Shipton Road, Skelton, United Kingdom | (618) 248-8274
Set on extensive
grounds surrounded by Yorkshire countryside
Some original Georgian features retained
Traditionally styled
restaurant open throughout the day
Free access to
nearby health club
Free parking
on-site
Free Wi-Fi
Meeting and event spaces
Small TVs in
rooms
Bathrooms are
dated
Rooms are chain-standard
Poor location for
exploring York
No spa or fitness
facilities on-site
The Mercure York
Fairfield Manor Hotel is a mid-range, 89-room chain hotel in an 18th-century manor
house off a busy road just outside York. While some of the property's original
features have been retained, it's mostly a homogenized chain hotel throughout.
The grounds are pleasant and the location convenient for those traveling by car, but
its far from ideal as a base for exploring York, whose historic center is more than a 10-minute drive away. Both rooms and rates are
pretty standard, so it's not a bad option for a stopover in the Yorkshire
countryside -- though not too much else. The hotel predominantly attracts business travelers and tour groups.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Georgian manor house with modern add-ons given the chain hotel treatment
Guests enter the Mercure
York Fairfield Manor Hotel under a weather-worn arched portico -- a modern and
slightly gauche addition to this Georgian manor house -- before passing rows of classical columns and entering the reception area. While there is plenty of
evidence of the building's 18th-century origins in such features as ornately
carved oak-wood paneling, balustrades, and doorways, the ambience is
that of a typical, mid-range chain hotel whose trappings haven't been
particularly well integrated into the period property. The hotel is surrounded
by six acres of private gardens -- mostly pleasant lawns, clusters of trees,
and a wooden bridge spanning a small stream -- enough for a short stroll around
the estate's ground. The hotel predominantly attracts business travelers and tour groups.
Location
Countryside setting off a busy road a 10-minute drive from York's center
The hotel is
located just off a busy road surrounded by green fields and countryside just
outside of the city of York. Over three miles from the center of
York, it's poorly positioned for those hoping to explore the picturesque
medieval city, although its roadside position does mean easy access by car to the
center in around 10 minutes. It's worth noting, however, that parking in York's historic center is hard to come by. Alternatively, there is a park-and-ride service a
few minutes' drive away to avoid taking a car into town. Poppleton
train station -- five minutes away by car -- also connects to York's central
station in four minutes. The hotel does have free parking.
Rooms
Standard chain-hotel style rooms with free Wi-Fi and dated bathrooms
The hotel's 89
rooms are divided between the original 18th-century manor house and the modern
wing; the decor and furnishing are a blend of traditional styles and more
contemporary touches with a chain-hotel feel (i.e. wooden furniture, patterned carpets, dated red chairs). Free Wi-Fi is available in
all rooms, and tea/coffee facilities and flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies
come standard -- though TVs are on the small side. Higher category rooms
also have Nespresso coffee machines, free movies, and bathrobes, while suites
go a bit further with four-poster beds. The tiled bathrooms, in particular, feel dated and
some are showing signs of poor maintenance; most have combination shower-tubs.
Features
Traditional restaurant, free access to nearby health club, and loan of wellies
A hot and cold
buffet breakfast is served each morning the hotel's traditionally styled Kilby's
Restaurant -- though only included with certain rates. A menu of British
classics, burgers, and grills are served for lunch and dinner, while a lounge
bar serves drinks until late. Guests have free access to a health club a
five-minute drive from the hotel, with pools, a spa, sauna, and steam room. For
those who fancy a stroll around the grounds and surrounding countryside, Wellington
boots are available to borrow at reception. Both Wi-Fi and parking are also available for free. The hotel also has meeting and event spaces.
