Impossible Motel York Exterior photoImpossible Motel York Exterior photoImpossible Motel York Exterior photo
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From122US$ /night
Check-in
18May2026Select date
Check-out
19May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

5 Saint Helen'S Square, York, United Kingdom, YO1 8QN
-
Close to York Minster
Great
8.2
8.6
/10
1.0
/5

Rooms

Impossible Motel offers a range of themed rooms that cater to various tastes, including the 'Space Room' and 'Underwater Room,' each providing a distinctive experience. All rooms come with private bathrooms and air conditioning, ensuring convenience and comfort. Each themed setting invites guests into a unique narrative, adding an entertaining twist to their stay.

Location

The motel is centrally located on the scenic streets of York, providing easy access to local attractions and dining options. Guests can explore historical sites, shops, and parks all within walking distance from the property. A short drive will also connect visitors to the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, enhancing their stay with outdoor adventures.

Dining

Impossible Motel includes an on-site café that offers a variety of breakfast and coffee options each morning. Local restaurants are also a short stroll away for those wanting more extensive dining experiences. The café environment encourages a social atmosphere among guests.

Entertainment

Entertainment options include a game room featuring pool tables and arcade machines for guests seeking leisure activities. The motel frequently hosts themed events, providing guests with unique evening experiences. Additionally, local attractions often feature live music and performance art throughout the year.

Amenities

The motel includes communal areas designed for relaxation and social gatherings, encouraging interaction among guests. Parking is available on-site, making it convenient for those traveling by car. A 24-hour reception desk provides assistance and guidance, ensuring a smooth experience.

Highlights

Rooms: Themed accommodations including Space and Underwater Rooms

Location: Centrally located near local attractions

Dining: On-site café with breakfast options

Entertainment: Game room and themed events

“This hotel's central location in York is undeniably a high point. The interior design strikes a balance between chic aesthetics and historical preservation, creating a distinctly atmospheric environment. While some rooms may be windowless, the overall comfort and thoughtful touches like complimentary pastries and curated bath products, combined with recent upgrades like air conditioning, make it a worthwhile stay.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Experience Windowless Basement
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Superb
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Bank Vault Windowless Basement
2 persons
185 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Spectacular
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
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
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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
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
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
York Minster
York Minster
6 minutes' walk
One of the largest cathedrals in Europe, featuring stunning Gothic architecture and a stunning interior with medieval stained glass.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Jorvik Viking Centre
5 minutes' walk
An immersive experience showcasing York's Viking history with interactive displays and a fascinating underground ride.
York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum
9 minutes' walk
Highlighting York's social history, this museum features exhibits in recreated historical settings and engaging displays.
York City Walls
York City Walls
6 minutes' walk
One of the best-preserved medieval city walls in England, perfect for a stroll with views of the city and surrounding areas.
Biking along the River Ouse
5 minutes' walk to rental station
Bike rentals are available nearby, providing a scenic route along the river with beautiful views and parks.
Relaxation at Rowntree Park
20 minutes' walk
A tranquil park with gardens, play areas, and a café, ideal for relaxation, picnics, or a leisurely stroll.
The Cornish Bakery
The Cornish Bakery
1 minute' walk
Known for delicious pastries and Cornish pasties, this cozy spot offers a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.
Middle Feast
Middle Feast
1 minute' walk
A vibrant eatery specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring flavorful dishes and a welcoming, casual vibe.
Baileys Cafe and Tea Rooms
Baileys Cafe and Tea Rooms
3 minutes' walk
Enjoy a lovely afternoon tea and homemade goodies in a charming café setting, catering to various dietary needs.
York Theatre Royal
10 minutes' walk
This historic venue hosts a variety of performances including plays and musicals, with an elegant ambiance for all ages.
City Screen
10 minutes' walk
A cinema showcasing independent films and blockbusters, combined with a lively bar for an enjoyable evening out.
Getting around town
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:
13

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Impossible Motel offers a unique and stylish experience, with some guests finding the quirky, clean rooms, particularly those with ambient lighting, quite appealing. Its central York location places you conveniently near car parks and a variety of restaurants. Some rooms feature a hot tub, although a few guests have mentioned issues with its temperature and functionality. many appreciate the cosy atmosphere and comfortable beds for a pleasant stay.
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Review score
Based on 776 verified reviews
8.0/10
Great
77%
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.2/10
Pros
Quirky hotel
Complimentary soap
Fab location
Cons
Small bathroom
Poor soundproofing
Filthy room
Guest reviews
based on 776 reviews
8.0/10
based on 1398 reviews
8.2/10
Ava from United Kingdom
Couple
Labyrinth Windowless Basement Two Baths
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 27, 2026
9.3/10

ABSOLUTELY Fantastic Stay!

onsite barfresh pastriesfriendly staff
The location IS optimal for exploring. The bar and restaurant onsite were convenient. Breakfast each morning offered fresh pastries (OH, so good!) and coffee. The staff members were very friendly and super accommodating throughout my stay.
The street noise was occasionally noticeable at night.
Dining
9/10
The onsite bar and restaurant provide convenient options for meals and drinks . Breakfast included warm pastries and fresh coffee each morning. It was a great way to start the day. The dining area was clean.
Service
10/10
Staff members were friendly and very helpful. They answered all my questions. Check-in was quick and efficient. I appreciated the smooth process. Staff promptly addressed my requests and ensured a comfortable stay.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel offers UNIQUE, quirky interior decor, giving it a modern feel. The building's style enhanced my overall trip experience. It provided a positive vibe. The central location allows for easy access to explore attractions.
0 Helpful
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Leo from Germany
Couple
Red Room Windowless First Floor Bath Two
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 21, 2026
8.5/10

