Welcome to our review of the Watergate Inn, a cozy spot just a stone’s throw from York’s famous cathedral. This place puts you right in the heart of the action, perfect for soaking up York’s rich history and charm.
The rooms come with all the basics you need, and there’s free parking – a real bonus in a busy city.
Now, let’s be honest: some folks say the rooms could use a bit of sprucing up, and you might hear a peep or two from the street if you’re a light sleeper.
But don’t let that scare you off! If you’re looking for a friendly, no-frills base to explore York without breaking the bank, this could be your ticket.
It’s especially great for history buffs, culture vultures, and anyone who wants to be able to pop back to their room for a quick break between sightseeing adventures.
Good To Know
- Centrally located in York, within 600 meters of the iconic York Minster and 300 meters from the historic York City Walls.
- Offers a range of accommodation options, including double, single, and family rooms with en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and tea/coffee facilities.
- Provides free parking, complimentary WiFi, and pet-friendly policies, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups.
- Nearby attractions include the Grand Opera House, Clifford’s Tower, and the vibrant Walmgate and The Shambles areas with dining and leisure options.
- Receives mixed reviews, with high praise for its location and staff, but some concerns about room comfort and soundproofing.
Location and Nearby Attractions
The Watergate Inn boasts a prime city-center location, situated just 600 meters from the iconic York Minster and 300 meters from the historic York City Walls.
Other nearby attractions include the Grand Opera House and Clifford’s Tower, both just a 300-meter walk away.
The property is well-connected, with York train station just 1.2 km away and Leeds Bradford International Airport 39 km distant.
Guests can explore the charming Walmgate and The Shambles areas, and enjoy activities like cycling and fishing in the vicinity.
The inn is managed by a professional host and complies with EU consumer law requirements.
Room Types and Accommodations
Offering various room types, the Watergate Inn caters to diverse guest needs. Its accommodations include Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms, Single Rooms, Quadruple Rooms, Twin Rooms with Private Bathrooms, Small Double Rooms, Triple Rooms, and Family Rooms.
All rooms feature en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Popular amenities at the property include free parking, complimentary WiFi, family rooms, non-smoking rooms, a bar, BBQ facilities, and a shared lounge/TV area.
The inn’s versatile room options and well-equipped facilities make it a suitable choice for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups visiting the heart of York.
Facilities and Amenities
Complementing its diverse accommodations, the Watergate Inn boasts an array of convenient facilities and amenities to enhance guests’ stays. Visitors can enjoy free WiFi, a bar, and BBQ facilities on-site. Plus, the inn offers a shared lounge and TV area for guests to unwind. For those arriving by car, free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The property also caters to families, providing family rooms. To further accommodate guests, the Watergate Inn allows pets at no extra charge.
| Facility | Amenity |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | Bar |
| BBQ area | Shared lounge/TV area |
| Free parking | Family rooms |
| Pets allowed |
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Guests have provided a substantial volume of reviews for the Watergate Inn, totaling 1,525 evaluations. The overall rating stands at 7.1 out of 10, with guests praising the inn’s central location and its friendly staff, who earned an 8.6 rating.
Value for money was also well-received at 7.7. However, opinions on room comfort and soundproofing were mixed, with cleanliness rated at 7.4.
Couples were particularly impressed with the location, awarding it a 9.4 score for two-person trips.
The Watergate Inn’s reviews highlight its strengths in terms of accessibility and service, while identifying areas for potential improvement in the guest experience.
House Rules and Policies
Check-in at the Watergate Inn is available from 15:00 to 22:00, and guests must vacate their rooms by 10:30 on the day of check-out. Children of any age are welcome, and pets are allowed at no extra charge. Parking spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early check-in and late check-out are not possible, and food services are not provided.
| Check-in | Check-out | Children | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15:00 – 22:00 | By 10:30 | Allowed | Allowed at no extra charge |
The accommodation offers flexible cancellation and prepayment policies, depending on the room type booked. The property complies with EU consumer law requirements and is managed by a professional host.
Dining and Food Services
The Watergate Inn doesn’t offer any on-site dining or food services. Guests are responsible for arranging their own meals during their stay.
However, the inn’s central location in York provides easy access to a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and pubs within a short walking distance. Visitors can explore the nearby Walmgate and The Shambles areas, known for their charming eateries and lively atmosphere.
While the inn doesn’t cater to guests’ dining needs, it compensates by providing a prime location to explore York’s vibrant culinary scene. Guests are encouraged to research and discover the city’s gastronomic offerings during their visit.
Activities and Recreation
Situated in the heart of York, the Watergate Inn provides guests with easy access to a range of activities and recreational options.
Visitors can explore the nearby York Dungeon, York Castle Museum, and Jorvik Viking Centre, all within walking distance. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the property offers easy access to cycling routes and fishing spots.
The inn’s central location in the vibrant Walmgate and The Shambles areas also allows guests to enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.
Whether seeking educational experiences or active leisure, the Watergate Inn’s strategic positioning ensures guests can make the most of their York visit.
Property Information and Management
The Watergate Inn is managed by a professional host and complies with EU consumer law requirements.
The inn offers a range of accommodation options, including double rooms, singles, and family rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and tea/coffee facilities. Guests can enjoy amenities like free parking, free WiFi, a bar, and BBQ facilities.
While reviews on room comfort and soundproofing were mixed, the inn’s central location, friendly staff, and good value for money received high praise.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary, and early check-in and late check-out aren’t possible.
The Watergate Inn provides a convenient base for exploring York’s historic attractions, just 600 meters from the iconic York Minster.
Questions About Staying Here
Is There a Lift/Elevator Available in the Building?
The accommodation does not have an elevator. Guests will need to use the stairs to access their rooms, as the inn does not offer lift services to the upper floors.
Are the Rooms Equipped With Air Conditioning?
The rooms do not feature air conditioning. Instead, the accommodations provide basic amenities like en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and tea/coffee making facilities to meet guests’ needs.
Does the Inn Offer Laundry or Dry-Cleaning Services?
The inn doesn’t offer laundry or dry-cleaning services. Guests needing these amenities will have to find alternative options in the local area or inquire about nearby facilities that may provide these services.
Can I Store My Luggage at the Inn Before Check-In or After Check-Out?
The inn allows guests to store their luggage before check-in or after check-out at no additional charge. Guests can leave their bags with the staff to explore the area until their room is ready.
Is There a Designated Smoking Area on the Premises?
There is no designated smoking area on the premises. The inn has a non-smoking policy, and smoking is not permitted inside or anywhere on the property.
Worth The Stay
The Watergate Inn in York, UK, offers travelers a convenient and comfortable stay in the heart of the historic city. With its central location, varied room options, and on-site amenities, the inn caters to the needs of solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Positive guest reviews and the inn’s proximity to top attractions make it an appealing choice for those seeking a cozy base to explore York’s rich heritage.