Safestay York is now open. Like York itself, the hostel is an interesting mix of tradition and modernity and very much embodies the spirit of the great historical city it stands in.
Safestay York is housed in an important historical building: the Grade One-listed Micklegate House, considered to be the most significant Georgian residences south of the river Ouse. Completed in 1752, Micklegate House was designed by the eminent architect John Carr for Sir John Bourchier, who as a judge at the trial of King Charles was one of the signatories of the King’s death warrant.
The designers, Black Box Interiors were careful to preserve this sense of history and locale by incorporating the original features of Micklegate House into their design. The house’s original features include a stunning Rococo ceiling, which includes the heads of two British luminaries in its design; Newton and Shakespeare. The ceiling is believed to be the creation of the renowned Italian artist Cortese. Other original features include beautiful Georgian fireplaces, an original 18th Century stone-flagged entrance hall and a staircase with sweeping carved balusters.
Black Box Interiors have enhanced these original features by bringing an element of fantasy and humour to the hostel, playing with scale through the use of unusually proportioned furnishings including oversized armchairs and small, individual circular tables.
Throughout the hostel, other whimsical touches are to be found and enjoyed. There are twists on the traditional family portrait with ornately framed pictures of animals in full military regalia or period dress and bespoke Jeeves Top Hat and Bowler pendants and lamps.
In the breakfast room, the light fittings are even framed by cutlery. These modern pieces are expertly blended with more classical selections of furniture including a Chesterfield sofa and a church pew.
Some of the private rooms (great for families and business travellers) feature ornate antique 19th century beds.
A sense of luxury and attention to detail is apparent throughout. There are personalized touches in every room, including lockers to secure luggage and personal items, individual curtains around each bed to ensure privacy, individual reading lights, and excellent security (each bedroom can only be accessed with individual touch keys).
The hostel also offers complimentary breakfast, free-wi-fi in the public areas, a 24-hour laundry room, a heated terrace, a café, bar and pool room, a computer room, and tea and coffee making facilities in the private rooms.
Safestay York will appeal to both families and independent travellers, to business men and women, as well as school groups, with different rooms to accommodate all.
The hostel is in a very central location, right within the city walls in a smart street. From Micklegate House there is easy access to York’s main attractions, including York Minster, ‘The Shambles’ (which provided J.K Rowling with the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books), the National Railway Museum, important Viking and Roman sites, the famous Betty’s Tearooms, as well as a whole range of interesting shops, restaurants and bars.
Safestay York makes a fantastic base for visiting this fascinating city, and its warm and inviting vibe will make guests feel glad that they came to stay.
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