Recently returned from our second visit to this small market town centre hotel. The location is central and as such rooms facing the street in front of the hotel can be a bit noisy weekend nights. the modern rooms in buildings at the back are much more quiet.
We stayed in the contemporary suite, notable for having a bath in the sitting area downstairs, a great double shower in a wet-room off, and bedroom upstairs.
The staff were all very friendly and helpful, though we were late arriving we were still greeted warmly and invited to have dinner before being taken to our room.
The food here is very good local produce, cooked with flair and sympathy although I'm not sure how local the Tuna was? But my rare Tuna steak actually was! A rare thing in the UK, so many places overcook.
I have just two small gripes; I like my coffee decaf, here they brew these individually which takes too long. If i indulged in caffeine I would get a jug, why can't I have my decaf in a jug? Guess I'm just intolerant in the mornings!
Secondly please get larger tables in the dining room. Some of the tables are too small. Staff were constantly juggling things around to make it all fit.
Small gripes that in no way detract from a wonderful stay. We will return

EXCELLENT!!!!
What more can I say?

From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome and at home.

The room was perfect, superb attention to minute detail.

We will be back soon - with the in-laws next time!!!

As a treat my boyfriend wanted to take me away for a weekend; anywhere I liked. The only criteria was that we had to combine lovely countryside walks with some rest and relaxation. The latter is particularly important to my partner since he runs his own successful but demanding business and he usually works incredibly long hours during the week.
After literally two hours spent scouring the internet for ideal places, I booked The White Swan. The internet description sounded very appealing with its '... wonderfully comfortable rooms' and a restaurant '...which is known for its fantastic food...'
When I booked the hotel over the telephone I was satisfied in the knowledge that our room was not a contemporary one but that it had been recently refurbished and that most of the rooms had flat screen plasmas...
When we were shown to our room upon arrival, the first thing that hit us was the unbearable heat. The second was how tiny and cramped the room was (a lot smaller than my bedroom at home). The tv was a colour portable and the DVD player did not work. Admittedly the bathroom was nice but the rest of the decor was below average (we later found out that we were misinformed and that the room is still due to be refurbished).
Upon booking, the lady on reception had told me that the hotel's restaurant was considered one of the best places to eat in Pickering. However, my boyfriend's starter appeared slightly undercooked and my main course was luke warm. I did bring it to the attention of the waitress who took it back to warm it up. Second time round the meal was no better, but by this time my boyfriend had finished his meal and I didn't want to complain again. The one highlight of the dining experience was the sticky toffee pudding.
We had a very restless night (with the window wide open and the radiator turned off) due to the room being like furnace and what with the incessant coughing from the guest next door, I felt far from refreshed and relaxed upon waking on Sunday morning.
Breakfast was very average. There was no tomato ketchup (essential for a traditional cooked breakfast!!), only a spicy salsa, and the large pot of tea for two was dismal (there was only one tea bag).
We regularly stay at some lovely hotels and have even paid less at The Lowry (one of Manchester's best hotels) for a far superior room. This room wasn't even up to the standard of some budget hotels that we have stayed at in the past.
Don't be fooled by the hotel's boast - 'if you are not delighted with your stay or your food and you let us know at the time we will offer you a no quibble, no catches full refund.' We were offered the room at half the price and had a reduction on our restaurant bill, but that doesn't make up for cold food and a sleepless night, particularly when our weekends are so precious.

My wife booked a three night break at the White Swan while we were having some work done at home. After we had booked we saw one very poor review here on TripAdviser which concerned us.

We had one of the superior contemporay rooms at the rear of the hotel and it was superb. A very good sized room, excellent bed, fantastic bathroom and beautifully decorated.

The staff were very well trained, helpful & attentive without being at all intrusive. We ate in the hotel on the first night and we enjoyed our food but we ate elsewhere on the other two nights. Breakfast was wonderful. We enjoyed the residents lounge/clubroom with TV's, pool table, honesty bar, complimentary coffee.

We liked Pickering and the general area and we would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to anyone.

PS Don't be afraid to ask for a deal, we were initially quoted the full rate (which is quite expensive). The next day I noticed some deals on the internet and they were happy to match the cost which was a considerable saving.