The No.1 by Guesthouse is in the quiet, residential suburb of Clifton. It’s next to St Peter’s School where Guy Fawkes was a pupil and which, to this day, refuses to celebrate Bonfire Night on the basis it won’t burn old boys. There aren’t many cafés or restaurants immediately nearby but turn right from the front door, and in less than ten minutes you can walk to York Minster, the city walls, York Art Gallery, and the eclectic shops on Gillygate.
FIRST IMPRESSION: 5/5
A fun sense of style is apparent the second you walk in and clock the artwork and black-painted violins above the staircase. Some might say the rugs and painted wooden floorboards in the bedrooms are a brave choice, given Yorkshire winters, but it works in a Scandi-chic way, and powerful radiators banish any chills. In the smallest of the five-room types, beds can only be accessed from one side, but there’s much more space higher up the price scale — some have four-poster beds and rolltop baths, as well as separate showers.
On the ground floor, a lounge serves afternoon tea, and there is a separate bar for pre-dinner cocktails — try the Utter Shambles (vodka, camomile, lime, vanilla, passionfruit and egg whites), named after the city’s medieval shopping street.
I enjoyed a quiet morning in the lounge with tea sat by the fire. Someone came by often to add a log to the fire, I watched as people walked by outside but otherwise it was a lovely spot to sit and get some work done.
FOOD & DRINK 4.5/5
The all-day restaurant has an emphasis on local suppliers, even featuring award-winning sparkling wine from the Yorkshire Wolds.
In the basement, a spa with five treatment rooms can pummel post-sightseeing aches, with an hour’s deep-tissue treatment for £125.
COMFORT & SERVICE: 5/5
The rooms are light and airy with high ceilings. The bed was a dream and I especially enjoyed the added curtain on the four-poster bed. There is a lot of attention to detail: cool Finnish slippers, Nespresso machines hidden in little houses, 100 Acres toiletries, and record players. The library of LPs next to the reception has everything from Dolly Parton to the Clash.
The free help-yourself pantry has ice cream, crisps, drinks, and jars of sweets.
Rollaway beds are available for children, though they’ll probably prefer the mini wigwams on offer. The hotel has children’s books, and it’s dog-friendly. Child-friendly; dog-friendly; accessible; restaurant
B&B doubles from £165