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Key details

About the Hotel

5 Saint Helen'S Square, York, YO1 8QN

Steps from the Historic Old Town

Great

8.1

8.6

/10

1.0

Loved by Impossible Motel guests

Comfortable beds

Attentive staff

Great location

Clean room

"We were also given ear plugs, just incase there was any noise."

Laura H from United Kingdom

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"Loved the basement room, very cosy. also loved having tea/ coffee facilities. ."

Sarah from United Kingdom

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"The team are very open and it would be recommended to call them before you book so that they can make your stay as enjoyable as possible."

43Ste from United Kingdom

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3-star boutique hotel in York with themed accommodations

Amenities

Impossible Motel offers themed rooms that provide a distinctive stay experience in York. Each room features unique decor inspired by various pop culture references, enhancing guests' enjoyment. The hotel provides well-equipped common areas for relaxation and socializing.

Rooms

The hotel includes creatively designed rooms, such as the Pirate Room and the Space Room, each with its own theme. Room amenities consist of comfortable bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning for convenience. Guests can choose from multiple configurations that suit their preferences.

Location

Located centrally in York, Impossible Motel is easily accessible from major attractions like York Minster and the National Railway Museum. The hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring historic sites and local eateries. Public transportation options are within walking distance.

Dining

The hotel features a lounge area where guests can enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages. Local dining options are available nearby, offering a taste of York's cuisine. Restaurants and cafes within a short walk provide diverse culinary experiences.

Entertainment

Guests can take advantage of a game area that features classic board games and card games for entertainment. The hotel is located near entertainment venues such as theaters and live music locations. A vibrant nightlife scene awaits in the surrounding streets.

Highlights

Location: Centrally located in York

Rooms: Themed accommodations including Pirate and Space Rooms

Dining: Lounge area with snacks and beverages

Entertainment: Game area with board games

Must-do experiences

Stroll along the Shambles, a medieval street with charming shops.
Try a Yorkshire pudding at the local favorite, The York Roast Co.
Visit the Museum Gardens for a peaceful afternoon and lovely views.
Explore the Jorvik Viking Centre for an immersive history experience.
Don't miss the local market on Saturdays for fresh produce and crafts.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Experience Windowless Basement
2 persons
14 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Superb
2 persons
13 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Bank Vault Windowless Basement
2 persons
17 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

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August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment

Room features

Heating
Patio
Terrace

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Impossible Motel Location

5 Saint Helen'S Square, York, YO1 8QN

Explore York

Explore York's Treasures

York Minster

6 minutes' walk

York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, boasts stunning stained glass and fascinating tours year-round.

Jorvik Viking Centre

5 minutes' walk

Jorvik Viking Centre offers a unique insight into Viking life through immersive exhibits and a thrilling underground ride.

York Castle Museum

9 minutes' walk

York Castle Museum presents fascinating historical exhibits in a restored prison with living history experiences.

York Museum Gardens

9 minutes' walk

York Museum Gardens features beautiful gardens with historic ruins and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

Rowntree Park

20 minutes' walk

Rowntree Park offers lush green spaces, a children's play area, and scenic lake views, perfect for family picnics.

York's Chocolate Story

1 minute' walk

York's Chocolate Story invites visitors to learn about York's chocolate heritage with interactive tastings and guided tours.

Goddards House and Garden

6 minutes' drive

Goddards House and Garden features stunning gardens and historical tours, providing a peaceful retreat from city life.

Yorkshire Wheel

15 minutes' walk

Yorkshire Wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of York, making it a thrilling experience for sightseers.

The Cornish Bakery

1 minute' walk

The Cornish Bakery serves delicious pasties and pastries in a casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick, hearty meal.

Middle Feast

1 minute' walk

Middle Feast offers vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine with vegetarian options and a cozy atmosphere, ideal for sharing.

Cafe Lendal

1 minute' walk

Cafe Lendal presents a relaxed dining experience with a variety of café favorites, including gluten-free options.

Baileys Cafe and Tea Rooms

3 minutes' walk

Baileys Cafe offers a charming ambiance with a selection of teas and homemade cakes, perfect for afternoon relaxation.

Jacobs Well

10 minutes' walk

Jacobs Well features a lively pub atmosphere with regular live music events and traditional craft beers for a fun night out.

York Theatre Royal

12 minutes' walk

York Theatre Royal hosts various performances from drama to comedy, offering an engaging experience for all ages.

The Press

5 minutes' drive

The Press is a vibrant bar and music venue offering weekly events and a fantastic nightlife atmosphere for adults.

York Dungeon

10 minutes' walk

York Dungeon provides an entertaining and educational experience with live actors and thrilling rides based on York's dark past.

