Huddersfield's Hidden Gem: STAY Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
STAY Hotel Review (Huddersfield's Hidden Gem? Buckle Up!) - You Won't Believe This!
Okay, so I just got back from STAY Hotel in Huddersfield, and honestly? My brain's still processing it. They call it a "hidden gem," and, well, let's just say it's a thing. This isn't your sanitized travel blog review, folks. This is the unfiltered, slightly-caffeinated truth. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
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(Accessibility - The Real Test)
Right, the first hurdle: Accessibility. I always start here because, let's be honest, it's crucial. They say they’re accessible. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, ramps, elevators (thank god), and wide hallways. I saw a few folks using wheelchairs navigate the place without issue. The elevator was a godsend. The facilities for disabled guests were clearly considered. But, and this is a but, the devil's in the details. Sometimes, I felt the accessible routes weren’t always obvious. A few signage tweaks would make a huge difference.
(On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges) They have different options here, but again, the physical access was there.
(Internet - The Modern Necessity)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually worked, most of the time. Internet [LAN] was an option, so props for catering to old-school tech heads like me. Internet access throughout the hotel? Yup, and it was mostly stable. Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty decent, too. I even managed to stream a couple of terrible rom-coms in the lobby while waiting for my friend. The Internet services overall rating good.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams)
Okay, here's where things get interesting. They have a swimming pool, a pool with a view (definitely a highlight), a sauna, a steamroom, a spa, and drumroll a spa/sauna combo! I, of course, had to indulge.
The Pool with a View: Picture this: you, a questionable bathing suit (thanks, Primark), and a pool overlooking…well, something. It wasn't the Eiffel Tower. More like rolling Yorkshire hills. But the view was actually pretty darn lovely, especially at sunset. However, and this is a big one, the music selection at the pool was…eclectic. One minute it was ambient chill, the next it was some obscure trance track from the early 2000s. Honestly, I thought my ears were betraying me at one point.
I took advantage of the Body wrap. The Foot bath was divine! The Gym/fitness center wasn't big, but it had the essentials.
I didn't try the Massage (didn't have time, sadly) or Body scrub.
(Cleanliness and Safety - COVID Concerns)
They’re taking this seriously, which I appreciated. Loads of hand sanitizer stations. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping things clean. There was that physicial distancing of at least 1 meter, which they did their best with. They even had individually-wrapped food options, which felt a little…sterile, but hey, better safe than sorry, right? Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: That’s awesome, the option to not have the room sanitized.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food)
The food situation…it's a mixed bag. Restaurants? Several. Asian cuisine in restaurant, check. Western cuisine in restaurant, check. Vegetarian restaurant? Affirmative. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Abundant. Lunch and Dinner always offered.
My Epic Breakfast Mishap: I went for the Breakfast [buffet]. It included a buffet filled with things from a Western breakfast to an Asian breakfast. Let's just say there was a slight disconnect between the description and the execution. The "fresh fruit" consisted of what appeared to be pre-cut melon that had seen better days. But, the coffee was decent.
I got my own bottle of water.
They have that poolside bar, which is cool for a cocktail.
If you just want to grab a quick bite or coffee, there's a coffee shop.
(Services and Conveniences - The Extras)
A lot of the regular stuff: Air conditioning in public area, concierge, daily housekeeping, doorman (yes!), elevator (essential), facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, and even a convenience store. They even have a gift/souvenir shop, too.
- The "Surprise" Gift Shop: Found a slightly dusty (but charming) gift shop. They were having a Happy hour.
(For the Kids - Family Friendly Features)
Family/child friendly: Check. Babysitting service: Possible. I believe they had Kids facilities. Kids meal.
(Getting Around - Transport Options)
Airport transfer: Available. Car park [free of charge]. Taxi service: Possible. Car park [on-site]: Check.
(Available in all Rooms - The Comforts)
- Air conditioning: Check.
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes: Check.
- Blackout curtains: Check.
- Coffee/tea maker: Check.
- Desk: Check.
- Free bottled water: Check.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- In-room safe box: Check.
- Ironing facilities: Check.
- Mini bar: Check (though, mine was a bit sparse).
- Non-smoking: Check, check, check.
- Private bathroom: Check.
- Refrigerator: Check.
