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Reviews of Impossible Motel

5 Saint Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QN, United Kingdom

#60 of 102 hotels in York

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 617 hotel reviews

8.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.2

  • Comfort

    9.3

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    8.7

  • Staff

    9.4

  • Value for money

    8.2

  • Free WiFi

    7.9

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 9 June 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Queen Room - Windowless First Floor
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Can't find anything tbh really enjoyed the stay

    The style of the motel. The staff were amazing.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 June 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing to not like really.

    Loved the basement room, very cosy.. also loved having tea/ coffee facilities. Everything perfect. Location brilliant

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 June 2024

    10
    What an incredibly unique and charming hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    What an incredibly unique and charming hotel. The location is ideal for exploring York, as everything is conveniently within walking distance. There are numerous delightful cafes, restaurants, and bars in the vicinity as well. Do not let any reservations about staying in the basement deter you, as there is a certain excitement in waking up to a beautiful sunny day upon stepping outside. The attention to detail in our room (The Vault) was exceptional, with charming quirks to discover throughout our stay. It is refreshing to stay in a hotel that is not part of a large chain, offering a more personalized experience compared to the standard boxy rooms. Additionally, the staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making our stay even more enjoyable

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Queen Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The lack of a lift was a problem for me but the staff helped with my luggage. They had agreed to do that in advance since the lack of a lift was made clear.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 June 2024

    9.0
    Great location. Literally couldn't have picked a more central spot for EVERYTHING
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Right in the centre of York, with restaurants, bars & tourist attractions within a 5-10minute walk. The staff were also great and happy to help with anything.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 June 2024

    8.0
    Really nice. Likely stay again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Some silicone missing off the sink. Scratches in the sink. Bath had to be rinsed out. Gap at the back of the bed. No headboard. Mirror behind bed was dirty/ mouldy behind the glass. I would expect there to be one way view glass for the window. We didn’t know until after we checked out we could see into our room from across the road.

    Location perfect. Bed really comfortable.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 May 2024

    8.0
    Perfect for a night away to explore York!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Insufficient lighting in room, shower wasn’t particularly hot

    Central location, friendly staff, excellent ambience!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2024

    9.0
    Had brilliant time would stay there again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very quirky made to feel welcome and the staff member was lovely. Cocktails from their bar and restaurant are amazing xx

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2024

    9.0
    A lovely quirky hotel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It's not a major criticism as we don't expect everyone to cater for our personal needs, but it would have been nice to have a vegan option for the complementary pastry breakfast. It would have been better if the toilet had been covered by more than just a curtain; it was nice to have the bath on display, but some things are not so romantic haha. We could somewhat overhear our neighbours. This didn't bother my partner who slept like a log, but it did keep me awake a bit.

    We loved the style and the bed was super big and comfortable. The room is very clean and we absolutely loved the decor. The bath was amazing. The staff were super nice, accommodating and helpful. I will certainly be staying again, and we might try out one of the other quirky rooms.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2024

    10
    Very nice definitely stay again. In the middle of everything. Only stayed one night but still got to do a lot with being
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Spa Bath
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Size of the room was on the small side but it was lovely

    It was quirky. Staff very nice and helpful.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 May 2024

    10
    Quirky and excellent location! a different experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Excellent and different deco, right in the middle of York and very good service.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 May 2024

    10
    The best stay I’ve had
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I loved everything

    Amazing atmosphere and staff were absolutely fantastic

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 May 2024

    10
    It was an excellent stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Spa Bath
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Didn’t dislike anything

    We didn’t have breakfast

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 May 2024

    9.0
    Devine
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    No bar

    Very central, unusual hotel

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 May 2024

    10
    Expensive but well worth it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    - Everything was great!

    - First impression on check in was overwhelmingly positive. - Free pastries available in the morning, which was a lovely touch. - Gorgeous hand soaps to choose from. - Location is fantastic. - No issues with noise.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 May 2024

    8.0
    Location is great. But not a great value for the money.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room is in basement and do not have sound proof at all! I can hear that next room talking 😅 Also room is so small I don’t have enough space to put my clothes and bag.

