Review of Middlethorpe Hall and Spa, York

Middlethorpe Hotel and Spa, York - 3 bubbles

A Good Spa Guide reviewer was in foodie heaven at this country house hotel. The small spa just couldn't compete with the gourmet food menu but she loved her Espa treatment!

First impressions?

How did they welcome you?

What happens next?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

How did you feel afterwards?

Long-term effects

Was it worth it?

What else could you have?

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

Any special features?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

A beautifully restored 17th century country house with huge windows on each floor overlooking the gardens. It would have been built well out in the country originally, but now it is quite close to houses and not far off the motorway. It's still tucked away on a quiet lane, though you tend to hear traffic noise out in the gardens.

How did they welcome you?

By name! We drew up to unload and the young porter came straight out greeting us with 'You must be...' He took our bags and ushered us in. A nice touch. The inside of the house is as lovely as the outside; it's old and and authentic, complete with a huge creaking staircase.

What happens next?

We were shown up to our room in the main house, a lovely room overlooking the garden with a huge comfy bed but also all mod cons - TV, stereo and internet access.

We went for a walk to explore the gardens and find the spa which is tucked away in the grounds. This is a pocket handkerchief of a spa, housed in a couple of cottages. You walk up the cottage path and in through the front door and 'tardis like' the pair of cottages have been opened up into a seating area, reception, and changing rooms. Through a large glass window you can see the pool where there is a sauna and steam room, and the gym is at the bottom of the garden - and I thought only fairies lived there! Thankfully there is a covered walkway to get there, so you don't have to get dressed.

We felt ready for tea then and sat in one of several lovely lounges, complete with squashy sofas, log fires and coffee tables laden with glossy magazines. We felt pampered already and we hadn't tackled the excellent dinner menu yet... more of that later!

Which treatments did you have?

The next morning I went over to the spa for my Espa Back Neck and Face Treatment. I filled in my medical form and my therapist took me upstairs to the treatment room. The staircase is very steep, as old cottage staircases tend to be, so beware of booking in your aged aunt. The treatment rooms are light and airy, and a good size.

What were the treatments like?

I was asked to choose the oils that suited me by smelling them, and then I got a back cleanse and massage, a neck massage and a really good facial.

Helen had healing hands. She found all the spots that were causing me stiffness and worked away at them. I became putty-like and almost dropped off to sleep... I was awakened by the sound of the rubbish lorry backing down the lane outside, which was a bit jarring.

Apart from this it was the perfect treatment, with the perfect therapist. I wanted to kidnap Helen and take her home so she could massage my neck each morning!

How did you feel afterwards?

Very relaxed and laid back. I could have done with a lie down but the sofas in the waiting area didn't seem like the best place for a snooze and while there are relaxer chairs by the pool it's a bit dark and noisy there. You had to get dressed to go back to the hotel, but there I took my pick of comfortable seats, and indulged myself with reading magazines while attentive waiters popped in to see if I need anything. Of course they may just have been checking I hadn't fallen asleep and started snoring, but if they were they covered it up well.

Long-term effects

I daresay if I really could drink all that water Helen reminded me to drink, and have that massage at least once a week, I would notice a real difference long term. But I was glad to feel relaxed and my skin looked much better than it has for ages... so I was grateful for the short-term effects.

Was it worth it?

As a weekend break with a very nice treatment thrown in - yes. As a spa break, probably not. The spa at Middlethorpe is an addition to the main house, and most people come here for the lovely food, excellent service and delightful surroundings.

What else could you have?

Middlethorpe offers Espa, Clarins and Caci treatments for body and face, plus St Tropez Bronzing Treatments and Jessica for manicures and pedicures.

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

That the spa is separate from the house so I wouldn't be able to drift around in a robe. That the house and my room were so lovely and comfortable - I would have stayed longer!

Any special features?

The food, did I mention the food? And yes... how about the food!

Who do you think would like it?

Foodies who are also spa addicts... well, that sums me up! The food at Middlethorpe is brilliant; this is a chef well on his way to a Michelin star. All the food is fresh and local. A wonderful choice of wines as well... I had to reign in my husband when it came to choosing the wine. Middlethorpe is good for a whole range of people; while we were there, a family group were celebrating a birthday; a mother and daughter were having a bonding weekend away; the couple at the next table were obviously newly in love and spending their first romantic weekend together (aah!); and several couples were enjoying the house, the grounds, the spa... and the food.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Middlethorpe 3 bubbles just because it's quite small and cramped, and not the sort of spa you would linger in. The changing rooms are quite basic, and the pool is rather dark and with little space around the edges to sit. They have made the best they can given the space they have, but MIddlethorpe is a spa to visit for a treatment and a swim rather than while the day away.

See more on how we rate the spas