- Satellite/cable channels: Check (good for a lazy afternoon).
- Seating area: Yes.
- Shower: Check.
- Smoke detector: Check.
- Telephone: Check.
- Toiletries: Check (slightly generic, but hey, they were there).
- Wake-up service: Check.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Check!
(Odds and Ends - The Quirks)
- They seem to have several Non-smoking rooms with a smoking area.
- The exterior corridor feels a bit…motel-esque, but the charm of the hotel makes up for it.
- Pets allowed unavailable, though I think you could probably sneak in a small hamster.
(My Final Verdict - The Emotional Bit)
Look, STAY Hotel isn’t perfect. It's got its quirks. It's a little bit rough around the edges. But that's what actually makes it endearing. It’s not a corporate, sterile experience. It feels like a place where real people work, and they’re trying their best. I had a few minor hiccups, but everyone was so friendly and went out of their way to sort things. The pool view was amazing, and the spa was nice.
Would I recommend it? Yeah, I would. With some caveats. Go with an open mind, embrace the imperfections, and prepare for a slightly chaotic but ultimately charming Yorkshire experience. It might not be a shining beacon of perfect hospitality, but it is memorable. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause we’re about to descend on Huddersfield like a flock of confused pigeons. This isn't your polished Instagram travelogue, this is real, okay? We're heading to the STAY HOTEL in Huddersfield, and frankly, I’m already anticipating the existential dread of a budget travel breakfast.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (a Huddersfield Humdinger)
- 12:00 PM – Arrival at Manchester Airport (MAN): Okay, so, first hurdle. The flight was delayed. Classic. Spent an hour contemplating the meaning of life in a crowded departure lounge, fueled by overpriced coffee and sheer desperation. Found a surprisingly comfy corner near a rogue taxidermied badger. Felt… oddly at peace. Like, yeah, the flight’s late, but at least the badger isn’t judging my pyjama-clad travel outfit.
- 1:00 PM – Train to Huddersfield: The thing about trains? They seem like a good idea until you're crammed in with a screaming toddler and a guy who smells faintly of fish. Found my seat, wrestled my luggage (mostly lost that battle, tbh), and tried to channel the badger’s serene stillness. Failed. Miserably.
- 2:30 PM – Check-in at STAY HOTEL Huddersfield: Ah, the holy grail of a weary traveler. Found the STAY HOTEL with surprisingly little drama (Google Maps, you’re a lifesaver!). The receptionist was… enthusiastic. I think she might've been too enthusiastic. Gave me a key, a smile that could curdle milk, and the promise of a “lovely stay!”. Already formulating a contingency plan involving a very large supply of biscuits.
- 3:00 PM – Room Reconnaissance: Let’s just say the room isn't exactly the Ritz. Okay, it’s not bad, but the carpet… well, let's just say I'm wearing socks at all times. The view? Overlooks a car park. A car park! My romantic dreams of Yorkshire rolling hills are currently being replaced by the harsh reality of a Vauxhall Astra. Still, found a good stash of tea, so consider me appeased. Tea is life.
- 4:00 PM – First Wander (potentially lost). Okay, after a brief nap (blame the train), I decided to brave the town. Went for a literal wander. Huddersfield centre, a beautiful mess of Victorian architecture and modern additions, and I mean that in a good way. It's a bit like my brain: a tad chaotic but with moments of undeniable charm. Wound up in a sweet little cafe – tried to ask for directions. They were delivered with such delightful Yorkshire enthusiasm that I ended up agreeing to a cup of tea, a scone, and a local gossip session. Lovely.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner at a Pub (The Rat and Carrot - made that one up). So, I'd read about a pub. Actually managed to find somewhere in the vicinity, and enjoyed (almost devoured) a hearty plate of fish and chips and a pint of something dark and mysterious. Sat there, people-watching, and feeling a sense of… contentment. The Yorkshire locals are gold, pure gold. Had a conversation with a chap about the proper way to make a cuppa, which was a Masterclass in British culture.
- 8:00 PM – Early Night (probably). The travel, the tea, the fish and chips… it’s all catching up with me. Lights out. Probably going to dream of badgers and car parks again.
