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Summary of reviewsYHA York boasts a prime location just outside the bustling heart of York, striking a perfect balance between serenity and accessibility. Guests consistently praise the convenience of its setting with a scenic 15 to 20-minute riverside walk to the historic city center. The tranquil neighborhood, surrounded by greenery and close to parks like Homestead Park, offers a restful retreat with the added benefit of free parking close to the city, enhancing its appeal for families, solo travelers and groups alike.
The hostel's communal facilities receive widespread acclaim for their cleanliness, spaciousness and modernity, contributing to a positive stay. Visitors appreciate the comfortable lounges, inviting cafe and well-equipped self-catering kitchen, which many find enhances the overall value for money. Complimentary services such as secure bike storage and easy access to local shops and the station further enhance the convenience for guests.
The breakfast experience at YHA York is generally positive with many guests describing it as good, excellent or superb, appreciating its affordability and variety. Specific highlights include delightful fruit compote and inviting coffee. Nonetheless, there are critiques concerning organization, value and variety with some noting issues such as limited options if not opting for hot dishes and occasional cleanliness issues.
Dining options extend beyond breakfast with the hostel offering a variety of meals that generally receive positive feedback. Guests appreciate the convenience and good quality of food available on-site, though some have noted inconsistencies in food quality and service speed.
Rooms at YHA York are often highlighted for their cleanliness, comfort and modern amenities with spacious options available. However, there are occasional concerns about room temperature and noise from neighboring rooms. Despite these issues, the hostel maintains commendably high standards of hygiene.
The dedicated staff consistently earn high praise for their exceptional service, friendliness and willingness to assist, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. Despite occasional critiques during busy times, the overall sentiment is one of a warm and helpful team.
While the free WiFi service has received considerable criticism for its poor and inconsistent connectivity, particularly in rooms, the availability in common areas is a noted plus. Parking facilities, on the other hand, are widely appreciated for their ample space, security and convenience given the proximity to the city center.
Beds at YHA York receive mixed reviews with many guests noting them as clean, comfortable and equipped with modern conveniences like personal lights and electrical outlets. However, some feedback points to issues with firmness and noise, which may affect light sleepers.
Overall, YHA York earns high marks for its inviting social areas, excellent facilities and value for money. Its convenient location near the river and town, combined with the helpful and friendly staff, makes it a top choice for visitors seeking both quality and affordability. The hostel appears to cater well to diverse needs, from families to solo travelers, making it a comfortable and practical base for exploring all that York has to offer. Show more
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Categories
Cheap Hostel
Provides affordable hostel accommodation, located near the city center. Offers a range of facilities suitable for budget-conscious travellers, including self-catering options.
Hostel with Parking
Accessible Hostel
4-Star Hostel
Room Types
Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomGuests are provided with bed sheets but towels are not included in the rate.
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomGuests are provided with bed sheets but towels are not included in the rate.
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomGuests are provided with bed sheets but towels are not included in the rate.
Twin RoomGuests are provided with bed sheets but towels are not included in the rate.
Quadruple RoomGuests are provided with bed sheets but towels are not included in the rate.
Quadruple Room including Double bed (4 Adults)Guests are provided with bed sheets but towels are not included in the rate.
Dormitory Room (6 Adults)This private dormitory room features bunk beds.
Dormitory Room (5 Adults)This private dormitory room features 1 double and 1 single bed and bunk beds.
Family Room with Private BathroomThe family room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 8 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Nestled just outside the bustling heart of York, YHA York boasts a prime location that offers the best of both worlds—serenity and accessibility. Guests consistently praise its convenience, as it's within easy walking distance of the historic city center, typically around 15 to 20 minutes along the picturesque River Ouse. This scenic riverside path not only provides a tranquil journey into York but also lets visitors avoid the hustle and bustle of the city center, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
Surrounded by greenery and close to beautiful parks such as Homestead Park, the hostel is situated in a quiet neighborhood, ensuring a restful stay. Despite being slightly removed from the city core, the hostel's proximity to the local bus stop makes it easy to catch a ride into central York if a leisurely stroll isn't preferred. The location also comes with the added benefit of free parking, which is a rare find so close to the city.
