Marmadukes Boutique Hotel, York Hotels

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#5 of 20

expert-rated hotels in York

Location:3.9

Bedrooms:4.4

Eating/drinking:4.1

Public areas:4.3

Leisure facilities:N/A

Service:4.7

Value for money:4.7

Recommended for:: Couples, Culture vultures, Honeymooners, Mature travellers, Seasoned travellers, Chilling out, Design and architecture, Escaping the crowds, Romance, Special occasions

Best for Value for money - Expert review of Marmadukes Boutique Hotel

Last updated 18 March 2011

Period panache in abundance, I like the feel and flavour of this tucked away boutique hotel.

For me, a wonderful and welcoming small property close to the city centre packed full of elegance, charm and quirky magnetism. Once home to a Victorian gentleman, now each of its 20 individually styled rooms has been lovingly decorated in warm autumnal colours complimented by rich period furnishings and antiques alongside 21st century technology and comforts.

Location:

Hidden in a leafy northern suburb, yet only a 15 minute walk to all that the centre of York has to offer. Those arriving by train should take a taxi, while car users will find a small car park and some street parking requiring a permit made available by reception.

Bedrooms:

All come with their own unique character, opulently furnished in patterned fabrics, handmade iron, brass and wooden beds topped with comfy mattresses and Egyptian cotton bedding. Executive, Deluxe, Four-poster and in the eaves, the Loft Suite, make up the categories that all have flat screen TV’s, free Wi-Fi and safes. Some rooms have only either bath or shower and its worth stating a preference in advance, some too can be a little on the bijou side.

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Public areas:

The wardrobe size reception gives no clue as to the magic just beyond. Once into the main building the original and beautifully tiled floors reveal deceptively spacious lounges that I find really quite lovely.

Eating and drinking:

Only breakfast is served here but it should set you up for most of the day. The Full English is a speciality, cooked to order and highly regarded. It will even be served in your bed at no extra cost if you order on arrival. I like the small bar with its comfy sofa’s and choice decorative objects.

Leisure facilities:

Other than the usual in-room offerings, another great selling point for me is a beautifully kept walled garden with sundeck and open air sauna.

Service:

Broad smiles greet you at reception and this disposition and willingness to please never leaves until you do.

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Who stays there:

Couples on leisure visits looking for somewhere a bit special and wedding parties.

Price advice:

Executive rooms prove the best value and like the rest of the city are cheapest between Sunday and Thursday. It’s worth checking if they are running any special deals which are most likely available during the winter months. Breakfast and parking is included in the price.

Pros:

Beautifully furnished

Lovely enthusiastic welcome

Cons:

One or two of the rooms can be small

No lift