Hedley House

Built in 1845, this traditional townhouse is nestled amid a row of old Victorian properties on a quiet residential street. It's a peaceful retreat away from the busy city center, with very little road or street noise. Interiors have a classic, boutique-inspired feel, with homey decor and bright bay windows. The lobby is shared with a cozy lounge, decorated with classic furnishings and modern touches. Soft brown leather couches and heavy patterned drapes are combined with modern curved armchairs and contemporary artwork, and there's a lovely open fireplace and a small pub-style bar with wood-topped bar stools.

In the summer months, guests can catch some rays in the garden's spacious decked area, lined with green plants and potted flowers. The communal areas are usually quiet during the day, with many guests out and about exploring the town, though couples and groups tend to gather on the sofas or at the bar in the late afternoon. The hotel attracts tourists from all over the world, with many students and older guests staying here. 

Hedley House Hotel is located on a narrow residential street in Bootham, a historic district found just past the city walls. It's an ideal location for anyone wishing to stay on the outskirts of the city center, with numerous shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions a short 10-minute walk away. York University is just down the road, and the famous York Minster Cathedral is within easy walking distance. Clifford's Tower, JORVIK Viking Center, and the York Castle Museum are roughly a 20-minute walk from the hotel, while York Racecourse is about a 15-minute drive. The picturesque Museum Gardens are a 10-minute walk away, while the banks of the River Ouse can be reached in five minutes on foot. 

For shopping, there are clothing stores all along main high street and at the Coppergate Shopping Center, which are both a 15-minute walk away. For more traditional shopping, travelers should head to The Shambles, a 14th-century cobblestone street lined with traditional bakeries, sweet shops, and a very popular Harry Potter-themed store. York Railway Station is around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, while Leeds Bradford International Airport is roughly an hour's drive. 

The hotel has a total of 27 guest rooms, and there are a few self-catering apartments in the building, adding kitchenettes and extra living space. All rooms are simply decorated and cozy, though they lack the character found in the rest of the hotel. Details include lots of neutral tones, carpeted floors, patterned bedspreads, and light wood-veneer furniture. Views tend to vary, with front-facing rooms overlooking the street below and back-facing rooms overlooking the gardens and parking lot. Light sleepers might prefer back-facing rooms, which tend to be quieter. 

Standard in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, phones, ironing facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe units add Nespresso machines, Apple TVs, and bathroom soundsystems. On the downside, all rooms lack air-conditioning, which can make them feel stuffy during the warmer months. Neutral tiled bathrooms are clean, with showers or shower/tub combos plus toiletries. 

Hedley House Hotel has some impressive leisure facilities for what is, at first glance, a simple hotel. In the garden, there's a hot tub, sauna, and outdoor shower, plus a relaxing decked area for unwinding. A full-service spa has tranquil treatment rooms, and offers full-body massages and body treatments. There's no fitness center, but guests receive discounted rates at the hot yoga studio, which is located in the hotel's basement. There's also some lovely parkland a few minutes walk from the hotel that's great for runners and joggers. 

The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving an excellent dinner menu of traditional English fare. A full English breakfast is served daily for a reasonable fee, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. A small pub-style bar is located next the front desk, with local specialities as well as light snacks and lunchtime fare. There's also a cozy lounge with a TV and games for entertainment, plus a fireplace for cold winter nights. A parking lot is situated at the back of the hotel, but this costs extra. There's also laundry service, room service (limited hours), and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Travelers should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator, which could affect those with mobility issues.