Review: A Minimoon at No.1 Guest House York
Planning a romantic break away to York? Hitched's Erica Vonderwall headed to the city to check out No.1 Guest House and find out more about what the city has to offer
So you’re planning a trip to the northern gem that is York for your UK minimoon, have scoped out all the incredible local food and drink spots to enjoy during your trip, are contemplating whether joining the 3-hour queue to buy a Ghostie in the Shambles is worth your time, but still looking for the perfect place to stay?
Well, look no further than the hidden gem that is No. 1 Guest House, York. Hitched’s PR consultant Erica Vonderwall headed there to discover more...
Where is No. 1 Guest House York?
The stunning Grade II listed Regency townhouse is a mere 10-minute walk from the impressive York Minster, and another five from the cobbled alleyways of York’s picturesque old town - the perfect distance away from the hustle and bustle of the thriving city to make your stay seem a million miles away from the busy northern hub.
Minimoons at No. 1 Guest House York
If you are visiting York by train, and don’t want to haul your luggage across the city on foot, then Guest House has you covered with their station luggage pick-up service. A member of the team will meet you at the station and whisk your bags back to the hotel, in their cargo bike, so you can explore the beauty of York unhindered from the off. They’ll even swap your luggage for a map of the city and an umbrella (if it’s one of those days...).
The stately townhouse is full of charm, and is the perfect spot to live out any Bridgerton fantasies you might harbour. It has huge, dreamy sash windows, higher-than-high ceilings, a sweeping central staircase, and ivy around the door. Inside, you’ll find original features with a contemporary update, and a selection of cosy communal rooms that will leave you feeling incredibly mellow thanks to the vintage records spinning in every space you turn.
Where to Eat & Drink on Your York Minimoon
There are a number of areas where you can divulge in the hotel’s sumptuous food menus. The Marmalade Lounge is the sweetest room in the townhouse, and is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a bottle of bubbles over the vast selection of board games.
Meanwhile The Bar will quench your thirst for not just fabulous cocktails, but also stories from the railways amongst the décor that is an obvious nod to York’s proud status as one of the UK’s oldest railway towns. There’s even a model steam train that runs along the cornices and across the windows every half an hour – an event you can set your watch to.
In the Restaurant, you’ll fall in love with York’s wide array of local produce, thanks to delicious dishes inspired by ingredients from across the region. The chefs at Guest House ensure they source sustainable, local (wherever they can) and high quality (always) ingredients, then go about creating dishes that stir memories and bring joy. Delicious joy.
What to See & Do
At the bottom of the spiral staircase is the spa, where you’ll find treatment rooms for both couples and singles, with instantly-soothing vibes. The highly skilled therapists show an incredible passion for individual wellness, and will listen to your needs and preferences before tailoring the perfect treatment to address them.
Expect to fall asleep on the table, and not know who you are when you wake up. Bonus points for the wonderful team offering mini bottles of the same essential oils used during the treatment to take away, to prolong the sense of rest and relaxation beyond the pamper session…
The eco-luxe products used in the spa are formulated and blended in the UK, and are vegan and organic, sustainable and ethically-sourced. Accredited by the Soil Association, the ingredients can be fully traced back to the source, to calm your mind as well as your body.
Staying at No. 1 Guest House York
With 39 rooms and five different room types to choose from, there’s something to suit every couple. No matter which you choose, from a cosy bolt hole to a lofty suite, you’ll find locally sourced art and charming curiosities that tell the stories of York in the most authentic of ways.
Each room is fitted with a Sealy mattress dressed in luxury 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, and comes complete with fast WiFi, an iconic Guest House dolls house filled with a Nespresso kit, kettle, and tea and coffee, a Crossley turntable and access to a collection of records to enjoy in your own time, as well as a smart TV with Chromecast enabled.
Then, if all that’s not enough, every guest also has access to The Pantry on the first floor, which is stocked full of treats for visitors to help themselves to at any hour of day. Think popcorn, crisps and fresh-baked goods, as well as fizzy drinks, fresh fruit, and even tubs of ice cream to take back to your room to enjoy in comfort.
Family-moons at No. 1 Guest House York
Bringing the whole family along? No worries, No.1 has you covered there too. Your furry friends are more than welcome to join you on your stay for a small fee, and the hotel even offers a dog walking service for all its guests, meaning you can still have that lovely lie-in or trip to the spa without worrying about the dog.
For the kids, the hotel can arrange mini tipis to be set up in the rooms, alongside access to a range of bedtime books for all ages, and also have a special kids menu for the little ones to choose from at meal times. Plus, did we mention The Pantry? It’s better than Narnia in there, trust us!
You can browse the offers at No.1 Guest House York here, or find out more about staying here - if you book direct, you'll receive a complimentary glass of bubbles, 10% off dinner at their restaurant.
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