The word “guesthouse” can conjure images of a tired, once-majestic townhouse with doilies on the tables and peeling paint. Luckily, there’s an independent brand of boutique hotels that’s doing a grand job of revitalising that image in the fine form of No.1 York.
GuestHouse – so called thanks to founding brothers James, Tom and Tristan Guest – currently runs four hotels in the distinctly charming Bath, Brighton, Margate and York. No.1 York by GuestHouse was, aptly, the first property they opened in 2021, taking the reins from a previous hotel at 1 Clifton, just outside the city’s ancient walls.
Five years in, No.1 York is a firm fixture on lists of the best hotels in York. Immediately on stepping through the front door, you’re greeted with why.
Location
No.1 inhabits a Grade II property perfectly representative of the Bootham area of the city: a pillared Regency building, part-enveloped in ivy, ten minutes from York Minster. Not that it even feels like ten minutes, such is the air of the charming main street that quickly turns from residential and school buildings to cafés, independent craft shops, bakeries and pubs the nearer you get to the city walls.
Rooms
You don’t realise how fantastic tall ceilings are until they’re gone. Unsurprisingly for a Georgian townhouse, No.1 is full of them, including in the rooms, mostly reached by climbing the grand central staircase. In the room is where the GuestHouse approach really comes into its own: a meeting of modern design and more traditional elements perfectly thought out in tandem.
In the suites, locally-sourced antiques adorn large fireplaces; four poster beds face beautiful sash windows, and large standalone baths are hidden from view without feeling like an afterthought. The smaller rooms continue the theme, with each following the overarching design while retaining an individuality appropriate for the setting. GuestHouse’s signature touches are present, of course, with a tea and coffee kit sat inside a fun dollhouse, and a Crosley record player in each room, with a selection of vinyls ready to play. You can even pop downstairs to pick some more from the record wall by reception.
Food and drink
Like at their Margate and Brighton properties, No.1 York is home to the Pearly Cow, a restaurant that delivers on that somewhat cliché promise of celebrating local food. There are solid Sunday roasts, of course, but Yorkshire’s 90 miles of coastline form a central pillar of the menu here, especially for their Afternoon Sea – a seafood-centred take on afternoon tea.
Breakfast is perfectly portioned, with a wide range of dishes across the breakfast board. Items are chosen from the menu, making it a more leisurely, restaurant-style meal. No.1 York passed the Eggs Benedict test – something that’s easy to fail – and the syrupy, fluffy French toast was somehow put together in such a way that my partner didn’t immediately fall into a deep sleep.
A highlight at No.1 York is the main bar. Inspired by Yorkshire’s surprisingly powerful forced rhubarb industry – once producing 90% of the world’s winter rhubarb – the Rhubarb Bar is resplendent in reds, purples and warmer hues, and is home to a working miniature steam train chugging its way along a track attached to the ceiling.
The bar menu, as with GuestHouse’s other properties, is a mix of the group’s old faithful offerings and location-focussed fare, including a Parkin Old Fashioned that would give any guest a rush and any true Yorkshireman something akin to a religious experience.
Service and facilities
No.1 York is a smart operation. Everything is colourful yet polished, from the interiors through to the staff uniforms and overall service. This begins before you even arrive, as GuestHouse offers a complimentary luggage collection service for guests arriving into York station – let the team know your arrival time, and one of them will cycle over on a particularly fetching luggage bike and take your bags to your room while you explore the city.
In contrast to its stylish, darker surroundings, checking in at reception is a warm affair as you’re shown the ropes and led to your room. Reception staff are also keen to let you know of a GuestHouse staple, the pantry. At No.1, this is on the first floor, and is no less than a walk-in cabinet of confectionary delight. Fresh cakes and pastries are provided daily, alongside crisps, fruit and sweet shop jars full to the brim with old favourites. Stock up and your stay will almost pay for itself.
If that sort of self-care isn’t your bag, GuestHouse is well-known for its wider wellness offering. No.1’s in-house spa is in the basement, in a series of calming, arched-brick rooms once used as air raid shelters. The brand’s copper bath rituals are a particular draw, but any treatment in the belly of the hotel, away from the world, is worth an hour of your time.
Verdict
The Guest brothers have a signature approach to hotels: characterful towns, interesting buildings, relaxed luxury. All of this is clear at No.1 York. One of the country’s most impressive cities is on its doorstep, and there’s a seamless connection between York and the hotel itself thanks to rich interiors and astute service decisions.
Depending on when you arrive, it’s one of the best value for money hotels you’ll find within the pricy boundaries of York. Regardless, if you’re visiting this historic city, it’s well worth staying at No.1 to experience the GuestHouse atmosphere, adventurous design sensibilities and superb location.
Fact box
Room rate: From £208 for room and breakfast
Address: 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
Website: https://guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-1-york/
David was a guest of No.1 York