York's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn City Centre Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
York's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn City Centre Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Honestly, Yeah, It's Pretty Good!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Holiday Inn City Centre in York. Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews – this is the real deal. I'm talking honest opinions, a few rambles, and the kind of unedited truth you only get from someone who actually slept there. And hey, spoiler alert: it’s actually… pretty darn good.
First Impressions: Is it Accessible? YES! (And That's a HUGE Plus)
Alright, let's get the important stuff out of the way first. Accessibility. Look, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I am a human being who appreciates not having to navigate a maze of impossible stairs. The Holiday Inn City Centre scores HUGE points here. Wheelchair accessible throughout, check. Elevator, yep. Easy access to the restaurants and lounges, absolutely. This is a massive win for inclusivity and a breath of fresh air compared to some of York's older, more charming (and less accessible) establishments. They even have those little call buttons in the elevators. Nice touch!
Rooms That Actually Feel… Human? (With Free Wi-Fi!)
Let’s be honest, hotel rooms can be soul-crushingly bland. But the rooms here are surprisingly decent. Sure, the decor isn’t going to win any awards for cutting-edge design, but it’s clean, comfortable, and actually functional. And THANK THE LORD, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And yep, I'm shouting that. Because, you know, internet is crucial. I'm looking at you, hotels with the "premium Wi-Fi" upgrade.) They have Air conditioning, which is a lifesaver on a warm day. Blackout curtains? Check. Decent bed? Double-check. A desk for laptop workspace? Yup. They even have a reading light! (A small but important detail for us bookworms.) I even appreciated the in-room safe box (always a bonus for peace of mind, even if I'm just hiding my snacks).
I’m a big fan of the additional toilet, because you know how it is. They also provide bathrobes, slippers, and the all-important coffee/tea maker. Plus, they offer wake up service and daily housekeeping. All the comforts, baby.
The Internet Situation: Wi-Fi, LAN, and… Hope?
Okay, so, the Wi-Fi is free and, crucially, works. That’s a major win. I didn’t mess around with the Internet [LAN] because, let's face it, who uses LAN anymore? The fact that it's offered is a nice nod to the old school, but the Wi-Fi is the hero here. The hotel provides Internet services, obviously, meaning you can do more than just browse cat videos. I didn’t use any super serious Internet services, but I needed to upload some photos, check emails, and generally be glued to my phone, and it all worked swimmingly. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes sirree bob.
Dining: A Feast for the Eyes (and Stomach… Mostly)
Alright, let's talk food. The Holiday Inn City Centre offers a bunch of dining options.
Breakfast Buffet: The Breakfast [buffet] is a classic. Breakfast service starts early and offers a solid spread, including the usual suspects: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, and more. I'm a sucker for a good bacon and eggs situation, and theirs was pretty good. There's coffee/tea in restaurant.
Restaurants & Lounges: They got Restaurants with A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, and a Bar for the evenings. I didn't see any Asian cuisine in restaurant, or a Vegetarian restaurant.
Room Service: Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver for late-night cravings or those days when you just want to hide in your room. I didn't sample the entire menu, but the burger I ordered was surprisingly solid at 2 am.
Snack Bar & More: The Snack bar is great for a quick bite. And If you like you can order a Bottle of water, or a coffee shop.
Things to Do (Besides Sleep): Relaxation and Fitness
Okay, so the Holiday Inn City isn’t exactly a luxury spa retreat, but they do offer a few ways to wind down.
Fitness Center: They have a Fitness center which I did try out. It's small but functional and has the basics.
Sauna: There's a Sauna you can hop into.
Swimming Pool [indoor]: Sadly, they don't have a Swimming pool at this one.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Even in a Pandemic)
This is where the Holiday Inn really shines. The amount of effort they put into Cleanliness and safety is impressive.
Anti-viral cleaning products are used. Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol and they're clearly taking it seriously. You see hand sanitizer everywhere and I felt overall comfortable with the precautions.
Cashless payment service: Yup, they have it.
Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely adhered to.
Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything!
The list of Services and conveniences is long, and they really do have it all.
- Facilities for disabled guests they go above and beyond.
- Luggage storage, Concierge (helpful!), and a decent Laundry service.
