A glorious weekend at No.1 GuestHouse, York
I haven’t been to York since I was about 9, so my memories of the city were sketchy and sparse and, in some parts, completely incorrect (I had rather an overactive imagination as a child… still do…) so it felt exciting to return, as it was going to be a completely new experience.
LM and I dropped Izzy off at her grandparents and scampered out the door (she was delighted to be having a “sleepover” with her favourite people) to the station and headed straight to Kings Cross. I bought tea, snacks, a copy of The Week and was happy as Larry (who’s Larry?) as we pootled our way to York. We were there in under 2 hours and our hotel – No.1 GuestHouse – was a short walk away from the station.
We arrived. We entered our gorgeous room and we just couldn’t believe how spacious and how completely beautiful it was…
The room was breathtaking. This was our first two day break away from Izzy, so to be greeted by this stunning space was very, very special.
GuestHouse is a family-owned hotel brand, run by three brothers – Tristan, James and Tom. They are on a mission to bring beautiful hotels that inspire joy, to historic buildings on Britain’s most desirable streets. The hotels offer guests a wonder-filled, indulgent treat while retaining the warmth and character of the traditional guest house experience… and I can say that they nailed this in droves at No 1. Guesthouse.
The building is a Grade II Listed Regency townhouse of grand and stately proportions, with huge, dreamy sash windows, higher-than-high ceilings, a sweeping central staircase, and all kinds of quirky touches throughout. It strikes the perfect balance between grand and friendly and as a guest, you feel very looked after. This begins as soon as you arrive in the city, via their station luggage pick-up service. If you were due to arrive at the station before you can check-in, the hotel will greet 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 bar is the perfect place to cosy up in the evening
The Spa at No.1 GuestHouse – complete with treatment rooms and a relaxation room 
The Pantry – everything in the pantry is complementary and it was dangerously close to our bedroom! Crisps, ice cream, drinks, fresh milk, sweets, chocolate and freshly baked treats…all day long and forever and ever… 
“Our chefs start with sourcing sustainable, local (wherever they can) and high quality (always) ingredients. Then, they get to the skilled business of creating dishes that stir memories and bring joy”.
No1. GuestHouse
The hotel was the perfect base from which to explore the city. In a short walk we were right bang in the middle the city – the most visited city in the UK, after London.
York is an ancient city with Roman walls and Viking remains, and the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe towers over the Medieval streets… the history is extraordinary and I can highly recommend hopping aboard an open top sightseeing bus to whizz about and learn LOADS about where you are and what you can see. We had our York VIP Passes, which were brilliant – it’s a sightseeing pass which gives free access to loads of the attractions and museums, including JORVIK Viking Centre, the York Dungeon and the Van Gogh exhibition… you can get free pizza or pasta at ASK Italian and hopping on and off the open top bus is free too! Or maybe you’ll head to the York Cocoa House for a chocolate tasting and a hot chocolate! You can see everything included here.
We strolled about the city, marvelling at the history, ducking in and out of tearooms, museums, cafes and shops…
Hot chocolate at Harlequin Coffee 
Cream tea at The Earl Grey Tearooms 
York is a very special city and I loved my short time there. I definitely only scratched the surface (and barely that) of the city’s history and everything it offers, but I left with a sense of it being very magical. There’s a wonderful feeling about the place and there’s a strong sense of pride in the air.
I’m so looking forward to returning again one day soon for another staycation and exploring even more of the cobbled nooks and crannies. Thank you so much for having us, York!
I’ll see you soon.
*Press Stay at No.1 GuestHouse
* We received complementary York Passes from Visit York
Danielle
It looks so lovely!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Poppy Loves London
It was! It was!
Don Mazonas
Wow, this looks quirky! I stayed in York not that long ago. When I get to York later this year (October), I will certainly check this guest house out 🙂
Poppy Loves London
Oh good! Definitely do – it’s such a gorgeous place to stay 🙂
Kayleigh
I LOVE going to York. I only recently went for my birthday in late March, and the time before that I went for our minimoon in 2019. Such a beautiful city and always so much to do and food to enjoy! The hotel you stayed at looks stunning too. Kayleigh x
Poppy Loves London
You’re right, Kayleigh – the hotel was S T U N N I N G!!!
Katie
Just booked the bootham suites in this hotel as a surprise for my partner.
Any recommendations as staying only 1 night?
Can’t wait to go 26th nov ❤️
Love Katie xxx
Poppy Loves London
Oh your partner will love it – what a wonderful surprise!
There is SO MUCH to see and do in York, but I would take the pressure off and just enjoy strolling about the magical city – it’s pretty special 🙂