“This stunner of a Georgian mansion has been given a cool 21st-century makeover that retains lovely period details but updates them with a laidback style, minimalist bedrooms and a cossetting spa. Family- and dog-friendly, too. A stylish fun base with easy access to the city's best sights.”

Hotel review

In the smart Bootham district, just outside the city walls, this Georgian townhouse retains its feeling of grandeur – tall sash windows, a sweeping central staircase – but mixes it with a bold colours, vintage furnishings and a lounge-y atmosphere. The stone-flagged entrance hall is bold in black, the sitting room sunny in shades of yellow while the bar has a model train that runs around a track below the ceiling. Music comes courtesy of a turntable and a pile of vinyls; requests taken.

Original art hangs on walls while vintage artefacts, such as framed 1950s instruction manuals for building home furniture, are dotted around the hotel. Bedrooms, spread over three floors including the ground, make the most of sometimes small spaces by their uncluttered style and cool white colours with rust-red-painted floorboards to give warmth. Quirky touches include dolls houses to conceal hospitality trays and portable turntables with a retro selection of albums. Evening meals in the startlingly turquoise dining room offer smart Yorkshire comfort food such as braised duck leg with plums, and home-made shepherd’s pie.

Dog-friendly and family-friendly, and with a cosy spa in the vaulted former cellars, this is a comfortable choice for anyone who wants a bit of stylish fun along with York’s historic sights.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 02/26/2024

Recommended for

  • Families

    • Children's treats include in-room tipis, instant cameras for capturing the best moments and kids' menus in the restaurant
  • Romantic Break

    • This newly renovated property offers individually styled rooms some with four posters plus a spa and a great restaurant
  • Local exploring

    • Well located for easy access to all of York's top sights
  • Pet friendly

    • Dogs are welcome in any of the bedrooms (except the very smallest) at a fee of £25 per night per dog
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • All rooms come with a turntable and there's a vinyl library in the lounge
  • Sights nearby

    • No 1 is 10 minutes' walk from York Minster and don't miss the city walls
  • Museums

    • The National Railway Museum and Yorvik Centre are must-sees
  • Restaurant

    • Offering a locally sourced menu full of British classics
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy a boat trip on the river Ouse
  • Historic

    • Grade II listed Regency townhouse
  • City Style

    • A chic and stylish central base
  • Four poster beds

  • Short break

  • Full of character

  • Townhouse

  • Spa

  • Child friendly

  • Chic

  • Boutique

Facilities

  • Rooms

    39 rooms in this hotel
  • Pet friendly

    Dogs are welcome in any of the bedrooms (except the very smallest) at a fee of £25 per night per dog
  • Restaurant

    Offering a locally sourced menu full of British classics
  • Parking

    Private parking is available on site for a daily fee
  • Meeting Room

  • Bar

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Wifi

  • Four poster beds

  • Child friendly

  • Spa

Activities

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • All rooms come with a turntable and there's a vinyl library in the lounge
  • Sights nearby

    • No 1 is 10 minutes' walk from York Minster and don't miss the city walls
  • Museums

    • The National Railway Museum and Yorvik Centre are must-sees
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy a boat trip on the river Ouse

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? – Our friendly and accommodating staff who always want to go that extra mile. The GuestHousey unique little touches like our vinyl library and players, or our complementary pantry stocked with treats. Not to mention our brilliant, brand new facilities like the spa and our striking interiors by designer Martin Hulbert.

What is there to do in the area? – Visit York Minster, Britain’s largest Gothic cathedral, The National Railway Museum (free entry), experience the sounds and smells of 10th-century York at the Jorvik Viking Centre, visit the lesser-known streets like Walmgate and Fossgate. Walk along the River Ouse or around the medieval walls. There’s plenty to do!

What kind of breakfast do you offer? - A lovingly prepared selection of British-produce-inspired eats to help make you ready to dive into your day. There’s both a continental style breakfast and cooked options too.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? – We offer breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner! We can also recommend a number of places to eat nearby. GuestHouse is all about supporting local independents, so we love our guests to explore the city and the special places it has to offer.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?- Our large guestrooms are the most popular. They are great if you’re bringing the kids or the dog!

What facilities do you have for children, and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Most of our bedrooms can take an extra bed or travel cot, all except our small guest rooms. Clifton Suite is your best bet for a family of four as it has a single sofa bed and can take an extra bed or baby cot in addition. Some of the Small Guest Rooms interconnect.We set up all rooms that will welcome children with mini-tipis, books and an ‘adventure’ guide to York. There are children’s menus plus a pantry for those necessary little treats. There's no charge for children aged three and under.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers?- If you’re looking for a home from home, a perfect base for visiting York where you can relax and feel like you’re staying at a very good friends place then No.1 York is the place for you.

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