Hotel Indigo, York – Hotel Review

By @Steve Crabtree

The “new normal”. The “staycation”. Two things that I’d not yet experienced combined as a traveller since the whole Covid-19 thing happened. But, I’d been yearning to make that short trip from West Yorkshire to York ever since things eased up a little. And I booked myself in for an evening at the much talked about Hotel Indigo, on Walmgate. It was a night away that I was excited about, as anything remotely like it hadn’t happened for a very long time.

And as I rocked up, scanned in, and sanitised my hands I received a warm welcome at reception. I was wondering what the whole procedure might be like in getting from door to room at the moment. But to be fair, check-in was smooth. Masks, screens, a quick rundown on how best to stay safe within the premises, and I was checked in.

And despite the mask, you still got the service with a smile.

“Hotel Indigo haven’t missed a trick”

From the lobby to my room on the second floor, I can take in the look of this place. There’s a good, boutique feel about it. Not fussy – in-fact quite the opposite. Semi-industrial, with a comfy-cosy feel.

And when I wander into the room, it’s no different. It’s compact, clean, comes in different shades of chocolate, and is finished well. Above the bed is a pictorial history of York, and the lampshades have references to the area on them. It all knits together nicely at first glance. And on close inspection, the wall art seems to mainly (if not all) reference Walmgate – the road where the hotel sits.  For a City that’s oozing with culture and history, Hotel Indigo haven’t missed a trick here. The little touches in this place are class.

I was gagging for a cuppa after the pleasant drive though. And, from a very full refreshment tray, there was a Yorkshire Tea Gold teabag looking up at me.  It did the trick.

“On the edge of everything”

The bed is very clean, as is the bathroom. Both of them are a good size too. The walk-in shower and tasteful décor hits you when you walk in, and you’re not going to need to call reception for extra towels at Hotel Indigo either.

There’s a hairdryer, iron and ironing board and a nice bit of hanging space. Your 40″ smart TV is opposite the bed, and let’s not forget the plugholes. Loads of plugholes! You’ll not be stuck for charging space here when you need it.

The proximity of Hotel Indigo to the city-centre is perfect. You’re within the city walls, and right on the edge of everything. It’s a perfect place for visitors or people on business. The facilities suit both, and thankfully you’re a world away from the corporate feel.  A quick look at the hotel’s Instagram tags show guests celebrating birthdays and engagements here; and others choose Hotel Indigo when visiting for a few days from overseas.

“A location dream”

I took my dinner at 5:30, in the No.88 restaurant. The space is in keeping with the entire hotel, and it had a nice feel about it. I gathered that there were a few guests in, and some people had sauntered in for a safe after-work drink with their workmates.

With a reduced menu, I went for an 8oz beefburger (£14) with bacon and cheese at an extra £1 per topping.

The 8oz caught my eye. 2oz more than usual. And you could tell the difference – it was huge. In a brioche with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion, and with a side of fries and spicy slaw… It was a bit of a feast. And tasted good too. The fries lightly salted, and the main part of the dish very good. Very well cooked, soft, succulent and piping hot. It was washed down with a bottle of Peroni (£4.65), but all food and drink carries a 10% surcharge for table service. It’s stated at the bottom of the menu, but something to be aware of. But service was great (as is the trend here) and I left the restaurant satisfied and stuffed.

To walk off dinner, I took a leisurely wander up to the Minster. In the immediate surroundings, you’ve got a fantastic selection of international eateries and vintage shops. There’s a very independent feel as you head towards the touristy city-centre. If you’re staying a while, it’ll be well worth giving some of these places a try.

I was at the Minster in less than ten minutes on foot. I walked in pretty much a straight line, past the famous Shambles. And with the Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford’s Tower, and other attractions just minutes away, Hotel Indigo is a location dream.

“An eclectic and trendy design”

My night’s sleep was incredible. A very comfortable bed, with 100% Egyptian cotton bed linen certainly helped with that. And the simple to use shower was handed me the perfect start to the following morning.  The complimentary toiletries were small and would get one person through one shower. But the bathroom was clean, bright – and with the ceiling speaker connected to the TV.  A nice touch.

Masked up, I headed downstairs for breakfast. I was guided to a table, handed a breakfast menu, and invited to check out the cold buffet.  But I had a full English brekkie in my mind, and despite all the tasty options available I wasn’t budging. And I’m pleased I didn’t – the breakfast was freshly cooked. It came with a tasty sausage, bacon, grilled tomato, and portabello mushroom. There was toast, a hashbrown, a portion of beans, and a poached egg. There was a nice freshness to the dish, and after a couple of cups of coffee, I went to grab my things and say my goodbyes to the staff.

A wonderful stay, in a wonderful place. Hotel Indigo is an upper-middle-range hotel, with an eclectic and trendy design. If you’re after a base in York, minutes away from the thick of the action, then this is your place.

Hotel Indigo, 88-96 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
Hotel Indigo York has rooms available that include dinner and breakfast from £139 for two people, including mini-fridges with complimentary water.
Tel: 01904 231333
hotelindigoyork.co.uk