No. 1 by GuestHouse, York

No. 1 by GuestHouse, York, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its blend of historical charm, contemporary design, and exceptional hospitality. Housed in a Grade II Listed Regency townhouse, the hotel offers a luxurious and memorable stay in the heart of York.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for No. 1 by GuestHouse, York, is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "charmer of a boutique hotel" and "the sweetest hotel with the best service." It boasts stellar ratings across major platforms: a perfect five-star rating and ranked as the number one hotel in York on Tripadvisor, with a 4.9/5 score. Other impressive scores include 8.9/10 on Booking.com, 9.6/10 on Hotels.com, and 9.6/10 on Expedia.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "super approachable and friendly," "charming," and "brilliant," contributing to "exceptional hospitality."
• Location: Its "brilliant" and "fab" location is a major draw, being "just a 10-minute stroll from York Minster" and "a five-minute walk from all the action," yet on a quiet street.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's interior, designed by Martin Hulbert, is celebrated for its "unique and vibrant character," blending stately Georgian proportions with whimsical, contemporary touches.
• Amenities: The "pantry offering free nibbles and soft drinks" (including popcorn and pastries) is a beloved and "generous" touch. Other appreciated amenities include in-room record players with a vinyl library, Nespresso machines (some playfully hidden in dolls' houses), a luxurious spa, and a highly-regarded restaurant and bar. The hotel is also noted as dog-friendly and family-friendly, offering special treats and extras for children.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 38-39 "lovable bedrooms," including three distinctive suites, each with its own "quirks courtesy of the building's heritage detailing." Rooms are designed with soothing neutral tones, tasteful furnishings, and lofty ceilings, often featuring locally-sourced antiques. Guests consistently praise the "extremely comfortable beds," fitted with Sealy mattresses, Savoy luxury hotel toppers, and 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen. In-room amenities are plentiful and thoughtful, including flat-screen Smart TVs with Chromecast, Nespresso machines, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryers, and Wildsmith bath products. A unique touch is the presence of Crosley record players, with a vinyl library available for guests to borrow from. Bathrooms are often well-appointed, with some featuring a bath and overhead shower or a separate walk-in shower, alongside underfloor heating.

Room types range from "Small Guest Rooms" (approx. 183 sq ft) to "Large Guest Rooms" (approx. 280 sq ft) and impressive "Bootham Suites" (approx. 452 sq ft) and the "Clifton Suite" (approx. 581 sq ft).

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at No. 1 by GuestHouse is a significant highlight:

• Pearly Cow Restaurant: The hotel's restaurant, Pearly Cow, is lauded for its focus on the "wildest produce of land and sea" from Yorkshire, cooked over fire or served on ice. The menu offers a range of raw, light, smoky, and deep flavors. It holds a 4.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor, with specific mentions of delicious savoury doughnuts, cote de boeuf, and fresh oysters.
• Breakfast: Served at Pearly Cow, breakfast options range from light to hearty, even offering oysters and spiced Bloody Marys for a "kick-starting" meal. A full Yorkshire, French toast, pastries, and omelettes are typically available.
• Afternoon Tea: Served in the "divine snug" of The Marmalade Lounge, Afternoon Tea is a popular choice, offering a fresh take on traditional treats. It can be paired with Chapel Down sparkling wine or bottomless rosé and costs £34 per person, or £42 with sparkling wine.
• The Rhubarb Bar: A cosy space offering delicious drinks and signature cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exemplary service and staff. Reviewers frequently describe the team as "super approachable and friendly," "charming," and "brilliant." Many appreciate the "personal touches" and the staff's readiness to go above and beyond, such as offering room upgrades. The unique service of having luggage collected from the train station via a cargo bike also receives positive mentions.

6. Location & Accessibility

No. 1 by GuestHouse, York, boasts an excellent location just outside the city walls, making it "a mere toddle from York's historic centre." It's conveniently situated on Bootham, a "quiet street," only a "10-minute walk from York Minster" and other major attractions like York Art Gallery and the Yorkshire Museum. For those arriving by train, York station is a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute walk away, with the hotel offering luggage collection. The hotel also provides on-site parking for £25 per night, though spaces are limited and require reservation.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury boutique hotel, guests generally find No. 1 by GuestHouse to offer good value for money, reflected in its 8.5/10 rating for this category on Booking.com. Standard Guest Rooms can start from around £148, with Bootham Suites from £268. Prices can vary, with recent searches showing rates from £118 to £308 per night, depending on the room type and booking date. The hotel often has special offers, including discounts for multi-night stays.

8. Common Complaints

Finding recurring complaints for No. 1 by GuestHouse, York, is challenging, indicative of high guest satisfaction. The most notable point, rather than a complaint, is a suitability note: while very family-friendly, some smaller rooms may not have ample space for multiple extra beds, making it potentially better suited for small families with younger children. WiFi scores are good (7.9/10 on Booking.com) but slightly lower than other categories, though still generally positive. There are no widespread criticisms regarding service, cleanliness, or significant inconveniences.

Sources

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