Impossible Motel, York ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

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

Next to the historic Old Town

Great

8.2

8.6

/10

3.4

Loved by Impossible Motel guests

Comfortable beds
Attentive staff
Great location
Clean room
Lovely cocktails
Quirky hotel

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

Laura H from United Kingdom

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"The room exceeded both of our expectations."

Firman from United Kingdom

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"The bathroom has 2 baths side-by-side so you and your partner can bath next to each other while sharing a drink."

Bren

Google

Amenities

Impossible Motel offers creatively designed rooms, each with a distinct theme. The property includes a shared lounge with board games and entertainment spaces. Guests benefit from complimentary on-site parking and a location that supports exploration of nearby attractions.

Rooms

The motel consists of 12 uniquely themed rooms, encouraging a memorable stay. Each room provides essential amenities and decor aligned with its specific theme, ensuring an enjoyable atmosphere. Guests have different thematic choices, catering to various tastes and preferences.

Dining

Impossible Motel does not offer traditional dining options but is located within walking distance of several local eateries. Dining experiences nearby range from casual cafes to local diners showcasing York's culinary scene. Guests can easily explore diverse food options right outside the motel.

Entertainment

The motel features a variety of entertainment options including board games available in the shared lounge. Unique events and themed nights may also be held at the facility. Guests can engage in creative activities, providing a vibrant guest experience.

Location

Impossible Motel is conveniently located in York, providing easy access to local attractions such as York Minster and Jorvik Viking Centre. Guests can stroll through the historic city or enjoy nearby green spaces. The location enhances the overall experience by combining lodging with exploration.

Highlights

Location: Convenient access to York's attractions

Rooms: 12 uniquely themed rooms

Entertainment: Board games available in shared lounge

Diversity: Nearby local eateries and cafes

“This property stands out with its prime location, steps away from shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a vibrant base for exploring the city. Themed rooms add a layer of intrigue, though some may find the basement rooms a bit too dim and musty for extended stays. Despite quirks like low ceilings and unique décor, the option for side-by-side baths creates a memorable touch.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesUnique Design

The room's design was stunning. I loved the bath and the ambient lighting! The bed was super comfy, with convenient bedside plugs.

Rachel from Canada

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BathroomLuxurious touches

I got to choose a complimentary bath bomb and handmade whipped soap. The toiletries from The White Company were gorgeous.

Ellie from United Kingdom

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BedroomBlissful Sleep

The bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. Blackout curtains ensured a perfect night's rest.

Lucas from Australia

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DiningPastries upon request

Fresh, warm pastries were brought to the room in the morning after a quick call. Plus, there's a discount for the bar and restaurant.

Pete from United Kingdom

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Select your room type

Impossible Motel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Room

2 persons

1 King-size bed

City view

room details

Red Without Window First Floor Room

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Without Window Basement Room

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Guest Room

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Impossible Motel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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, United Kingdom, YO1 8QN

