteur Street Paradise: Your Dream Ho Chi Minh City Apartment Awaits!
Post a Comment for "Escape to Yorkshire's Hidden Gem: The Crossways Hotel Awaits!"