The Hotel du Vin brand is one that has long been known for its flair for blending olde world charm with contemporary flair, and guests at any of its famous hotels across the UK will know that indulgent breaks that are steeped in luxury are what it does best.
And now, things are being taken to a new level of opulence thanks to a major refurbishment project that is breathing new life into the guestrooms at each of its 19 UK-based properties, with Hotel du Vin York the subject of the most recent makeover and having undergone an impressive £900,000 upgrade this spring.
Marking the halfway point of the brand’s ambitious revitalisation plans, the fact that it was was money well spent in undeniable, because the project has made the hotel one of the finest luxury hotels in the city, competing with the likes of Gray’s Courtyard, The Grand and Middlethorpe Hall and Spa to offer one of the very best high-end stays in York.
Given a new lease of life for 2024 and beyond, fresh modern touches have been combined with the building’s classic sense of luxury, and the results are rather impressive indeed.
Spearheaded by acclaimed designer Anita Rosato, who is also leading the wider refurbishment project, the Hotel du Vin York upgrade is the perfect example of her flair for seamlessly blending local heritage with contemporary charm to perfectly showcase the brand’s eclectic signature style. Inspired by landmarks like York Minster and the Medieval Shambles, the design features bold patterns and vibrant colours from Manuel Canovas, Caamance, and Schumacher, alongside upcycled furniture and new French farmhouse and British-made pieces.
I recently checked into one of the hotel’s newly revitalised Junior Suites (De Trafford) for a couple of nights to experience it first hand, and was met with the much-loved classic low beamed ceilings that whisk you back to times gone by, but new muted greens injected a fresh and contemporary vibe into the space.
Two striking new colour schemes have been implemented across the newly made-over rooms – first comprising russet, oranges and muted pinks, and the second combining vivid leaf green, lime, and celadon – both paired with dark wood furniture to create a distinctive look that exudes opulence, and my room exemplified the latter.
While the carpet was neutral toned, the walls were a light sage hue and other verdant accents such as a throw on the bed and a comfortable green and white floral sofa gave a sense of the outdoors having been brought indoors, all coming together to help create a really calming and relaxing atmosphere that serves as the perfect backdrop for an indulgent weekend escape.
In the bathroom, intricate tiling on the floor was juxtaposed with simple white, modern brick-effect tiling on the walls, with a spacious walk-in shower. A free-standing bath tub took pride of place in the room itself, allowing you to soak away the stresses and strains of modern life whilst watching the large flat-screen TV or simply keeping your travel companion company.
In all, it was the same Hotel du Vin luxury we know and love, but with a fresher and more uplifting feel, making it easy to see why rooms are now booking up even further in advance.
According to Matt Strawford, general manager at Hotel du Vin York: “The refurbishment is a proud moment for us, breathing new life into the hotel while preserving its impressive 19th-century features.”
He says: “It’s incredibly rewarding to manage a hotel that holds such significance for our guests and the local community. We’re thrilled to offer a refreshed and inviting space that continues to reflect our commitment to exceptional hospitality.”
As the brand approaches its 30th anniversary, the wider Hotel du Vin refurbishment project is a celebration of the distinct character of each property whilst weaving a golden thread that embodies the brand’s signature style.
Since its inception four years ago, the brand’s revitalisation initiative has seen new life breathed into ten Hotel du Vin properties and 465 one-of-a-kind bedrooms, with a £9 million investment already made and plenty more to come.
In an initiative set to redefine the guest experience by honouring each hotel’s unique history, architecture, and location, the project began at One Devonshire Gardens – a collection of five grand 1870s townhouses in Glasgow’s West End – where a vibrant design inspired by the hotel’s extensive wine cellar and nearby Botanical Gardens incorporated both rich and floral colours to bring this luxurious property bang up to date.
Next up was Hotel du Vin Poole, which was originally built in 1776 as the ‘Mansion House’ to reflect its nautical past and Georgian structure, and was given a makeover inspired by its coastal location, with Sanderson nautical beach hut wallpaper and calming colour schemes infusing it with an instant seaside feel.
At Hotel du Vin Cheltenham – a property that stands out thanks to its striking Regency architecture – the new look features interiors inspired by idyllic countryside living, including decoupage wallcoverings with English antique prints and Mulberry Home’s contemporary flying duck design.
And plans are also already afoot to begin renovations at the old Sugar House in Bristol and Cannizaro House in Wimbledon before the end of the year.
Scott Harper, COO at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, said: “Elevating the quality of our hotels underscores our dedication to enhancing guest experience. With the new design concepts carefully preserving each building’s history, we aim to strengthen our connections within the local communities in which we operate. As we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary, we continue to prioritise leading the way in the UK lifestyle hotel sector, consistently setting new standards of excellence across the hospitality industry.”
Designer Anita Rosato, of Anita Rosato Limited, has also expressed excitement at her role in the project and the results achieved so far.
She said: “I am incredibly lucky to have the unwavering support of the development team at Hotel du Vin,” she says. “Even though the work we do can be quite complex and challenging, we manage to find ways to have fun with it. Given the unique historic nature and structure of the buildings we work with, there is a tremendous amount of work expended to ensure that each room is preserved and presented in the best possible light, with no two rooms ever quite the same.
“The recent refurbishment of Hotel du Vin York was particularly special, as we drew inspiration from iconic local landmarks, blending the building’s rich history with vibrant, contemporary design elements to create something both fun and fabulous. It was a joy to enhance a space that holds such local significance.”
In addition to the guestroom revitalisation, the bars and bistros at Birmingham, Bristol City, and Exeter were also significantly refurbished in 2023, bringing the total investment to date to £11.5 million. To further celebrate the brand’s commitment to excellence and its 30th anniversary, Bistro du Vin is offering a special, limited-edition three-course menu for just £30, featuring timeless favourites from Bistro du Vin menus of the past and showcasing classic dishes that have delighted guests over a rich three decade history.
It’s another nod to the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences, which is at the very heart and soul of Bistro du Vin – and a must try for foodies across the country.
Factbox
Address: 89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX
Phone: 01904 405260
Website: hotelduvin.com/locations/york/
All imagery credit: Hotel du Vin
