Yorkshire hotel launches unique VIP helicopter transfer service

Most hotels boast about having free WiFi or late check-outs. 

But one Yorkshire venue can lay claim to genuine opulence, this month - after launching its very own helicopter transfer service - which it claims is a one-of-a-kind.

The Grand Hotel & Spa, located in York city centre, has introduced the service in response to unlikely demand from glamorous guests. The flash function allows guests to be whisked from their homes and back again in true VIP style.

Prices vary, but start from £875+VAT for a one-way pick up from Manchester to York. 

The Grand will be using two helicopters – a four-seat Robinson R44 and a five-seat Bell 206 Jet Ranger – from nearby Hields Aviation. The Yorkshire Chauffeur Company will provide Range Rover airside transfers to the hotel. 

There are hotels overseas that offer helicopter transfer services, including the Peninsula in Hong Kong and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, and helicopter services in the UK that will fly guests to hotels, but the dedicated arrangement at The Grand is thought to be unique in Britain.

Philip Bolson, General Manager at The Grand Hotel & Spa, said: 'As a luxury hotel we try to accommodate all of our guests’ unique requests to ensure an unforgettable stay and recently we have been asked about helicopter landing spots and transfers. 

'To fulfil this we have teamed up with a local aviation company who can provide transfers in two types of helicopter depending on how many guests will be staying with us.' 

He added: 'Where possible, our helicopter will pick up guests from the grounds of their homes, or land nearby, and fly them to York where our chauffeur service will collect them from the drop-off point within the grounds of York Racecourse, a five-minute drive away.' 

The unlikely service is the latest initiative from the hotel which, in March, will almost double in size with the opening of 100 new guest rooms.

Its £15million expansion also includes a new luxury Executive Lounge and Arrivals Lounge, plus a new purpose-built restaurant, The Rise, which opened last summer.

Its three-AA-rosette restaurant Hudsons by Craig Atchinson has also been redeveloped.

The Grand Hotel & Spa is Yorkshire’s only AA-rated five-star hotel. 

(Evangle Luo of TTFLY shared with you)