“An elegant and peaceful townhouse B&B, a 10-minute walk from York Minster, with light and comfortable bedrooms, and a home from home atmosphere. Relax by the sitting room fireplace after a day out sightseeing; book a luxury suite for a four-poster bed. An inviting city break base.”

Hotel review

At the quiet end of a no-through road, minutes from the riverside Museum Gardens and a 10-minute walk from the Minster, this Victorian town house offers an elegant retreat from the city. Deceptively big, the pale-brick terrace house has 12 bedrooms spread over its four floors, together with a large and comfortable sitting-room – with striking deep-blue walls - and a small rear garden.

Bedrooms are light with pale-grey carpets, pretty statement wallpapers and thick quality curtains. They’re carefully furnished to make the most of their size – small doubles are quite small – but all have the same thoughtful touches of good reading lights, sockets where you want them, and a chocolate treat. Bathrooms are being upgraded to a smart contemporary look of sparkling white metro tiles and colourful Portuguese-style tiles, and have excellent lighting.

Manager Fiona and her daughter run the place with warmth and enthusiasm, and offer a flexible breakfast choice, from scrambled eggs and bacon butties to a full grill or pancakes. They’ll also guide you to the best of nearby eating places whether you want something smart, something simple or a robust pub meal.

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

Recommended for

  • Local exploring

    • Set in the heart of York, within walking distance from the main attractions, this hotel is perfect for local exploring
  • City Style

    • Set in a heritage, Victorian townhouse with cosy interiors, this hotel has lots of local Yorkshire style
  • Families

    • Family rooms are available at this hotel, making it a favourite with parents
  • Great walks

    • Head into York on a long walk from this hotel and visit the main sights, including the Theatre Royal and Guildhall
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps, York Minster; the cathedral dates back to the 7th century
  • Museums

    • Spend an afternoon at the National Railway Museum of York, a charming themed museum great for a family day out
  • No restaurant

    • Breakfast available
  • Romantic

  • Townhouse

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Quiet

  • Owner managed

  • Downtown

  • Boutique

  • Intimate

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • B&B

  • Child friendly

  • Antiques

  • Historic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    12 rooms in this hotel
  • No restaurant

    Breakfast available
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • No pets

  • Fireplace

  • Family Suites

  • Wifi

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

  • Garden

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Head into York on a long walk from this hotel and visit the main sights, including the Theatre Royal and Guildhall
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps, York Minster; the cathedral dates back to the 7th century
  • Museums

    • Spend an afternoon at the National Railway Museum of York, a charming themed museum great for a family day out

Map & Location

Other reviews

23 St Mary's

An elegant Victorian townhouse situated in an upmarket residential area just outside York city centre and near the major sites. 23 St Mary’s offers nine comfortable rooms, a sumptuous guest lounge that’s open until late at night and free parking, as well as a hearty breakfast that will set you up for a day’s exploring.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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