On toddler time

Not yet two, Felix travelled free on our Easter holiday to Los Angeles – but the catch was he had no seat. More hyperactive puppy than docile baby, he spent the entire long-haul flight trying to wriggle out of our grasp. Eight-year-old Maisy, on the other hand, watched Frozen three times in a row, oblivious to the mayhem her brother was causing.

So, still mentally a little scarred, we were excited about having an overnight stay in York. It may only be an hour away from our home but for Maisy, the thrill of staying in a hotel, no matter where it is, cannot be topped.

The four-star Mercure York Fairfield Manor is an 18th Century Georgian manor house set in its own grounds. I was optimistic, but inside the front lobby my heart sank. It was oldfashioned, but not in a good way.

The sprawling lounge had lots of different seating areas, but the tired décor did not do justice to the building’s heritage. The sweeping oak staircase leading up to our bedrooms though was a gem and did give the place some atmosphere.

Although not ideal with two young children, we were given two luxurious suites along a corridor from each other, complete with four-poster beds, rolltop baths and separate lounges. I liked the coffee maker whereas Felix was captivated by the bidet.

We were eager to head straight into York centre, three miles away. The friendly reception staff directed us to the Park & Ride, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, but we hopped on a bus just outside, costing about £8 return, which dropped us off just outside the city walls.

I had been hoping for a day of culture but, as our jaunts are still ruled by the sleeping pattern of our youngest, those notions quickly went out the window.

Instead we did what we like to do most in York – a mooch around the shops, punctuated by detours into several of its quirky pubs.

With its bright lighting, tables set out in regimented rows and uninspiring interior, Kilby’s, the hotel’s restaurant, lacked charm but our waiter was helpful and brought us a colouring book.

I started with brie and red onion marmalade crostini followed by chicken in a creamy white sauce while Matthew had soup and chicken Wellington.

Maisy opted for nachos with cheese and sausage and mash.

The food was adequate, but a bit bland.

After putting Felix to sleep in his cot, we watched an hour of television in the suite he shared with his dad before Maisy and I retired to our lovely girls’ room and it was lights out by 9.30pm.

We all slept brilliantly, so well in fact that we were back downstairs in the restaurant on Sunday morning ready to tuck into breakfast with a room full of pensioners at 8.30am.

There was information on the website, which I didn’t see advertised in the hotel, that guests had free use of the facilities at the nearby Roko Health Club so we had fun in its pool for an hour.

The hotel is a good option for those wanting a base to work or play in York but, for us, it did not make a splash.

Travel facts

Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel
Tel: 08448-159-038
Email: info@mercureyork.co.uk
Visit: mercureyork.co.uk