    Location is great, and hotel is very thoughtful give me a whip soap is so cute.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 May 2024

    10
    Amazing
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Unique, quirky, excellent staff and superb accommodation

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2024

    8.0
    Lovely stay at the Impossible Motel
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Stains on the duvet cover and soft furnishings let the room down a bit sadly. Also at this price point I think more of a breakfast offering should be in place (some warm pastries and coffee/tea are available upon request), this was stated at the time of booking and did not deter me from booking, however I still think at this price point it should be looked into. Other than those minor issues the stay was very enjoyable.

    The hotel looks amazing, reception is beautiful and the staff were incredibly warm and friendly. The decor of the room was great, dark and cozy. Being in the basement meant no windows but I think that just made it feel more secluded and private. The 10% discount card for the bar and affiliated restaurants was a nice touch as well.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 May 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior King Room Windowless - Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The noise was really bad, which we expected before we arrived but we could hear the people in the next room getting jiggy

    So different and quirky

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    9.0
    Such a cool vibe! Uuuggghhh
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Spa Bath
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The hotel is very dark inside and has no lift, which is difficult for me as I'm severely visually impaired (legally blind). The hot tub could do with a wooden roof over it as there's no view and this would allow some coverage if it rained. The location of the hotel is great as everything is so close, but for picking up and dropping off it's not great. As a disabled person, there was nowhere to park that was close by, or even just to drop me off and pick me up. I could walk to the end of the street but would have to sit there alone for at least 30mins with the bags while my husband went to fetch the car and drive back to me. York in general is not ideal if you have mobility issues as there are a lot of pavements that are uneven and have no ramps. The issues with the hotel are clearly detailed on their website and we did know about them before going. Not an ideal room if you want a desk to do your make-up or put a laptop as there isn't one. Lastly, the frosted glass door with the toilet right behind it and a gap around the edge of the door (no lock) was fine but I'm not sure everyone would appreciate the lack of privacy.

    The room was small but the outside space made it feel bigger. The female staff were very friendly and helpful. The restaurant and the staff there were also amazing, and went above and beyond to make our anniversary special. While there was no view, the hot tub was amazing. The lights and music were great and it was clean and warm, as was the rest of the hotel. The bed was small but very comfortable. I tried to find out what the reed diffuser smell was that was in the reception and our room because it was gorgeous, but was unsuccessful. The vibe and decor of the hotel is gorgeous but I'm glad I wasn't in the basement. I think I would only stay in the rooms above ground personally.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2024

    8.0
    Bit expensive for one nite stay regardless of location or time of year
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Somewhere to go for your croissant and a cuppa rather than a delivery

    Didn't have breakfasts

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 May 2024

    10
    Great, usual place to stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior King Room Windowless - Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    Loved the style of the motel. Was something different. Me and my husband enjoyed it. I’d booked it as a surprise. And he loved it. Was comfortable. And the roll top bath was fantastic to relax. We stayed it the labyrinth room. And the lovely bathbomb that we got was lovely. As well as the whipped soap. Just little things that’s made our stay lovely. Staff were helpful. And we even got on the room early which even though is not guaranteed. It was great that they got our room ready and let us know as soon as it was. Made celebrating our wedding anniversary a great time.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 May 2024

    9.0
    Wonderfully wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room - Windowless Basement
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful hotel, something a bit different and tastefully done. The bed was really comfy, the room was well appointed and it's in a perfectly central location. The staff were lovely and very accommodating

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 April 2024

    10
    Amazing, unique hotel, in an amazing location offering something different!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    To be expected there was some street noise, but we were informed at the time of booking and it didn't bother us. It is part and parcel of the central location, so not an issue for us, but something to bear in mind if you want complete silence.

    The central location was great to be able to explore the city without having to carry around our bags etc. Lots of lovely restaurants and cafes in the immediate area meaning it was easy to enjoy the hotel and the city.

    Stayed in April 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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