The convenience extends beyond just proximity to attractions. YHA York's surroundings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, being near local shops and providing easy access to the station. The hostel is described as being clean and spacious, which, combined with its ideal location, makes it an attractive option for families, solo travelers and groups alike.
Guests also appreciate the lovely communal facilities and friendly, accommodating staff available 24/7. Many reviewers found the self-catering kitchen particularly useful, further enhancing the overall excellent value for money. In essence, YHA York provides an excellent base for exploring all that York has to offer, balancing peaceful surroundings with convenient access to the city.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at YHA York generally receives mixed feedback from guests. On the positive side, many visitors praise the breakfast, describing it as good, excellent or superb with some noting the food was tasty and the options varied. Guests appreciated the buffet’s affordability and the ability to eat as much as they liked, finding the price-to-quality ratio favorable. Specific highlights included delicious fruit compote, nice coffee in the morning and an inviting breakfast room.
However, there are notable criticisms as well. Several guests mentioned issues with the breakfast being overpriced with comments on food and drinks running out, limited variety if not opting for hot dishes and some items being cold or unappealing. The continental breakfast offerings were often found to be lacking and some noted cleanliness issues with the cutlery and tables. Additionally, the organization of breakfast service felt chaotic to some and others were disappointed by the lack of clarity on the procedure or timing issues.
Overall, while there are strong points to the breakfast at YHA York, consistency appears to be a challenge and improvements in organization, value for money and variety could enhance the overall guest experience.
Dinner
YHA York offers a variety of dining options that generally receive positive feedback from guests. The hostel features a cafeteria and a bar, providing a good range of food and drink choices. Guests appreciate the convenience of food and drinks being available on the property and the food quality is frequently described as good. The breakfast offerings are particularly well-regarded with several guests noting excellent options and availability throughout the day.
The common areas, including a relaxing lounge and a cafe with couches, serve as comfortable spots for enjoying meals. Families find good value in the meals offered and the catering service is praised for being top-notch with a decent range of tasty and well-cooked food.
However, some reviews point out that the dinner serving time ends too soon and service can be extremely slow at times. There are a few critiques about specific food items like pizzas, which were described as either "to die for" or falling short of expectations with complaints about raw vegetables and excessive cheese. Additionally, there have been mentions of there not being enough vegan options on the menu.
Overall, YHA York provides satisfying dining experiences with good value and a comfortable dining environment, despite some inconsistencies in food quality and service speed.
Rooms
YHA York offers a mixed experience for guests with a variety of room options and amenities. The general consensus highlights the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, which are often described as modern, functional and well-maintained. Many guests appreciated the spacious accommodation options available, including rooms with mezzanine levels and large family rooms with private bathrooms. The rooms are also noted for their comfortable beds and fresh linens.
However, several reviews pointed out issues with room temperature, mentioning that some rooms were unbearably hot even with fans provided. Another common critique involved the compact size and awkward layout of certain rooms, particularly for larger groups or families. Noise from neighboring rooms and thin walls were also points of concern for light sleepers.
Despite these issues, the hostel's cleanliness standards are commendable with many guests noting that both rooms and bathrooms are kept in good condition. The friendly and helpful staff, along with a great location near the city center, contribute to making it a convenient stay. Considering its value for money and the range of amenities, YHA York serves as a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for basic yet clean and comfortable lodging.
Beds
Nestled in the heart of York, YHA York offers a range of sleeping options that have garnered mixed impressions from guests. Positively, the majority of visitors have found the beds to be notably clean, comfortable and even cozy with duvets receiving particular praise for their warmth. Many of the beds also come equipped with convenient features such as personal lights and electrical outlets, adding a modern touch to the traditional hostel experience.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Some guests have cited the beds as being somewhat narrow or hard, while others have found issues with thin mattresses and flat, hard pillows. There have also been mentions of squeaky and creaky beds, which may disrupt a peaceful sleep for some. Despite these few drawbacks, the general consensus leans towards YHA York offering comfortable and clean bedding, making it a decent choice for travelers seeking a pleasant stay in a hostel environment.