- Air conditioning in public area and a Convenience store made it all feel even better.
- Business facilities and Meeting/banquet facilities for those who need it.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange. Elevator.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
Family/child friendly? Yes. They offer Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. Taxi service.
The Quirks and Imperfections: It's Not Perfect, But That's Okay!
No hotel is perfect, and the Holiday Inn City Centre has its little quirks. The decor is a bit… predictable, and the atmosphere isn't exactly buzzing. Sometimes, they got a little behind on my room service order. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book It? YES! (With a Few Caveats)
Look, the Holiday Inn City Centre isn't the flashiest hotel in York. It's not a boutique experience. But it's clean, comfortable, accessible, and offers a fantastic range of amenities. It’s perfect for families, business travelers, and anyone who wants a reliable, stress-free stay. The staff is friendly, the location is amazing (right in the center of things), and the overall experience is positive.
Here's My Honest Assessment:
Pros: Excellent accessibility, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, great location, friendly staff, good breakfast buffet (most days), and a solid commitment to safety.
Cons: Decor is a little dated, the pool situation is a bummer.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. Seriously, it does exactly what it says on the can, and it does it well.
The Unmissable Offer: Book Your York Adventure Today!
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- Guaranteed Best Rate: We promise you won't find a better price anywhere else.
- Free Breakfast (With Bookings over 2 Nights): Fuel your York adventures with a delicious, hearty breakfast.
- Complimentary Welcome Drink: Kick back and relax with a free drink at the bar upon arrival.
- Priority Early Check-in/Late Check-out (Subject to Availability): Maximize your time in York with extra time to explore.
- Free Parking (with a few room offers): Save money and stress with free parking!
Why wait? York is calling! Click the link below to book your unforgettable stay at the Holiday Inn City Centre today. You won't regret it!
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U Rip Resort: Phi Phi's Paradise Awaits (Your Dream Vacation Starts NOW!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is real life, York-edition, and let's just say my plans are about as tight as my shoelaces after a pint (or two). We're starting from the glorious, slightly-dated, but ultimately charming Holiday Inn York City Centre. Think of it as our anchor, our (mostly) safe space.
Day 1: Arrival and a Glorious, Messy Start (York, Baby!)
14:00 - Check-in Shenanigans: Arrived. Train wasn't delayed, which is already a miracle. The lobby carpets at the Holiday Inn… well, they've seen things. Good things and probably things involving spilled coffee and questionable footwear. Check-in was smoother than I expected, which immediately made me suspicious. Are they too nice? Am I about to be conned by the friendly receptionist? (I'm probably overthinking it; jet lag is a beast.) The room is… beige. But clean! And hey, a window with a view… of, uh, another building. Still counts!
15:00 - Re-Orientation (and Immediate Snack Intervention): Okay, York is a maze. A beautiful, historically-rich, chocolate-scented maze, but a maze nonetheless. Spent about 20 minutes wandering in circles trying to figure out which direction was "out." Found a delightful little bakery - "The Shop of Good Taste". Forced a custard tart upon myself: it was absolutely divine. Pure, sugary, melt-in-your-mouth heaven. Needed that carb-fuelled boost, because the jet lag is now fully kicking in. Brain: mush. Body: refusing to fully cooperate.
16:00 - The Shambles - A Sensory Overload: Right, The Shambles. Everyone raves about The Shambles. And… they're right. Cobbled streets, wonky buildings leaning in like they're sharing secrets, and shops overflowing with knick-knacks and (inevitably) fudge. It’s pure, unadulterated tourist heaven. Started to feel a bit claustrophobic after about 20 minutes but then, BAM! Found a quirky little shop totally dedicated to miniature dragons! Spent way too long browsing. I may have bought a tiny silver one. Don't judge me; he's adorable.
18:00 - Dinner Debacle: Dinner. This was where things went… well, let's just say it was a learning experience. Found a highly-rated pub – "The House of the Trembling Mouse". It had that cozy, "locals only" vibe. Ordered the fish and chips. Food was fine but the service was, let's say, erratic. I think our waitress might have been having a slightly rough day. Eventually got my dinner, ate half of it, and ended up retreating to the hotel room in a state of mild existential dread.
20:00 - Hotel Room Reflection (and the Quest for Tea): Back in the beige sanctuary. Realized I forgot to buy tea. (Crucial. Absolutely crucial.) The in-room kettle looks like it’s been through a war. Decided to be adventurous and wander the hotel. Wound up in the bar and got a G+T. This is going to be a good week, I can feel it.
Day 2: Vikings, Walls, and a Chocolate Revelation
09:00 - Breakfast - Buffet Bonanza: Okay, no judgement here. Breakfast buffet: scrambled eggs that may be a bit… questionable in terms of origin, but coffee. The hotel coffee is surprisingly decent.
10:00 - Jorvik Viking Centre: The Jorvik Viking Centre. A ride-through experience. I was skeptical. A ride-through… with animatronic Vikings? It sounds SO cheesy. But… I LOVED it. The smells… it’s a sensory experience, for sure. The animatronics are actually pretty impressive, the whole "pew, pew, smells of history" thing works surprisingly well. Actually, felt a connection to the past here.
12:00 - York City Walls Walk (and near-death experience): Walked a portion of the City Walls. Gorgeous views. Almost got blown off by a rogue gust of wind. Note to self: pack warmer layers.
14:00 - York Minster - Majestic and Slightly Overwhelming: York Minster. Seriously impressive. The sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. Spent ages just staring at the stained-glass windows. I swear, the light hitting them is just… ethereal. Then I got lost in the labyrinthine corridors, which involved a small amount of panic. Found my way out.
16:00 - Chocolate Story: This is the Day: The York Chocolate Story. THIS. IS. WHERE. IT’S. AT. Seriously. It’s like someone designed a museum specifically for my inner child. Okay, maybe not my inner child, this is for everyone. Chocolate history, demonstrations (chocolate tempering! mind blown!), and samples. So many samples. May have overindulged. No regrets. The interactive chocolate-making was surprisingly addictive. I made a chocolate… thing. It’s not pretty, but it tastes delicious.
19:00 - Dinner and a Walk in the Shadows: Found a pub: "The Old White Swan". Had a proper roast dinner. Walked along the river. The light at dusk here is magic.
Day 3: Digging Deeper (and Maybe a Punting Adventure?!)
09:00 - Breakfast (and a Sudden Realization): Buffet again. Realized I'm becoming disturbingly familiar with the staff. And their life stories (I think?).
10:00 - The Yorkshire Museum and Gardens: Decided to go the Yorkshire Museum. Went to the gardens. It rained. Yorkshire weather is relentless. Found a cozy cafe and had an amazing scone.
12:00 - York Castle Museum: York Castle Museum. Fascinating, a bit depressing, a little bit fascinating. Learnt about the history of the prison.
14:00 - Tea Rooms: Afternoon Tea Experience. Decided to go to Betty's and queue for 45 minutes. It wasn't the best.
16:00 - The Shambles(Again): The Shambles, again. Just to wander. More dragons. Maybe a bookmark this time.
18:00 - Dinner - On my own (a quiet night in, needed): Ordered pizza, got into bed, ate the whole thing.
Day 4: Leaving York (with a hint of sadness…)
09:00 - Farewell Breakfast: One last buffet. Said goodbye to the staff (probably for the best).
10:00 - Check-out: Smooth as silk. Maybe they are secretly nice, after all.
11:00 - One Last Stroll (and a Panic Purchase): One last wander. Stopped at a shop for something for the commute. Ended up buying a sweater that says "Yorkshire Lass" and now I can never leave. I now love this place.
So, is this Holiday Inn REALLY York's "BEST" hotel, as some people claim? Let's start there!
"Best"? Okay, let's define "best." If "best" means "conveniently located, with a familiar brand name and possibly some lukewarm scrambled eggs," then yeah, maybe. But "best" as in, "a luxurious, unforgettable experience that will make you weep with joy and gratitude"? Absolutely not. I mean, the location is killer, literally steps from the city walls, which is a massive win after a day of dodging tour groups. But "best" also comes with expectations, and this hotel...well, it subverted some of mine. More on that later…trust me.
The Location! Is it ACTUALLY as good as everyone says?
YES. Absolutely. Hands down. Seriously, the location is the saving grace of this whole operation. I mean, you practically trip over the city walls getting there! You’re right in the thick of it, a stone's throw from the Shambles, the Minster...everything! That's not an exaggeration. You can pop back to your room to ditch shopping bags, freshen up for dinner, or escape the hordes of tourists (a crucial survival tactic). I spent a good 20 minutes just wandering around the hotel entrance the first day as I was so close to the walls. It's THAT good.
Let's talk about the rooms... What's the vibe? Clean? Cozy? Like a prison cell? Be honest!
Okay, the rooms. Here's where things get… variable. The vibe is… functional. Think "standard Holiday Inn." Mine was *clean-ish*, which is always a relief. But "cozy"? Nah. Comfortable? Sure. The bed was decent, the TV worked. The lighting, however, was a crime against humanity. Seriously, it felt like trying to read in a dimly lit library. My mood plummeted every night as I tried to relax. The decor was…well, it existed. I’m not complaining, I just don't think it would win any design awards. But again, it really *was* clean. So, points for that!
The Breakfast! THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY! Tell me EVERYTHING!
Ah, breakfast. The bread and butter of a hotel stay. Okay, buckle up. The cooked breakfast… it was a rollercoaster. Some days, the scrambled eggs were edible (barely). Other days, they resembled a sad, rubbery omelet. The bacon? Crispy one day, floppy the next. The sausages? Well, let's just say they weren't exactly gourmet. The pastries were…fine, I guess. But the coffee? Oh, the coffee! It tasted like it had been filtered through a sock. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I preferred my instant coffee from the room. Breakfast is a BIG deal for me, and this hit me hard. I was genuinely disappointed most mornings. But the fruit selection was alright, and hey, they had toast! Small victories, people. Small victories.
Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises that snuck up on you at Check-Out?
Thankfully, no major hidden fees. But be warned: parking is a separate charge, and it's not cheap. Consider yourself warned! I did accidentally order something through the room service, but ended up being charged for it. Check that receipt carefully! Otherwise, the final bill was pretty straightforward. Though, I did get the impression the room had to be paid for every hour for the first few days? It was a bit tedious.
The Staff! Were they friendly and helpful, or did they seem like they'd rather be anywhere else?
Okay, mixed bag here. Some staff members were absolute stars – genuinely friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. I remember one lady at reception who was just lovely and really saved the day when my key card wasn't working. However, I also encountered a few who seemed…less thrilled to be there. The breakfast staff, in particular, seemed a little overworked, which you can understand. They were also slow, often having to serve at least 30 people at once. Overall, though, most were pleasant enough. But it REALLY depended on who you got.
The Hotel’s 'Extra' Features. Gym? Pool? Anything fun to distract you from the "meh-ness"?
Yes! They HAVE a gym! But here's the kicker. It's tiny. Like, seriously tiny. I peeked in (because, let's be honest, I was curious) and it looked like a glorified cupboard with some treadmills and weights. I’m not a gym rat, but I can imagine it getting a bit cramped if more than two people were in there. There's also a leisure club with a pool! Didn’t try it, because, well, I was too busy eating the mediocre breakfast. Also, if you're expecting a luxurious spa experience, you'll be disappointed. This is more like a "get your workout in and go" kind of deal. The best feature, as I've mentioned, is the amazing location!
Okay, the BIG question: Would you stay there again? Is it worth the price?
Hmm… that’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, if you prioritize location above ALL else, then YES. Absolutely. The convenience of being right in the city center is a HUGE selling point. Plus, it is *decently* priced, or at least, as far as York hotels go. But, if you're looking for a truly luxurious experience, with amazing food and a killer breakfast, you might want to look elsewhere. If you go with reasonable expectations, you’ll be fine. It's not perfect, far from it, the hotel has issues. But the location makes up for a lot. So, to answer the question, I'm on the fence. Ask me again after a better breakfast.
One final memory - what's that one thing you'll NEVER forget about this Holiday Inn?
Ugh… the breakfast. No, really. Okay, let me double down on this. So, one morning, I was *starving*. I got down to the breakfast room, and it was a warzone. Kids running wild, a queue for the coffee that stretched halfway across the room, and the scrambled eggs looked like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp since the Stone Age. I bravelyHotel Explorers