Getting around

City Centre
York 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Leeds Bradford (LBA) 75 min · 30.8 mi
Doncaster Sheffield (DSA) 94 min · 38.8 mi
Train
York Railway station 8 min · 2000 ft
Bus
Bus stop 8 min · 2000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:00

Check-out

from 05:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Spanish, Dutch, Romanian, Turkish, Hindi

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Impossible Motel is often praised for its perfect central location, convenient for exploring York and accessing nearby car parks and restaurants. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's quirky and unique design. Many find the rooms spacious and the beds extremely comfy. Some guests in basement rooms have noted a musty smell.

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Review score

Based on 937 verified reviews

7.9 /10

Very good

75 %

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Free WiFi

8.2/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Comfortable bed

Elegant decoration

Modern twist

Complimentary tea and coffee

Cons

Small room

Weird smell

Poor lighting

Zoe from United Kingdom

Couple

Splendid

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 11, 2026

9/10

Quirky Design and Central Location

helpful staff beautiful design ideal location

The location is ideal. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The overall design of the hotel and rooms is beautiful. I appreciated the access to the bar next door.

I noticed a slight chip on the furniture in the room. Otherwise, everything was in good order.

Rooms

9/10

The room featured a huge, comfortable bed. It included a well-kept bathroom with modern fixtures. The quirky design added character to the space, and all amenities were in good working order.

0 Helpful

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reese from united states

Couple

splendid

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 06, 2026

9.5/10

quirky and clean stay

comfortable bed double bath scented soap

the bed was very comfortable. the double bath was great! i found the complimentary scented soap a lovely touch. coffee and pastries in the morning were also nice.

the sound proofing was not good. i could hear noise from other rooms!

Facilities

9/10

the hotel provides complimentary coffee and pastries each morning. a pink bar is accessible directly from the hotel, offering a discount on cocktails. these services enhanced convenience .

Location

10/10

the hotel has a fantastic central location near the city. the ivy restaurant is nearby for dinner, and betty's is close for breakfast. this positioning simplified dining and exploration.

0 Helpful

Ava from United Kingdom

Couple

Red Room Windowless First Floor Bath Two

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 05, 2026

9.0/10

ABSOLUTELY fantastic!

excellent location helpful staff good touch

The location was excellent, offering easy access to many attractions. The staff were helpful (I talked to them a lot!). The complimentary pastries and coffee each morning were a good touch. I especially liked the handmade soap and White Company toiletries provided. WHAT a treat!

The street noise was slightly noticeable at times.

Dining

9/10

The onsite bar and restaurant offered a pleasant atmosphere, providing convenient options for drinks and meals. Complimentary warm pastries and coffee were available in the morning, a simple yet appreciated service. It made starting the day easier (and tastier!).

Service

9/10

The staff were very helpful and did their best to accommodate requests. They were knowledgeable about the area, offering useful information. The team's friendly approach added positively to the overall stay.

Facilities

9/10

The trendy room design added to the overall experience. The bed was comfortable, ensuring restful sleep. The hotel's central location allowed easy access to city attractions.

0 Helpful

Michael from United Kingdom

Couple

bank vault windowless basement

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 26, 2026

6/10

cramped bathroom low water pressure

the location was good.

The bathroom felt cramped. It was difficult to even turn around in there. the shower had almost no water pressure. the air conditioning unit smelled bad when i tried to use the heat (i just turned it off).

0 Helpful

Reese from Canada

Couple

Labyrinth Windowless Basement Two Baths

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

9.5/10

a sensual getaway

moody atmosphere comfortable bed

I adored the dark, moody atmosphere it had an very nice vibe. i stayed in the labyrinth room it was the best room i've ever stayed in, it had an enormous comfortable bed. the pair of baths were amazing. I fit nicely.

Facilities

9/10

This lodging provides distinctive rooms that create a unique atmosphere. The themed designs contribute to a nice experience. the motel included a bar plus a restaurant with a decent menu. the aesthetic added to the overall charm.

Location

10/10

the motel had an excellent location, so the train station and the town centre are within walking distance. it is close to the shambles. this is definitely beneficial wanting easy access to nearby facilities!

0 Helpful

oscar from sweden

Single

red room windowless first floor bath two

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 30, 2025

9/10

charming stay with really good service

convenient location friendly staff bar discount

the location was very convenient, close to the train station. the staff were helpful and friendly . i used a 10% discount for residents at the bar, a good perk.

i found some noise disturbance late at night into the early morning since the hotel is attached to a bar.

Dining

9/10

the impossible restaurant had a decent menu with really nice food. there was a good variety of options available for both dinner and drinks. i found the quality of the ingredients to be high.

0 Helpful

Victoria from United Kingdom

Couple

Bank Vault Windowless Basement

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 17, 2025

6/10

small bathroom toilet cistern

The room was clean and comfy.

The bathroom was very small. Turning around inside was hard. The sink positioned on top of the toilet cistern was also not ideal.

0 Helpful

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