The best hotels in York

Created by a band of brothers – Tristan, James and Tom – with a plan to design home-from-home, wonder-filled stays in cities, GuestHouse is a hot hotel brand for a reason. The whimsical and playful details in each uniquely sourced hotel, decadent details, fine food and amiable staff all add to the winning hospitality mix. With 39 decadent bedrooms and three sensational suites, a stay in this York hotel is like opening a treasure chest of antiques.

The hotel is set in a beautiful Grade II-listed Regency townhouse in leafy, upmarket Bootham and the design is all about the little details. Spy a grand winding staircase with violin-clad walls; the sunny-gold Marmalade Lounge and its bright art, plump sofas and embellished lounge tables (try the Old Fashioned Parkin cocktail, you won’t regret it); and the handcrafted doll’s house at the reception that is home to the room keys.

Meanwhile, in the rooms – book either the Bootham or Clifton suite – there are mighty four-posters with Sealy mattresses and 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen, lovely lofty windows draped with fine sash curtains, and the symbolic White Rose of York is beautifully woven into the wall decor. However, there are some other special elements to bring out your inner child: the signature in-room doll houses that double as coffee cupboards, Crossley record players, and access to the much-loved communal treat pantry, a highlight for all.

Book a Sunday roast at Pearly Cow: I think it’s one of York’s best. There’s high-quality meats (beef, chicken or pork belly), I can confirm they are all excellent – and my family are roast dinner-obsessed. Each plate comes with a formidable Yorkshire pudding, roasted root vegetables and crispy yet gooey cauliflower cheese to share. If there’s room, finish with a vanilla-laden crème brulée. The afternoon tea served in Saffron-hued Marmalade Lounge is a must and gets top marks: try slender sandwiches and cod tacos, warm scones with jam and cream alongside a pot of tea or glass of Chapel Down fizz.

The small basement spa is superb. The mellow, lavender-scented treatment rooms exude peace – as do the expert masseurs and their healing hands – take some Pinks Boutiques peppermint oil home. After a sound night, breakfast in bed is nothing short of wonderful, too. Top tp: book ahead.

Address: No.1 by GuestHouse, 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA