York Riverside Escape: Cosy Apartment w/ FREE Parking!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into York Riverside Escape: Cosy Apartment w/ FREE Parking! – and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs! You're getting the real deal, the messy, honest, slightly-too-enthusiastic-about-everything version.
First Impressions: The Arrival – A Symphony of Luggage and "Yay!"
Right, so picture this: me, exhausted after (let's be honest, probably a flight delay induced by gremlins), finally pulling up to York Riverside Escape. Now, "FREE parking" – those two glorious words? They're like music to a weary traveler's ears. And it was actually free, which these days, feels like winning the lottery. I swear, I did a little happy dance in the car. Okay, maybe a big one. Don’t judge. Yorkshire air: It does things to you.
Accessibility? Let's Get Real (and Mostly Positive)
I didn't specifically need full-blown wheelchair accessibility, BUT I did notice the mention of facilities for disabled guests. That's a big plus! It shows they’re thinking about inclusivity, and that’s always a good sign. I wasn’t, however, able to find much about on-site accessible dining. This is something the hotel could REALLY improve on with a bit more info.
Cleanliness and Safety – My Inner Germaphobe Whispers "Good!"
Okay, this is where York Riverside Escape really shines. The whole anti-viral cleaning product, daily disinfection, and all that jazz? It’s music to my germaphobe soul (and probably yours too, in this topsy-turvy world). They've got hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Like, strategically placed, so you can’t possibly avoid it. They offered room sanitization opt-out? Really, that's going above and beyond! The rooms themselves felt spotless – which is a huge relief after a long journey. This scores BIG points. The staff's clearly trained in safety protocols. It feels secure.
The Apartment Itself: Cosy Doesn't Begin to Describe It – But Maybe A Little Bit…Messy?
Now, here's where it gets good. The "cosy" in "Cosy Apartment" is an understatement. It's snug. In the best possible way. Think a well-loved, slightly rumpled hug. The decor? Modern, comfortable, not overly fussy. (Thank heavens! I can’t deal with fussy).
I’m a bit of a sucker for a good bed, and this one was heavenly. Crisp sheets, plump pillows, blackout curtains that actually worked (a miracle!). I slept like a log, despite my internal alarm clock screaming that I should probably check the emails.
There was free Wi-Fi, and it was FAST. (Okay, maybe that's not so quirky, but it's essential!) Bonus points for having Wi-Fi in all the rooms! And the complimentary tea and coffee? Essential for Yorkshire, darling!
The little things? Well, they mattered. Things like the hairdryer that actually packed a punch, the well-stocked toiletries (including a scale - what am I, an old lady??), and the slippers. Genius. Pure, unadulterated genius.
The Kitchen: A Place Where I Tried to Make Coffee, and Succeed
The kitchen was well-equipped. I did try to make the coffee in the morning. The fact that it actually worked felt like an accomplishment of Herculean proportions. Seriously, sometimes, all I want is to get through a morning without bursting into tears.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Or, the Quest for a Yorkshire Pudding)
Here's where the slightly-less-perfect-but-still-totally-charming bits come in. There ARE restaurants. And I am SO keen to experience the Asian cuisine in situ and the Western cuisine restaurant. While there's no on-site restaurant for Breakfast, I did find out about a breakfast takeaway service. I really wanted a perfect, authentic Yorkshire pudding, of course, which you'll have to get elsewhere (but hey, you're in York, you're surrounded by them.)
Things To Do/Ways to Relax (Or, My Quest for Bliss)
Spa. Sauna. Steamroom. Gym/fitness. I wish I'd had time for all that. This isn't a hotel on the outskirts, it's perfect for city exploration. This is a seriously tempting array for a relaxing stay.
Services and Conveniences: The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference
Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Luggage storage? Check. All the little things that make your trip smoother. They offered a Doctor/nurse on call, though thankfully I did not need them.
Getting Around – The Free Parking Bonus is Real!
Seriously, the free on-site parking is a godsend. York's a bustling city, and parking can be a NIGHTMARE. The fact that this place offers it is a HUGE advantage.
A Bit of a Rambling Anecdote: The Phone Call…and the Surprise
Okay, so I had this one moment. It was early morning, I was just waking up from my great sleep, I was on the phone. Suddenly, there´s a knock at the door. I thought, "Oh no…my meeting is in 10 minutes, I have to get up!" I open the door and there is a very friendly member of staff. "Would I like the Breakfast Takeaway? I was so touched as I had completely forgotten about it!! I ate the breakfast whilst I continued my phone call. Amazing.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
Look, York Riverside Escape isn't perfect. But it's damn good. It's comfortable, clean, well-located, and offers that glorious, much-appreciated free parking. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a little secret. It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience. It’s a place with heart, a place where you can relax, explore York, and maybe even get a decent night's sleep.
My Quirky Suggestion for the Hotel: Maybe, just maybe, add a little note on the welcome letter saying something along the lines of, "Don't worry about making a mess! We've got you covered." Because let's be honest, who doesn't occasionally leave clothes strewn about?
The "Must-Book" Offer - Because You Deserve It!
Tired of Expensive Parking & Generic Hotel Rooms?
Escape to York Riverside Escape: Your Cosy York Sanctuary!
Here's What You Get:
- FREE On-Site Parking! (Stress-free arrival, right?)
- Cosy, Spotless Apartment: (The perfect base for your York adventures.)
- FREE Wi-Fi: Stay connected, binge-watch, or plan your next escapade.
- Prime Location: Explore York's historic wonders easily.
- Breakfast Takeaway
- Impeccable Cleanliness & Safety: Relax knowing you're in a safe, sanitized haven.
- Amazing sleeping quarters: Don´t underestimate the power of a great nights sleep!
Book Now and Get:
- 10% Off your stay when you book directly through our website!
- Welcome treat upon arrival!
Don't wait! This is your chance to experience the best of York, stress-free and in style!
Click here to BOOK YOUR ESCAPE! (Then get back and give me some feedback - I'm dying to know what you think!)
Hillsboro Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a YORK adventure that's less "perfect Instagram post" and more "slightly-hungover-but-determined-to-make-the-most-of-it." We're talking Cosy Riverside Apartment - Woodsmill Quay FREE PARKING (thank the lord, driving in York is a trial), and a five-day itinerary that’s gonna get messy, maybe a little bit tipsy, and definitely full of "oh, crap, I forgot that!" moments.
Day 1: Arrival of Chaos and Chocolate Dreams (And a Mild Panic)
- 14:00: Arrive at Woodsmill Quay. The apartment… well, it's cosy alright. And the free parking? GOLD. Seriously, you’d pay a king’s ransom anywhere else. Key is tucked away… success! Unpack, which involves throwing everything haphazardly onto the bed, promising myself to organize later. Later never comes.
- 15:00: First impressions: the view… the Foss, all shimmering, a real picture-postcard moment. A minor crisis: Where’s the kettle? Turns out it's hiding in plain sight. Note to self: pack a decent tea bag stash. Yorkshire Tea is a must.
- 16:00: A walk along the river. First, a slight stumble as I'm trying to admire the views. Ah, the joys of not paying attention. I swear, the cobbled streets are plotting my demise. Stroll along the Ouse. This city, right? It's got this… vibe. Something about the ancient walls, the whispers of history, the smell of… (checks notes) freshly baked bread.
- 17:00: Chocolate. This is York, after all. To Betty's Tea Room, I go. The line? Terrifying. The service? Efficient. The Fat Rascals? Divine. I ordered way too much, felt guilty about the calories, and then ordered another one. No regrets.
- 19:00: Dinner at a pub. Trying to find a cozy pub in York is a competitive sport. Found one, The Star Inn The City (very pretty!), the food was great. Wine flowed, and conversations about the meaning of life started. My companion's not very good at keeping track of my wine consumption.
- 21:00: "A quick pint” at the pub and maybe a walk around at night, the way those buildings glow!
- 22:00: Attempt to navigate back to the apartment. Turns out York is a maze when you've had a small amount of alcohol. A near-miss with a very grumpy-looking statue. Back in the apartment, collapsing on the bed.
Day 2: Shadows, Ghosts and a Really Bad Hat (and a Much Better Meal)
- 09:00: Wake up. Still in last night's clothes. Brilliant. Fuelled myself with strong Yorkshire tea and some toast.
- 10:00: A walk on the city walls. This is the actual reason I came to York. I love a good wall. The views are stunning, and I feel like a Roman legionary defending against… well, I'm not sure what. People, I guess.
- 11:00: The York Minster. Seriously, that building is just… massive. The stained-glass windows are unreal, and I spend a good half-hour craning my neck, which I'm now regretting. I'm easily overwhelmed by grandeur, you know.
- 13:00: A visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre. Okay, it’s… a ride. A smelly ride, but a fascinating ride. I learned way more about Viking poo (yes, really) than I ever thought I would. The animatronics are a little clunky, but the smells? Intensely accurate.
- 15:00: A spontaneous decision to go ghost hunting. It sounded like a good idea at the time. I’m a massive wimp, as it turns out. We were terrified.
- 17:00: Pub to recover. Need to get over that ghost hunting experience!
- 19:00: Dinner at Skosh Restaurant. Best restaurant I've ever been to in my life! I am going to rave about this meal for weeks! Each dish was a taste sensation. The service was impeccable. Absolutely amazing! It was everything I wanted and more. Thank you, Skosh!
- 22:00: Sleep. So full.
Day 3: Train Journey and the Shambles (and a Serious Coffee Addiction)
- 09:00: Train to Whitby. I love taking a train!
- 10:00: Arrive in Whitby, with the sea breeze whipping through my hair.
- 11:00: Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey. Definitely feeling my age now. The Abbey is a classic image, very moody.
- 12:00: Walk the quayside, eat some fresh fish and chips.
- 13:00: Try and find a good coffee shop (a serious coffee addict).
- 15:00: Relax, read, and catch up on my journal.
- 17:00: Return to York. Dinner at the apartment, take-away, and relax.
- 21:00: Early night. Back to the city tomorrow.
Day 4: Retail Therapy and River Cruises (and a Few More Stumbles)
- 09:00: Walk the Shambles. It's undeniably charming, even if it's also a total tourist trap. I bought a book, some tea towels for my mother, and a ridiculous hat. A very ridiculous hat. I spent the rest of the day debating whether to actually wear it.
- 11:00: Coffee and a pastry. I spent way too much on coffee.
- 13:00: A river cruise. The boat goes around the river, with commentary, which I thought was quite fun.
- 15:00: Try to find a quiet pub, but get lost.
- 17:00: More chocolate. Never enough chocolate.
- 19:00: Dinner, try and go to a restaurant I didn't know, but they were all fully booked.
- 21:00: Netflix, bed
Day 5: Farewell, York (and a Few Last-Minute Panic Attacks)
- 09:00: A last walk along the river, trying to soak it all in.
- 10:00: Pack. Which means shoving everything back into the suitcase, hoping the zippers hold.
- 11:00: Get into the car.
- 12:00: Head off.
- 13:00: Get back to the real life to see what adventures await.
And the Imperfections? Oh, plenty:
- Got lost. Several times.
- Forgot my umbrella. Got rained on.
- Spent too much money on chocolate. And coffee.
- Failed to wear that ridiculous hat. Maybe I should have.
- Didn't stick to my itinerary. And that was absolutely fine.
The Verdict?
York, you magnificent, slightly-chaotic, overwhelmingly charming city. I'll be back. And next time, I’m definitely wearing the hat.
Unbelievable Phnom Penh Gem: Hong Phann Guesthouse Awaits!
York Riverside Escape: Cosy Apartment w/ FREE Parking! - Frequently Asked Questions (and Ramblings!)
Okay, seriously… Is the parking REALLY free? Because I've been burned before...
