Situated right on the market square, the hotel is easy to find and has fine views across the market square and, to the back, out toward the ruins of Helmsley Castle - which is definitely worth checking out, as are the many other National Trust and English Heritage sites within a short drive of the town. Check-in was nice and easy and with the breakfast choices made for the following morning, it's off up the stairs to comfortable, spacious rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, decent sized TV and a WC/shower room. Slept like a log. Everyone really friendly, rooms spotlessly clean and a MONSTER breakfast to set you up for the day. Will definitely return and stay a couple of nights next time.

Absolutely nothing at all.

Location - right in the middle of Helmsley Town Square; Facilities in our room - tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc; lovely comfy bed; fluffy towels; room nice and clean; staff very pleasant and friendly; a wood burning stove in the bar; lovely evening meals on both nights of our stay

There was a mix up with our reservation- we booked through Booking.com - they stated breakfast was included and we have this in writing- the Royal Oak stated that it was definitely not included ! So - we paid for our breakfast - very nice too ! We will be taking up the issue with Booking.com and will be seeking a refund for our extra costs. Not the fault of the Royal Oak - but I would advise anyone using Booking. com to make sure what is included/not included.

Lovely well furnished clean spacious rooms. Refurbished bathrooms. Loads of hot water. Comfy beds. All staff lovely. Breakfast exceptional. Excellent location.

You can ask for rooms to be serviced. But ideally beds should be made each day and dirty cups rinsed without asking. Bedding was clean but very crumpled and ought to be ironed.

Warm welcoming staff with just the right demeanor. Homely environment with pleasant atmosphere. Very comfortable bed, with clean crisp linen.

A few hairs in plug hole, which might be an issue for other guests. Could have used more coffees in the room, but I'm sure they would have been readily provided if I had felt this strongly enough to ask

Room was comfortable with lovely view of the castle. Great location.

The room was lovely and warm but the bathroom was always cold. Also whenever anyone turned on their bathroom light in the rest of the hotel, it would echo as if you were in the same room. I had a very restless sleep because i was being woken up by the loud crack everytime someone turned their bathroom light on.

Appreciated the manager carrying our cases up the stairs to our bedroom. Breakfast was cooked fresh. Loved how all the surrounding shops had hanging baskets and pots full of flowering summer plants.

Bed was too soft and shower was slow to drain water away.

Lovely cooked breakfast. Spacious room that looked right out onto the square. Very friendly staff.

Only 1 criticism. We were in room 1 and the bed was very uncomfortable. I think it was that the mattress was too thin. You could feel the wooden base. Staff tried to help with a duvet to go under the base sheet. It didn't help. The bed just needs replacing.

There were walks on the doorstep. They allowed the dog The breakfast was excellent, cooked to perfection and served on time Cotton wool buds in the bathroom was a nice touch

Very little Maybe put shower caps in the bathroom

Very good location - less than 5 min from the castle. The room was clean, with all facilities as described, beautiful bathroom with bath where you feel like at home. In the same building downstairs is a pub where you can order food and drinks.

Nice, big, airy rooms, in a perfect location. Everyone was very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Also a great place to have a drink - friendly local atmosphere and a well looked after cellar.

There wasn’t I didn’t like - thanks to Mark and his wonderful staff.