Fancy a charming stay in York? Check out this boutique hotel!
Turntable, pantry and flotating white drapes, the little touches of Number One York hotel #84
I bumped into two friends this weekend who kindly gave me some nice comments about my work researching and sharing with you the best unique hotels. We discussed how I started it as a family-focused selection of accommodations but that now it would be good to have more nice chic places in cities for couples.
While my original blog (still alive here as I use it as a repository of my best hotel reviews) was indeed created when Mademoiselle was little, this newsletter, and in particular, the “extra finds” section, has expanded to include a variety of places, some for families but more and more, some for older families or for adults only. If the hotel is not suitable for families, I will note it so you can assume that it’s there’s no mention, the hotel is good for both families and people without children.
Although of course that doesn’t address the issue of when people specifically want places that don’t allow chilldren at all because they want the peace and quiet associated with it. So I’ll make sure to also specify now when they are “adults only”.
I forgot to ask my friends whether they appreciated this little intro that I write every week. I must confess that some times (like today) it’s not that easy to write something. Either because I have no inspiration, or because I’m not sure it’ll be of any interest to any of you because I am reluctant to share my deepest thoughts.
There are quite a few people I know in personal life who read that newsletter. Friends, current and former colleagues, family… Some topics on my mind, I can certainly share with them and I have. Others, not so much. This is where I realise that I’m not of that younger generation who has no problems opening up so much on the internet 😀.
Anyway, do you find that part of the newsletter interesting? Would there be certain topics you’d like me to address if that’s the case? Let me know in the comments or by replying to the email.
Enjoy a warm week!
Hotel review: Number One York
From £170 - Check latest prices and availability
Exploring the charming city of York
Location: 5/5
During my recent trip to York for work (love the rhyme!) I recommended to the assistant who booked for our group to have us Number One York Hotel, located in the heart of the city.
York is a beautiful city, with its stunning cathedral, historic fortifications, and quaint streets to explore. And I must say, the location of the hotel couldn't be more perfect. It is just a stone's throw away from all the major attractions, making it the ideal base for exploring the city.
A stylish cozy boutique hotel
Style: 4/5
Upon entering the hotel, I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome. The hotel has a classic boutique style, with a cozy and stylish decor. The reception and lounges are adorned with warm tones of ochre and pale pink, while the staircase is painted in black with violins adorning the walls. It may sound dark, but it is actually quite interesting and not at all gloomy.
The rooms are bright and airy, with large windows and a predominantly white decor, including painted floors and beautiful added moldings. There is a very nice canopy bed with white drapes that create a cozy sleeping space.
The rooms was well-equipped, with thoughtful amenities such as an iron board and iron, and of course a hairdryer and a bathrobe. Free water and ability to make your own tea and coffee was provided. The only downside was the limited storage space for clothes and the lack of a proper work desk in the room. But then again, who needs to work when you're in such a beautiful city?
The highlight of the room and the fun element is a turntable with proper LPs that you can play yourself! I had the choice between Joni Mitchell, Queen or David Bowie. It reminded me of my teenage years! The records have obviously been played a lot so they were a bit scratchy but it was still really nice.
Very good dining options and a fun pantry!
Food: 3.5/5
One of the perks of staying at L'York Hotel is the dining options available. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar where you can order snacks as well. We hadd our team diner there and really enjoyed the food. The starters were a hit, especially the tacos with vegetables and goat cheese, and the seafood tacos. They also serve oysters and a seafood platter with shrimp. The main courses were mainly grilled dishes, such as beef and chicken, which were well-cooked and accompanied by tasty sides.
Breakfast is served at the table, with a simple buffet for cereals and the option to order a hot dish.
The most fun though is the pantry on the first floor: you can help yourself to home made cakes (loved the lemon cake), sweets, crisps but also healthy options such as fruits and soft drinks. It’s all complimentary!
And you can also get massages!
The hotel also has a treatments area, which they call a spa but there’s not pool as such. The spa menu had a good mix of massage options. I was particularly drawn to the "Ease Your Tension" package, which includes a 60-minute massage targeting the back, neck, and shoulders, followed by a foot scrub, foot massage, and scalp massage. I couldn’t enjoy it but I would certainly book that if/when I return as it’s exactly my kind of massage!
Overall: a charming and welcoming stay
Overall: 4/5
Overall, my stay at L'York Hotel was delightful. The service was warm and attentive, and the hotel had a charming and welcoming atmosphere. Mademoiselle is looking at York University as one of her options so if she’s lucky to get in, I think I found our base to come and visit her regularly.
Extra finds
Albion Aberteifi, Wales
From £190 - Check latest prices and availability
Two Grade II listed former warehouses have been transformed into a hotel celebrating Cardigan's maritime past in West Wales. 12 double bedrooms (en-suites, no family rooms) in the 'Bridge' warehouse and 11 further rooms and family suites available in the second Granary warehouse building. Interiors are designed around the theme of ships cabins,lined entirely in wood panelling and feature Welsh wool blankets, cushions and bedhead covers made from 100% pure new wool, woven just upstream from the Albion at an old mill. There is a lounge,'The Galley' cocktail bar,and a restaurant.
Plaza 18, Califa Vejer, Spain
From 150 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
In the medieval neighborhood of Vejer, the six rooms at Plaza 18 are in an old 19th century manor house renovated by a British interior designer recognised for her fabulous luxury villas. The terrace has views of the mountains and North Africa on clear days. Breakfast, à la carte, is Mediterranean, healthy and varied, made with fresh, high-quality products. It is served under the palm trees in the garden of sister property La Casa del Califa. No pool.
Kip & Nook, Yorkshire
From £225 - Check latest prices and availability
Kip & Nook hosts relaxing and cool hideaways in Yorkshire. From the beautiful four bedroom Barn – perfect for a big family celebration, to the Container – a contemporary converted container and The Cabin – the ultimate, cosy off-grid cabin, there’s something for everyone. No pool but there is a log burning hot tub.
L'Odylée, Provence
POA - Check latest prices and availability
Nestling in the heart of a vineyard in Provence, the Guest Houses to rent are traditional Provencal houses with sleek interior design. Each house –the Bastide and the Mas- is sheltered by the same façade but has its own characteristics and can be booked separately. They are surrounded by the gardens, with their olive-trees and horse-chestnut, the swimming-pools and, above all, the vineyard which contribute to the peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. There are two pools: the Dentelles swimming-pool (18.5m x 4m) bordered by vines on one side and the Cypress swimming-pool (10m x 5m) which is more private, with a pergola.
Batumi, Georgia
From 55 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
Situated in Batumi, Georgia, Rooms Batumi offers a unique blend of Japanese, European, and LA styles with a 70s twist. Guestrooms vary from bunk-style to king-size rooms, with views of the old town or the sea. Guests can enjoy the Rubber Duck diner that fuses Georgian and international cuisine, and the Lobby Bar offers a selection of drinks and handcrafted cocktails. No pool.