Red Without Window First Floor Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Hotel · York · North Yorkshire
Impossible Motel
A 13-room adults-only hotel in the heart of York, where each stay is a playful escape into themed rooms, private rooftop hot tubs, and a theatrical check-in.
- Adults-only atmosphere
- Private rooftop hot tubs
- 6-minute walk to York City Walls
8.2
Great
1413 reviews
Booking.com 8.2 · 1413 reviews
About
Impossible Motel
Impossible Motel is a 13-room adults-only hotel tucked into Saint Helen's Square, right in the middle of York. It's a place that leans into the playful side of hospitality — expect themed rooms, a theatrical check-in (you might pick your own bath bomb), and a general sense of stepping into a secret world rather than a standard hotel corridor.
The rooms themselves are compact but characterful, with bold decor, comfortable king-size beds, and thoughtful details like electric kettles and free toiletries. Several rooms open onto a private rooftop hot tub, which guests consistently call out as a highlight. It's not a quiet, minimalist retreat — it's a fun, romantic, and slightly theatrical stay for couples.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Prime central location — Six minutes' walk from York City Walls and within easy reach of York Minster, the Museum Gardens, and the city's other attractions. Everything is walkable.
- Standout staff service — Guests repeatedly mention friendly, welcoming staff who go out of their way to make stays special — from check-in to little extras like prosecco and rose petals on arrival.
- Quirky themed rooms — Bold, unique decor with a theatrical touch — think red staircases, under-bed lighting, and bath bomb choices at check-in. A far cry from a standard chain hotel.
- Private rooftop hot tubs — Several rooms come with a private rooftop hot tub, which guests consistently call the highlight of their stay — perfect for couples.
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Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Small and adults-only — With just 13 rooms and an adults-only policy, this is a niche stay — not ideal for families or groups wanting a larger, more anonymous hotel.
- Potential noise from neighbors and street — Several guests mention a lack of soundproofing, with late-night noise from neighboring rooms or the street disturbing sleep. Light sleepers should come prepared.
- Compact rooms, some without windows — Rooms are cozy, and some are windowless (e.g., 'Red Without Window' and 'Basement Room'). If natural light matters to you, book the Guest Room instead.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Without Window Basement Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Balcony
Guest Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Single Room
- 1 Single bed
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour security
- Key card access
- Luggage storage
- No smoking on site
- Adults only
- No pets allowed
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge area
- Welcome drink
- Live entertainment
Room Comfort
- Heating
- Air conditioning
- Electric kettle
- Free toiletries
- Flat-screen TV
- Carpeted floor
Outdoor & Activities
- Patio
- Terrace
- Golf course
Services
- Housekeeping
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Fax/Photocopying
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.2/10 from 1,413 reviews
Booking.com · 8.2 · 1413 reviews
8.2Verified guest“The room was comfortable and the hot tub was fantastic, creating a great vibe. The mattress was really comfy! Just be aware the stairs to the hot tub can be slippery. I'd recommend it.”
8.2Verified guest“I loved stepping into a secret world here — magical ambiance and a cozy, beautifully decorated room. The red staircase to the private hot tub was the highlight! The bathroom was cramped and there was some outside noise, but I'd still recommend it.”
8.2Verified guest“Right in the middle of everything, we could walk to all the sights. The decor was so unique and we loved the cozy, classy basement feel! The bed was super comfy too, which made for great sleep after our adventures.”
8.2Verified guest“Central location, close to attractions. Helpful and well-trained staff. Stylish room decor with excellent attention to detail. Prosecco and rose petals on arrival. Comfortable bed with quality amenities. Great bath experience, perfect for couples. Easy access from the train station.”
8.2Verified guest“The unique decor and quirky touches, like choosing our bath products, added charm, and the wonderfully friendly staff made us feel welcome. The central location was perfect for exploring York Minster and the Museum Gardens, though the lack of soundproofing meant late-night noise from neighbors disrupted our sleep. A fun stay with room for improvement.”
8.2Verified guest“Great location and unique decor made for an enjoyable stay. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and I loved the comfy bed and nice toiletries. Just a couple of quirks in the room — dusty floor and an interesting bathroom setup — but it added character.”
04 — Location
Getting around York
The property sits in York.
Around the hotel: The hotel sits on Saint Helen's Square, right in York's historic core. York City Walls are a 6-minute walk away, and York Minster and the Museum Gardens are within easy strolling distance. You're surrounded by the city's famous narrow streets, shops, and eateries.
5 Saint Helen'S Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QN, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 16:00-23:00
- Check-out
- By 05:00-11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 13 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 16:00 to 23:00, and check-out is from 05:00 to 11:00.
Are pets allowed at Impossible Motel?
No, pets are not allowed on site.
Is there parking at the hotel?
The hotel does not list parking among its amenities. Given its central location, you may want to plan for nearby public parking or use public transport.
Is the hotel adults-only?
Yes, Impossible Motel is adults-only, so it's geared toward couples and adult travelers.
Do all rooms have windows?
No. Some rooms, like the 'Red Without Window First Floor Room' and the 'Without Window Basement Room', are windowless. The 'Guest Room' does have a window. If natural light is important, consider booking the Guest Room.
Does the hotel offer breakfast?
There's no breakfast listed among the amenities, though the hotel does have a restaurant and bar/lounge area. You'll be in central York with plenty of cafés and eateries nearby.
The bottom line
Impossible Motel is a one-of-a-kind adults-only stay in the heart of York. If you're after a standard, quiet business hotel, this isn't it — but if you want a fun, romantic, and genuinely memorable night with a private rooftop hot tub, it delivers.
8.2Best for couples seeking a quirky, central York escape.
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