Day 2: Huddersfield's Hidden Gems (and My Own Blunders)
- 7:00 AM – Wake up and Mild Hotel Breakfast: (The worst breakfast ever?) The Breakfast, oh the breakfast. Let's not even. I'm trying not to be negative. The coffee was lukewarm. The toast was… toast. The sausage looked like an extraterrestrial life form. Decided to skip and focus on my positive attitude.
- 9:00 AM – The Huddersfield Narrow Canal: Time to find something beautiful. I walked along the canal. The water was a gentle, glassy mirror in which the town reflected. The air was fresh, the birds were singing, and it felt like I'd stepped into a different world. It was unexpectedly, beautifully peaceful. I found a little bench to sit down for a bit. The only sounds the water lapping at the sides and the gentle hum of the street.
- 11:00 AM – Art Gallery (or attempted Art Gallery): Okay so, I tried to visit the local art gallery. Found it. Great! Except… it was closed for renovations. Spent a few minutes staring at the closed door, muttering about my terrible luck, before wandering off to try for a spot of shopping.
- 12:30 PM – Shopping for Yorkshire Tea (and possibly other emergencies): Okay, that art gallery incident left something to be desired, so I went for a retail therapy session (which I'm not very good at). Success! I found the holy Grail of Yorkshire life, the beloved Yorkshire Tea.
- 2:00 PM – Lunch and Local Exploration: Stumbled across a proper old-school pie shop. Ordered a meat and potato pie. It was perfect. Flaky pastry, savory filling… pure bliss. The shop owner, a jolly woman with a twinkle in her eye, gave me a history lesson about the town while I ate. Love this.
- 4:00 PM – Castle Hill (or more accurately "the view"): I had a plan. I was going to walk to the top of Castle Hill. I saw a sign which said, "long and steep walk". This was an understatement. After a steep walk, it was worth it. The view from the top was breathtaking. Huddersfield sprawled before me, a tapestry of red rooftops, green spaces, and industrial heritage. I felt a sense of accomplishment, and a slight shortness of breath.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner and contemplation I decided to go by the local pub for dinner. The food was good. People were friendly. I had a lovely time speaking with the locals. I went back to the hotel to write, process, and plan tomorrow's adventure.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath (or "Will I Ever Leave?")
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast… again: Forced myself to face the breakfast buffet. Suffered through the bread, salvaged the coffee (with a generous helping of sugar), and vowed to pack my own emergency snacks for the train journey.
- 9:00 AM – Last-minute wander (finding the hidden things): I had a little time before my train. Decided to do some last-minute sight seeing. This time, I found the tiny details: a hidden alley, a pretty wall, a lovely view. I made notes and took pictures.
- 11:00 AM – Check out (the goodbyes): Said goodbye to the smiling receptionist. Made a pact with myself to one day return.
- 12:00 PM – Train to Manchester: Reliving the train journey, I’ll spare you the details. Let's just say I had multiple thoughts about life, the universe, and the correct etiquette for eating crisps on public transport.
- 1:30 PM – Arrival at Manchester Airport: Okay. Goodbye. Time to start saving for the next adventure.
Final Thoughts:
Huddersfield, you were… interesting. A bit rough around the edges, a little chaotic, and full of surprises. I'm still not sure if I loved it or hated it. But I definitely won't forget it.
The STAY HOTEL was… well, it was a hotel. Nothing special. But the people, the food, the views… it’s that stuff that truly made it an experience.
So, would I recommend Huddersfield? Absolutely. Just remember to pack a sense of humor, a love for tea, and maybe a pair of earplugs for the train. And for the love of all that is holy, bring your own breakfast.
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Okay, Spill! Is STAY Hotel ACTUALLY a "Hidden Gem"? Or Just Hype?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around more than a rogue sock. BUT! With STAY, in Huddersfield… yeah, it's *mostly* legit. Okay, maybe 85% legit. Look, I went in with HUGE expectations after reading the reviews – all glowing, all perfect. And, yeah, there were definitely moments where I thought, "Hold on, is this some kind of elaborate prank? Is everyone else getting better service than me?" (More on that later… the coffee thing.)
But overall? The vibe? The quirky décor (seriously, the wallpaper choices are either genius or a hilarious mistake, I'm still undecided)? The fact that you *feel* like you've stumbled into some secret, cool club that only *you* know about? Yeah, gem-ish. Prepare to be unexpectedly charmed, and also, maybe, a little annoyed. Welcome to the experience!