Map view

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

City landmarks

Museum

National Railway Museum

4400 ft

Museum

York Castle Museum

2200 ft

Landmark

Clifford's Tower

2300 ft

Museum

Yorkshire Museum

2300 ft

Landmark

York Museum Gardens

2300 ft

Event hall

Jacobs Well

2700 ft

Church

Priory Church of the Holy Trinity

2900 ft

Church

St Denys's Church

2100 ft

Landmark

The Hospitium

2300 ft

Park

Rowntree Park

5200 ft

Landmark

Yorkshire Wheel

4200 ft

Nearby

Church

York Minster

1600 ft

York YO1 7HBEngland

York City Walls

1400 ft

Museum

Jorvik Viking Centre

1200 ft

Museum

York's Chocolate Story

200 ft

Church

St Wilfrid's Catholic Church

1400 ft

St. Anthonys Hall Peasholme Green

Quilt Museum and Gallery

1500 ft

Event hall

Merchant Taylors Hall

900 ft

12 Clifford St

The York Dungeon

1500 ft

Square

Kings Square

100 ft

Public Building

York Guildhall

1600 ft

York YO1 8BL

St. Crux Parish Hall

600 ft

Goodramgate

700 ft

Shopping Area

Stonegate

1000 ft

Event hall

Saint William's College

1000 ft

Square

Saint Helen's Square

1400 ft

Gallery

York Art Gallery

2000 ft

St. Leonards Place

De Grey Rooms And Attached Gates

1800 ft

Event hall

York Mansion House

200 ft

9 St. Sampsons Square

The Roman Bath

600 ft

Restaurants

The Cornish Bakery

300 ft

29-30 Colliergate

Middle Feast

200 ft

23 Lendal

Cafe Lendal

200 ft

23 Lendal

Appleton's

200 ft

19 Lendal

Baileys Cafe and Tea Rooms

700 ft

7 Museum Street

The Old Bank

400 ft

6-12 Lendal

The York Roast Co

300 ft

78 Low Petergate

The Drawing Board Cafe

600 ft

10 New Street 10 New Street

Costa

500 ft

13A Museum Street

Luxury Ice Cream Co

700 ft

20 Back Swinegate

Explore York

Local Highlights

York Minster

6 minutes' walk

Gothic cathedral known for its stunning architecture and stained glass, offering guided tours and breathtaking views.

York Castle Museum

9 minutes' walk

Museum showcasing York's history from the Victorian era; features recreated streets and a fascinating dungeons exhibit.

National Railway Museum

16 minutes' walk

Home to a vast collection of historically significant locomotives; highlights include free entry and interactive exhibits.

Jorvik Viking Centre

5 minutes' walk

Interactive attraction highlighting York's Viking heritage; features reconstructed Viking streets and artefacts from the period.

York City Walls Walk

6 minutes' walk

Historic walls encircling the city offering scenic walks; perfect for families and couples to soak in stunning views.

Rowntree Park

20 minutes' walk

Beautiful park perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic; great for families, with playgrounds and a café.

The Cornish Bakery

1 minute' walk

Cozy bakery known for pasties, artisan bread, and pastries; ideal for a casual bite or takeaway.

Middle Feast

1 minute' walk

Offers a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a vibrant setting; great vegetarian options available.

Fibbers

10 minutes' walk

Local live music venue featuring various genres; great for nightlife with a lively atmosphere and a full bar.

City Screen

10 minutes' walk

Independent cinema showcasing a mix of mainstream and indie films; offers a relaxed vibe and snack bar.

Getting around

City Centre

York3 min · 700 ft

Airports

Leeds Bradford (LBA)75 min · 30.8 mi

Doncaster Sheffield (DSA)94 min · 38.8 mi

Train

York Railway station8 min · 2000 ft

Bus

Bus stop8 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 for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Spanish, Dutch, Romanian, Turkish, Hindi

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Impossible Motel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Impossible Motel is known for its trendy and atmospheric decor, with some guests particularly enjoying the beautifully decorated Sir Joseph Terry room, featuring a spacious terrace with a top-of-the-range hot tub. Its central location makes it easy to walk from the train station and access York's attractions, plus many restaurants are right outside. The rooms are often described as quirky and spacious; however, a few guests have mentioned experiencing basement rooms with limited natural light. Many appreciate the complimentary touches like warm pastries, coffee in the morning, and handmade soap.

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Review score

Based on 691 verified reviews

8.2/10

Great

80%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.3/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Pros

Fun experience

Helpful staff

Central location

Comfortable bed

Excellent food

Cons

Loud bar

Sewage smell

Sebastian from Germany

Couple

Labyrinth Windowless Basement Two Baths

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 09, 2025

9.5/10

an Lovely Stay

sexy vibecomfortable bedfantastic designmould issue

the aesthetic was superb. decor throughout had such a sexy vibe. i adored the labyrinth room. It included two baths, a great feature. the bed felt enormous and very comfortable. the design, as if it hangs from chains, IS fantastic.

i found SOME mould in the room. it impacted my overall experience. management not replying after being contacted, it's just not great

Service

9/10

the staff seemed friendly and ready to help. They quickly brought breakfast. the overall service. i had no issues there. a plus to be mentioned.

Location

10/10

the location proved very central. it permitted easy access to local attractions. this proximity made sightseeing very uncomplicated. i could walk to most places easily. i loved it.

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