Hotel Indigo York

Hotel Indigo York sits on Walmgate, one of the old streets of the eastern side of the city, inside the walls and a short walk from the Shambles. Like every Hotel Indigo, it draws its design from its neighbourhood, and here that means chocolate. As the hotel puts it, York’s chocolate story began in this neighbourhood, and the décor nods to the confectionery heritage of Rowntree’s and Terry’s throughout. The rooms are bright and contemporary, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a mini fridge, rainfall showers, a complimentary robe and a local welcome gift, and there are accessible rooms with wet rooms or roll-in showers and grab rails. Food and drink are served in No.88 Walmgate, the hotel’s bar and lounge, which also offers an exclusive pasta menu by Pasta Evangelists. The hotel is smoke-free, holds a sustainability certification and was named a Top 10 Hotel in York by The Times in 2022. It is a good mid-range choice for travellers who want a stylish base in the old city that feels a little more local and a little less busy than the streets around the Minster, while still being within ten to fifteen minutes’ walk of all the main sights.

Location and getting around: the hotel is at 88 to 96 Walmgate, about 0.2 miles from the Shambles and 0.6 miles from York Minster, so you can walk to the heart of the old city in five to fifteen minutes. Walmgate Bar, the only city gate with its barbican intact, is at the end of the street, and Clifford’s Tower, JORVIK and the York Dungeon are within about ten minutes. The station is a longer walk of around twenty to twenty-five minutes, or a short taxi ride.

Rooms: the rooms are modern and comfortable, with good showers and air conditioning, which is a welcome extra in older city buildings. Accessible rooms have wet rooms or roll-in showers.

Who it suits: couples, solo travellers and first-time visitors who want a stylish, good-value base close to the Shambles, and chocolate lovers who enjoy the theme. It is less ideal for families who need connecting rooms, so check room types before booking.

Good to know: check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 11am, and guests must be eighteen or over to check in. There is no parking on site, but public parking is about two minutes’ walk away. Pets are not allowed. Dining is centred on the bar and lounge rather than a full restaurant, so plan some dinners in town.