Unique and Convenient

central locationstylish roomon-site parking
i liked the central location of the hotel. the room was also very clean and stylish. staff offered to keep our bags while we explored the city before our train departure.
the hotel lacks on-site parking, instead recommending the marygate car park. this car park is a significant walk, especially when the gardens are closed. this makes managing heavy luggage difficult.
Service
9/10
the staff was very kind and helpful . they offered luggage storage, great to explore freely before our train journey. this service added significant convenience to our visit.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel features unique decor that some may find interesting. the room was clean and stylish, contributing to a pleasant experience. note that certain rooms might lack windows and natural light.
0 Helpful
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Leo from Germany
Couple
labyrinth windowless basement two baths
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 21, 2025
9/10
clean roomeasy communicationfriendly staff
the room was very clean. communication was easy regarding requests. staff members were helpful and friendly.
the corridors are very dark making it hard to see where you are walking.
0 Helpful
Evelyn from United Kingdom
Single
splendid
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:November 18, 2025
7/10
great staffironing boardamazing bathroomsmall roomdark roomchaotic organisation
the staff were great and got me an ironing board quickly. the bathroom was amazing, it.
the rooms are small and dark. i understand the theme, but it was hard work. there was a fire alarm at 2:30am. the organization was chaotic after that.
0 Helpful
Victoria from United Kingdom
Couple
Labyrinth Windowless Basement Two Baths
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 25, 2025
9.0/10

Unique and Friendly

helpful staffconvenient locationlow light
The staff were friendly and helpful. I appreciated the convenient location near several shops and restaurants just outside the front door.
The low light made it difficult to use the mirror. I think better lighting is needed for certain activities.
Location
9/10
The hotel has a great location. Shops, bars, and restaurants are available immediately outside the front door. I found the location very central.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel provides slippers in the room . There is access to Pink bar through the hotel, and you get a discount on cocktails if you're staying at the hotel. The hotel offers unique, quirky décor to discover.
Rooms
9/10
The Labyrinth room includes a bed suspended from the ceiling on chains. My room had two baths side-by-side, so partners can bathe together while sharing a drink. Blackout curtains kept the room dark.
Dining
10/10
I had easy access to the Ivy for dinner. Betty's Tea Rooms is opposite the hotel. There are many options for meals close to the hotel.
0 Helpful
|
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Victor from United Kingdom
Couple
Splendid
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 27, 2025
9.3/10

A Fantastical Escape

cute receptionspacious terracelimited space
My partner and I celebrated Valentine's Day in the Sir Joseph Terry room. We found a cute reception and were blown away by the room's very nice attention to detail. We walked out onto the spacious terrace with a top-of-the-line hot tub (it was wonderful!).
The room's darkness made navigating difficult and the big bed left little room to move around. We kept bumping into furniture because of the limited space and low light. It would be great to have a bit more light and space.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast is not offered as part of the room cost. multiple dining options are available within a short walking distance of the motel. Guests can explore nearby cafes and restaurants.
Facilities
9/10
The hot tub terrace provided a luxurious touch to our stay. It was a romantic setting for a perfect getaway. The motel features a speakeasy style and luxurious feel.
Rooms
10/10
The room decor created a very different and exciting experience (I appreciated the little touches!). The bed was very comfortable and the adjustable air conditioning ensured a restful sleep. There was attention to detail in the room.
Service
10/10
The staff were perfect and extraordinarily helpful. They were cute and warming upon our arrival. The night receptionist was also very attentive to our needs. I found them friendly.
0 Helpful
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Danny from United Kingdom
Bank Vault Windowless Basement
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:August 21, 2025
8.8/10

unique vault stay

unique designconvenient locationefficient check-in
the room had a unique vault design. the location was very convenient, close to many shops and restaurants. the check-in process was efficient, and i got assistance when i needed it.
The bathroom was quite small. Maneuvering within it proved a bit challenging.
Service
9/10
the staff was helpful with my requests. i received prompt and courteous attention at the front desk. the team ensured all my needs were addressed swiftly .
Facilities
8/10
this place had a distinctive decor. i appreciated the unique elements (i especially liked the themed rooms!).
Rooms
9/10
the room had comfortable beds. i found the vault design to be a nice feature. the room contained essential amenities that supported my short stay well.
Location
10/10
the hotel is near shops and restaurants. access to the city center was easy. it made exploring the area very convenient without needing transportation.
Dining
8/10
while the hotel doesn't have an extensive dining menu, it offers basic options. nearby cafes and restaurants provide additional choices. i appreciated the variety available just outside the hotel.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Impossible Motel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Impossible Motel?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Impossible Motel from Leeds Bradford International Airport?
The hotel is located 47 km from Leeds Bradford International Airport.
What are some notable nearby attractions to Impossible Motel?
Nearby attractions include York Minster (0.5 km), National Railway Museum (1 km), and Royal Hall Theatre (36 km).
What room amenities does Impossible Motel provide?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a kettle.
Which dining options are available at Impossible Motel?
Pink Restaurant is available on-site, and nearby restaurants include Kennedys Bar & Restaurant, The Ivy, and Turtle Bay, all within 0.5 km.
What services does Impossible Motel offer for business travelers?
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and luggage storage.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Impossible Motel?
Staff members speak Spanish, Hindi, Dutch, and Romanian.
Are there smoking areas at Impossible Motel?
The property is completely non-smoking.
What recreational activities are available near Impossible Motel?
Guests can enjoy bike tours and walking tours organized nearby.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room