My wife and I stayed at Monk Fryston with our dog for 2 nights last week. We were in room 6 which is upstairs and overlooks the extensive gardens. It was quite a large room with separate bathroom and it more than suited our needs. The decor is a bit faded and, as has been noted by other contributors, it could do with being updated but don't be put off.
On arrival the staff couldn't find our room key and as the place was really busy we were taken to the bar and given complimentary drinks before going to our room.
The dining experience on our first night was a bit chaotic with a room full of guests all seemingly arriving at the same time, but the staff, although under pressure, did a magnificent job and we were soon served. The food itself was excellent and couldn't be faulted, the only downside was the room temperature - way too high and no way to cool the room down!
The next morning after a filling breakfast we explored the grounds with our dog and walked for miles through the gardens, across the small river several times, through a wood and into open countryside and circled back to the hotel. There isn't a lot in Monk Fryston itself and be aware that it on the main Selby to Leeds road which makes it busy.
The second nights dinner was a more structured affair, not as many people around but the staff still had problems fitting us into the reserved time (7:15pm) that we had asked for earlier that day, we ended up waiting for over an hour before being taken into the restaurant and we were almost the last ones out but again the food was worth waiting for.
The hotel owners have only had the place for about a year and are advertising with the discounters quite heavily according to staff so this may explain the rush at meal times, if this is going to continue to be the case they need to address the staffing issues because we heard other guests complaining amongst themselves that they wouldn't be returning. Having an insulin dependant relative I know how vital it is for diabetics to eat at regular times especially when using insulin and to expect to eat at a particular time but not to get any food for almost an hour is dangerous and could result in an emergency trip to hospital so it is essential that the restaurant staff take note of these comments (which I also told the reception staff on checking out) and at least have some nibbles available for delayed diners.
On the whole we enjoyed our stay at Monk Fryston Hall and the staffing issues were not a huge problem as we were expecting them having read previous reviews, the staff themselves were all wonderful - just a little overworked!
We will certainly go back.