Macdonald Gisborough Hall

A delightful 4 star hotel, with comfortable spacious rooms, well equipped bathrooms and 2 restaurants . Set in a few acres of wooded land there is ample parking, and outside seating in summer . greeted well in reception and we chose a woodland king room . There is NO safe. The dressing table had 2 surface sockets for hair dryers and other equipment . No scrabbling around on the floor here looking for an electric outlet. The bathroom had a bath, power shower and an illuminated vanity mirror. The hotel is vast and we did have a route march from reception to our room. That didn't bother us , but if you aren't very mobile , there is a lift and help offered if needed. Breakfast is ample and nicely served. Viennoiserie , toast, jams, fresh fruit , some frozen berries, cooked breakfast and 4 egg styles. Dinner is either taken in Chaloner's restaurant which is a more formal dining experience or in the Bistro Grill. We were on D,B+B, basis and the evening menu was varied and interesting . It alternated menu 1 followed by menu 2 . Well prepared entrées , scallop and chorizo, stilton and broccoli soup infused with dill oil, and on the side beautiful home made bread, white , brown, cheese and pesto, delicious. Main course guinea fowl , rump steak, chicken, pork tenderloin, and 2 veggie options , pasta I think . Chef majors on the protein, Your plate will not contain a mountain of sides nor vegetables. This is crafted cuisine and delicious . Deserts aren't their strong point but there is a cheese option . Yorkshire rhubarb was a tiny sample cooked al dente, with ginger powder and a slice of pre-prepared meringue. It could have been so much better. Finally the so called petit fours to go with coffee are just tiny pieces of sliced fudge. That was a little disappointing , but over all, we spent 3 nights, being beautifully served, drinking good quality mid range wines, and feeing very satisfied . The Grill is a cosy place, less formal and with an excellent choice of foods for all the family . Pizza, steaks, Mac' and cheese, grilled salmon, sea bass, suitable to take young children , maybe more appropriate than Challoner's . There is a bar in the Grill, where you can chill out. I must just mention Carmen our MaitreD who was mature beyond her years. Polite, agreeable, knowledgeable about the wines she was selling /serving, and who went the extra mile for my wife and me . Very well trained. All of the serving staff were delightful, ready smiles and helpful.

A well appointed country house hotel set in extensive grounds in a quiet part of the country but very accessible to major roads to explore the area. We had a superior double room on the first floor with views over the grounds, located within a short step from the lift but without any noise problems from it. The room was very large with comfortable bed and additional seating and had the usual tea and coffee station disguised in a cabinet housing the TV. A nice touch was that the biscuits were replaced daily. The bathroom was spacious and contained both a bath and walk in shower and towels could be changed daily if required, We had good quality evening meals in both the restaurants and a satisfying breakfast which was part buffet and part staff service. Level of service from both senior and junior staff(under tuition) was of the highest quality. The average age of the clientele gave an impression that it was frequently revisited, a recommendation on its own.

Room 224 with a small window but an extensive view. Two armchairs and a desk chair. The duvet had to be jettisoned because far too bulky. It was during the first heatwave. I slept under one of the bathrobes provided. Sufficient sockets. There was a fan. Excellent shower. I had already eaten and left early so never left the room. I would have liked to stay longer.