We stayed here for the 2 night New Year's Eve pack...

We stayed here for the 2 night New Year's Eve package this year (nights of the 31st and 1st).

Bedroom allocated was overlooking the new Spa complex they're building, which we were unhappy with given we'd booked and paid in full as soon as reservations opened. That said, the lady at reception was extraordinarily helpful, and rectified the matter forthwith, so as far as service recovery goes, it doesn't get much better than that.

We opted for the Black Tie Ball and dinner at Rudding Hall, which was absolutely the right option for us. Food was excellent, and whilst the portions were small, the ratio of meat/fish to everything else, meant it was more than enough to satiate our rumbling tums. Dining was communal, so we were sat on a table with 8 other guests, an experience that was made unforgettable owing to some extremely good company in the form of Bill and Mary next door. The band 'Checkmate' were absolutely on point, playing a good selection of classics through the ages, from a widereaching range of genres; seemingly everyone there knew nearly all of them.

Despite me and my partner being the youngest unaccompanied people there by quite some years (we're 24 and 32), and a slightly bizarre moment of realisation part way through the evening that my partner was the only non-white person (who wasn't staff) there, we didn't feel out of place one bit, and everyone we met and spoke with was an absolute pleasure to do so.

The New Year's Day Jazz Brunch was the only real disappointment. Yes, there was live Jazz playing, but it wasn't in the room we were seated in, so it was somewhat of a moot point for it to be so. The food itself was fine (although my other half's pancakes were described as being 'very chewy'), however we couldn't help but feel it was a needlessly expensive addition, offering the exact same dining options as the already brilliant (and inclusive in the overnight stay price) breakfast at the Clocktower, albeit served in another part of the hotel. Not at all worth the extra money; in our humble opinion at least.

Bad brunch option aside, the sumptuous accommodation, beautiful surroundings, friendly and attentive staff, and the New Year's Eve celebration itself (and Bill and Mary!), more than made up for it. We've really enjoyed our stay so far, and we will be coming back again. A very special treat indeed.