Cleanliness
YHA York stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, as highlighted by numerous guests. Both rooms and communal areas are consistently described as clean, tidy and well-organized. The cleanliness extends to the showers, bathrooms and kitchen with many reviews specifically noting spotlessly clean facilities and modern, well-maintained rooms. Visitors appreciate the cozy and comfortable beds, contributing to an overall positive stay.
While most reviews praise the high standard of cleanliness, a few guests noted minor issues, such as dust on carpets and the need for more frequent cleaning in certain areas. Despite these isolated incidents, the general consensus is that the hostel maintains a high level of hygiene. Guests also commend the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
The clean and functional environment at YHA York, combined with its welcoming staff and nice amenities, makes it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a tidy and comfortable stay.
Staff
The staff at YHA York consistently receive high praise for their exceptional service and friendliness. Reviews highlight that the staff are not only attentive and responsive but also genuinely pleasant and always willing to chat, making guests feel welcome and valued. Many guests appreciate the informative and professional demeanor of the staff, noting their readiness to assist with any needs. Specific mentions of individuals, like Ken and Dominic, underscore the personalized service that goes above and beyond expectations. Whether it's a smooth check-in and check-out process or just daily interactions, the staff's warmth and helpfulness leave a lasting positive impression. Despite occasional feedback on less efficient service during busy times, the overall sentiment indicates a team dedicated to providing an excellent guest experience.
Wi-Fi
Guests at YHA York have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the WiFi service. Many reviews highlight the poor and inconsistent WiFi signal with numerous guests unable to connect or experiencing frequent drops. The WiFi was often unavailable in the rooms and was primarily accessible only in common areas such as the lobby or lounge. This inconsistency in connection has been a significant point of criticism, overshadowing other aspects of the stay. Despite this, the hostel offers free WiFi, which, when it does work, typically only provides a stable connection in specific communal spaces. Overall, while YHA York provides complimentary internet access, the service requires significant improvement to meet guests' expectations.
Parking
YHA York receives numerous commendations for its parking facilities. Visitors appreciate the availability of free parking on-site, which is notably convenient given its proximity to the city center. There's ample parking space that's easy to access with many guests mentioning the convenience of parking right in front of the building. The lot is large, secure and provides sufficient spaces, ensuring that parking is seldom an issue. Despite a few mentions of limited availability at times, the majority find the parking situation satisfactory. Additionally, the presence of secure bike storage is a notable feature, catering to cyclists. For those concerned with leaving their car parked for longer durations, the free parking lot offers options for up to 72 hours, making the accommodation practical for an extended stay. Guests anxious about security can also feel at ease with the secure parking facilities provided.
4 Star
YHA York has received considerable praise for its inviting social areas and spacious, clean rooms. Guests found the hostel to be good value for money with excellent facilities, including access to a kitchen and common areas. The rooms are described as big and easily accessible, making it comfortable for various types of travelers.
The location of the hostel is another highlight, situated conveniently close to the river and town. Reviewers consistently spoke highly of the staff, noting their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The overall service quality received commendations with some mentioning it exceeded expectations.
YHA York's exceptional service and great value are recurrent themes with many guests feeling they got more than what they paid for. The hostel stands out for providing a clean, comfortable stay with a central location, making it a top choice for visitors seeking both quality and affordability.
Accessible
YHA York offers spacious and clean accommodations with a focus on accessibility. Guests found the rooms generously sized and many highlighted the ease of access to and from the city, local shops, restaurants and pubs. The common areas were commended for their cleanliness and spaciousness, making them comfortable for socializing.
The hostel is particularly favorable for families and children with multiple reviews noting its family-friendly atmosphere. It is also accommodating for solo travelers and small groups. Despite some challenges, such as the lack of an elevator and the layout being somewhat difficult to navigate in the dark, many guests still found the rooms accessible, including those with disabilities.
The en-suite and disabled access bathrooms were appreciated, although some guests noted that showers could be improved for those with limited mobility. Accessibility to city transport and various points of interest was a major positive note with buses and taxis easily available just outside the hostel.
Overall, YHA York seems to strike a balance between offering accessible facilities and a convenient location, making it a suitable option for a diverse range of travelers seeking a comfortable stay in York.
No, YHA York doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at YHA York.
No, YHA York doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at YHA York.