As I walked into the reception of No.1 York, I couldn't help but feel like I was entering the home of an eccentric family member in the heart of the city. As I stepped in I was met with the dramatic deep black colour of the building's core which contrasted beautifully against the bright yellow bar and plush seating area that branched off it. The town of York was bustling with energy on this beautiful sunny long weekend in England and I had heard a lot of buzz about No.1 York Hotel. Named one of the "hottest new hotels" on TripAdvisor I was eager to see for myself if it lived up to the hype.

Regrettably, the breakfast experience did not meet our expectations. Despite the additional fee of £20 per person, the selection offered was rather limited. The continental buffet was small and the hot dishes made to order were basic and not very filling. Upon arrival at 9 am, it appeared that many of the options had already been taken, leaving little choice for us. Even the dishes we ordered were disappointing, especially compared to the delicious dinner we had the night before. One example was Dale's full English breakfast consisting of one egg, a single piece of bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and toast. The portion size was quite small, leaving us feeling unsatisfied.

Did you know: The four-poster bed was actually invented out of necessity. The side curtains were added to the bed frame to provide some much-needed warmth in the cold, draughty castle bedrooms. Not only did the curtains help with warmth, but they also offered a sense of privacy for the masters who often had servants sleeping in their rooms. It's interesting how something that started as a practical solution has become such a beloved and timeless piece of furniture.

Downstairs, the Marmalade Lounge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy refreshments next to an elegantly understated fireplace. The space is adorned with colourful art, vintage cabinets, deep, rich yellow velvet seating, and fascinating coffee tables containing carefully-curated collections. The bar is equally inviting, with plump sofas placed under a wall gallery. The ornately carved fireplace in the lounge pays homage to York's incredible history of all things steam-powered as a toy train above circles the room hourly.

The restaurant, adjacent to the bar, features deep timber floors, aged brass tables, and chairs gave the place a rustic and cozy feel. The peach-colored walls added a touch of warmth and the indoor plants softened the overall look. The lighting was perfect - low hung single bulb lights and wall sconces created a moody speak-easy feel. The candles on the tables helped create a lovely romantic atmosphere that was perfect for a date night.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at No.1 York by Guesthouse Hotels. The hotel's fantastic spa package and afternoon tea gives guests to relax and enjoy or there are plenty of things to see and do within the city. During my visit, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of activities that York had to offer, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway. The hotel's atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I particularly appreciated the lovely touch of the evening pantry for guests. For an evening snack lover this was a big bonus!

Despite being located quite far north, the hotel was easily accessible from London, with just a 2-hour train ride. Once you arrive in York, the hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the station. Overall, I had an excellent time at No.1 York Hotel and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a comfortable and affordable getaway.

You may also like Glebe House, Devon or Number One Bruton, Somerset!

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