THE doors of York’s first five-star hotel have finally been flung open to guests with a promise they are experiencing the “best in the county”.

The hotel was opened by nine-year-old Alex Georgiou, the grandson of Cedar Court Group owner George Demetriou. Alex’s ambition is to become a butler at the hotel.

Among those to experience the facilities at the £20 million Cedar Court Grand in Station Rise was 70-year-old Sylvia Flaherty, who returned after working in the building when it was used as railway offices.

Mrs Flaherty, a former receptionist from Strensall, said: “It has changed dramatically from what I have seen so far.

“The reception area is still stone floors, but the furniture is beautiful.

“I feel quite emotional because it’s like stepping back to a different era. It’s just so luxurious.”

Mrs Flaherty worked at the grade II listed building between 2001 and 2005 and returned to the hotel as a birthday treat from her partner. She said: “I just want to wander round and take it all in then go for very nice meal and then on to a lovely bed.”

The hotel opened a quarter of its rooms yesterday and will gradually welcome more guests over the coming days. General manager Andrew Coney, 43, said the opening had been “really really good”.

He said: “When we came down this morning we realised that this was it – after three months of planning and getting a team together. We believe we are the county’s best hotel.”

Mr Coney would not be drawn on rumours a celebrity guest was spending the opening weekend in the hotel’s luxurious £750-a-night penthouse suite.

He said: “I have been doing this for quite a long time and I think people sometimes come to a hotel to get away and if they want people to know then they can announce it themselves.”