Let’s not dance around the fact that York is busy. This atmospheric northern city – with its majestic Minster and charming medieval Shambles – makes for a fantastic city break, but it’s also a good idea to base yourself ever-so-slightly away from the heart of the action. No. 1 York by GuestHouse is perfect for exactly that. A peaceful retreat from the crowds, it’s just a ten-minute stroll down a leafy road once you’ve exited the dramatic-looking, eleventh-century Bootham Bar, one of the four main entrances to the old city centre.
Its ideal location isn’t the only reason to stay here – far from it! No. 1 York, part of the small and sophisticated GuestHouse group, doesn’t skip any of the comforts you’d hope for, and adds a few surprises, too. Enter this stately-looking Grade II listed Regency townhouse and the first thing you’ll notice is the sweeping black staircase. Black violins hang from the walls. To the right is a lounge room, walls the colour of marmalade, adorned with contemporary geometric paintings. To the left is a darker-hued cocktail bar, with a shiny model train choofing around the room at near-ceiling level. The message is clear: this hotel is cool, but it's also fun.
It really is a delight to see such bold, confident interior design in every room, but it’s far from style over substance. Soft white rooms with elegant panelled walls come with king-sized beds and 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton. Every one of its 39 rooms has a turntable and vinyl records and flat screen TVs. And each guest is encouraged to raid the hotel’s pantry, filled with old-school sweets and house-baked treats. Kids and dogs are welcome, and there’s also a five-room spa in the hotel’s cocoon-like basement for massages and facials.
Breakfast at the hotel’s Pearly Cow restaurant is hearty and cooked-to-order, with locally sourced produce and slow-farmed Yorkshire meats. Perfect for preparing for a blustery walk along the city’s walls or recuperating after a late-night ghost tour. And when it’s time to leave? No 1. York is just a 15-minute walk to the train station, crossing the River Ouse.
Neighbourhood
Not only are you an easy walk into the town centre, with all the attractions, pubs and tea shops you’ll ever need, but you’re even closer to some of York’s most serene spots. The Museum Gardens are a miraculous marriage of botanic gardens and the beguiling medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.
Nearby
- Jorvik Viking Centre: For a journey back to York’s Viking past, featuring an immersive carriage-ride through a Scandi settlement complete with authentic ninth century smells.
- The Shambles: These wonky-looking medieval buildings are world-famous for a reason, and their historic significance can also be used to justify a pint at the Ye Old Shambles Tavern at any time of the day.
- Cocoa Joe’s: Don’t consider yourself a hot chocolate person? Forget that. Order one of the many flavours on offer, and we guarantee you'll change.
Time Out tip
Whether or not you’re in touch with the spirit realm, you simply must go on a ghost tour. York’s ghoulish stories and dark passageways make for a spine-tingling evening. They run daily; we’d recommend the Original Ghost Walk of York.