The Kings Head Hotel, Richmond, North Yorkshire

This is the 3rd consecutive time I have ordered using the online system whilst sitting outside. On each occasion I have waited for at least 10 mins and then had to go and queue at the bar for my order. My order was on the spike and ignored despite having taken my money. I will not be returning, the staff are indifferent bordering on rude. Also, outside table are full of dirty glasses and plates.

The Kings Head is a traditional English hotel in the historic centre of Richmond. The decor is fitting for a building of this age and the rooms have been tastefully upgraded to maintain the feeling of tradition. The bed was comfortable and the very modern bathroom is vast and relaxing, even having a rubber ducky! Breakfast was typical and a bit disjointed. I did feel that staff training would improve the whole ethos of the place, and was frustrated before coming as no one got back after 2 messages were left on the phone. There didn't appear to be anyone in charge or organising the place. Room 103 was really nice.

Visiting Richmond as part of a mini-break after a family gathering, we had booked into this hotel, purported to be the ‘best hotel in town’. Certainly the location is bang-on perfect, being right-on, and dominating, the centrally located market place. This three-storey Georgian building is Grade II listed and, as expected, there was no lift. We were told at reception that a lift could not be installed because of the hotel’s listed building status. This isn’t quite true, but the installation of lifts requires “Careful planning, and consideration to minimize disruption to the building's historical integrity”. Lifts however can be fitted in “less sensitive areas of the building, near secondary staircases or areas that have already been altered”. The adjoining property, to the right-hand-side of the front of the hotel, is partially annexed by the hotel for extra commercially-attractive guestrooms on the first and second floors. We know this because we were accommodated in a room in the eaves of this annexed property (the dormer windows were a dead-giveaway). Thus a lift could have been (and still could be) installed in this annexe; as that area is probably not listed, and anyway has already been substantially altered. I believe this is just a matter of cost, and (agreed) substantial costs there would be. Costs would include the loss of commercially valuable space, and the disruption to the business; so I get why there is no lift. The hotel boasts a quality restaurant, an attractive bar area and a deck in the front of the hotel. We had already made a dinner reservation at a local restaurant, so we only required breakfast here. There is limited private parking, at £10 per day, at the rear of the building with code-controlled barrier to discourage fly-parking. The room was very pleasant, warm, and well-appointed. There was a large floor area but, with the room being in the eaves, the usable space was limited. The WC and shower room was more than adequate. Sleep quality was good … eventually; initially we were disturbed by what appeared to be very drunk ‘20 somethings’ who were violently shouting at (and berating) one of their own party. Some of the language used was unnecessarily crude. Breakfast was taken and was well-above average, but as always the tea was far too weak and the bacon was overcooked for my tastes. All staff encountered were pleasant and very helpful.

Didn't stay went for a meal. Food.was ok nothing special, service very poor Food was delivered not asked if we want any condiments had to go and find somebody. We fancied a dessert waited 20 mins then went and asked for a menu told it would be brought over. Never arrived after 15 more minutes. Went to bar and asked for bill. Very poor service, not enough staff. Won't return.

This historic hotel is directly on the attractive cobbled market place, and within easy walking distance of everything in this lovely town. The public areas are well appointed and welcoming. Check-in was very easy and swift, as most of it was done online beforehand. Staff are friendly and helpful without exception. We didn't eat at the hotel, so can't comment on the dining experience. Our double room - at the back of the hotel, so it was quiet - was pleasant enough, and though it was a bit worn and tired round the edges, housekeeping clearly kept it in good order. The beds were comfy, good quality bedding, and we slept soundly. Nice hospitality tray, plus a Nespresso machine, and supplies were easily replenished either via reception or housekeeping. The bathroom was well equipped with plentiful supplies of excellent H2K products. There's ample storage in the room, but nowhere to hang outdoor coats etc, (door hooks would be an easy solution) and there was just one chair. The dressing table, in front of the window, was cluttered; we had to perch the kettle on the window sill, as the flex wouldn't reach from the plug to the table, and opening the curtains was a bit of a challenge. A mini-fridge would have been welcome and, I would say, expected for what we paid. On-site (gated) parking is £10.00. There are public car-parks which are cheaper, but less convenient. We stayed on a room only basis, and I would say that what we paid was at the top end of what the hotel is worth. Even so, we'd be happy to stay at the King's Head again, for sure.