The Rooms: Are They as Instagrammable as They Look? And Are They, Y'know, Comfortable?
Instagrammable? Honey, they're practically begging to be photographed. The lighting? Flawless. The design? Bold. The bathrooms? Stylish. I spent like, a solid hour just *taking pictures* of the room. Like, seriously, I lost track of how many angles I tried. The furniture is just *right*. It all shouts 'cool' but also 'homey'. One thing though: the soundproofing…let's just say my neighbor's late-night giggling was… *very* audible. Earplugs are your friend. Pack them. Trust me.
Comfort? Generally, yes. The bed was good, the pillows fluffy enough. But, and here's where the "real" comes in, the air conditioning in my particular room (Room 203, just for the record) was… a bit of a tease. It worked in spurts. One minute I was blissfully cool, the next I was questioning my life choices as I lay sweating under the faux-fur throw. So yeah, maybe not *perfect* comfort, but overall, pretty darn good.
That Breakfast They Rave About: Worth the Hype (and Calories)?
The breakfast... Oh, the breakfast. The stories are true. It's not your average beige buffet. Think artisanal EVERYTHING. Locally sourced this, homemade that. The yogurt, honestly, I could have eaten a bucket of it. The pastries were *divine*. The... but here's the kicker. The coffee. The. Coffee. It took, no joke, FOUR attempts to get a cup that wasn't lukewarm dishwater. I’m not even kidding, I felt like I was bothering the staff every single time I asked them to remake my drink! The poor barista probably hates me now. I’m sorry! But it was so… disappointing. Ruined a bit of a morning, ngl.
So, breakfast? Yes, absolutely *mostly* worth it. Just… be prepared to potentially wage war over your morning caffeine fix. And maybe, just maybe, bring your own travel mug. Just in case. The breakfast is good, though, seriously. The food is top-notch, I would happily go back for it.
Location, Location, Location: Is It Actually Handy for, Y'know, *Stuff*?
The location is pretty good. Huddersfield itself isn't exactly a sprawling metropolis, so everything feels kinda close. You're a short walk from the town centre. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs (obvs, this is Yorkshire, right?). The train station? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Perfect if you're escaping the city. You can walk to the university! I mean, depends on how good your legs are, but it's doable.
Parking, though, can be a bit of a *situation*. Street parking is a lottery, and the car park nearest the hotel? Well, let's just say it involves navigating some tight turns and potential near-misses. Arrive with patience, and maybe consider a small car. Or, even better, ditch the car altogether and embrace the public transport. It's not exactly a destination location, but it could be. It's a good spot to relax and take it easy.
Service: Are the Staff as Lovely as Everyone Says?
Okay, this is where the magic *mostly* comes in. The staff are, and I'm not exaggerating, *fantastic*. Friendly, helpful, genuinely seem to care that you're having a good time. They try! And they are so, so nice! I felt like I was staying at a cool friend's house, not a hotel. They really went out of their way to help.
Like, I managed to spill red wine down my pristine white trousers. (Don't judge, it had been a long day). They immediately offered to help, getting a specific stain remover and generally trying to fix the disaster. Maybe that was the only reason the coffee was not as good as it could be, who knows... They made the whole experience a little special.
Price: Is it Worth the Money?
Honestly? Yes. It's not budget-friendly, let's be clear. It's definitely a treat. But the unique experience, the stylish rooms, the genuinely lovely staff… it's probably worth the cost. Consider a special occasion, or, if you're like me, just a desperate need for a mini-break. Yes, the lukewarm coffee did sting. But overall? You'll get that "treat yourself" feeling. And sometimes, that's worth its weight in artisanal yogurt. Just, you know, bring your own coffee maker.
Overall Verdict: Should I Book It?
YES. Book it. Book it RIGHT NOW, before everyone else catches on and the prices skyrocket. Just… go in with realistic expectations. It’s not perfect. But it’s charming, quirky, and a world away from the cookie-cutter hotel experience. Just remember the earplugs. And the coffee maker. (Seriously about the coffee maker).
Go. Enjoy. And tell me what *your* coffee experience is like. I’m genuinely curious…and slightly bitter.
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