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The parking… YES, it's actually FREE. And honestly? It was a HUGE relief. I've spent more on parking in York than I have on actual meals sometimes! (Remember that time in Chester? £30 for a few hours! Highway robbery!) But here? Confirmed. Free. Right outside the apartment. Saved my sanity, honestly. And maybe a small fortune. Think of all the fudge you can buy with that extra cash! (York fudge is a must, by the way. Don't even question it.)
"Cosy"… How cosy are we *really* talking? Like, can I swing a cat? (Hypothetically, of course. I don't *have* a cat... usually.)
Okay, let's be real. "Cosy" is code for "it's not a mansion." Can you swing a cat? Erm... probably not. Unless it's a very, *very* small cat. And maybe you're REALLY good at swinging cats. (Please, don’t actually swing a cat! Not a cat person, just an example! Sorry, getting distracted…) It's a lovely size, though. Perfect for a couple. Maybe a small family. I'd describe it as… snug. Comfortable. You won't feel lost in it, which is a good thing in a place like York, where you *can* get lost wandering the Shambles (it happened to me… more than once… delicious shops though!). Think… a warm hug on a cool day. That's the vibe.
Is it actually *on* the river? Because "riverside" can be… suggestive.
Okay, okay. Important question. Is it "riverside," or is it "a five-minute walk to the vague idea of a river?" Thankfully, this one is the real deal. You *are* actually near the river. You can practically *hear* the gentle lapping of the water. (Okay, maybe not *practically*, but it's close!). And the views are lovely. I swear, one morning I was just sipping my coffee (there was coffee provided, bless them!), and a swan glided past! A swan! Made me feel incredibly sophisticated, even though I was probably still in my pajamas. It was... magical. Seriously. Just... magical. (Don't expect swans every day, though. Nature's fickle like that.)
What about the kitchen? Can I actually cook, or is it just a microwave and a prayer? (I *like* to cook.)
The kitchen... ah, the kitchen. My nemesis and my friend. Okay, it’s a *decent* kitchen. Not a chef's paradise, mind you. But it's got the essentials. A hob, an oven, a fridge. All the basics for cooking a proper meal. I cooked pasta one night (because, priorities), and it was glorious. Glorious, I tell you! (Although I did burn the garlic bread a bit… let's not talk about that. It’s been a journey.) Look, you can definitely cook. Don't expect to whip up a Michelin-starred feast, but if you're happy with something simple and delicious (hello, pasta!), you're in the clear. And there are plenty of shops nearby to buy your ingredients. (Though, seriously, try the York sausages. You won't regret it.)
How far is it from the city centre? I don't want to spend my entire trip on public transport!
Location, location, location! This is a good one. It's walkable, thankfully! Proper walkable. Like, you can stroll into the city in a reasonable amount of time. It was lovely! A nice, leisurely walk, maybe 15-20 minutes to get to the main attractions. Perfect for burning off the extra calories from all the York chocolate I was consuming. (York chocolate! Need I say more?). And if you don't feel like walking, taxis and buses are readily available. But honestly? Walk. You’ll soak in the atmosphere better. See the sights. Spot the quirky little shops. The walk itself is part of the adventure. Just… don't wear heels. Learned that the hard way. (Cobbles are not your friend.)
What about Wi-Fi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected to the world... and send those Instagram pictures.
Wi-Fi! Essential in this day and age. Yes, there's Wi-Fi. And it's… okay. It worked. Reasonably fast. I managed to upload all my Instagram pics of the Minster (so many pictures of the Minster!), and do a bit of video chatting with my mum. (She’s obsessed with my travels). It wasn’t the fastest internet I've ever experienced, but it got the job done! No buffering nightmares, no dropped calls. Good enough for casual browsing and social media. (And, let's be honest, that's all we truly need, right?) Was perfect.
Okay, what are the imperfections?! Because there *have* to be some… Nothing’s perfect. Spill!
Alright, time for the skeletons in the closet, the… the slightly wonky picture frames, the... (deep breath) …The *only* real "problem" I had – and this is me being *super* nitpicky, mind you, because overall, I LOVED the place – was a *tiny* squeak from the floorboards in the bedroom. It's not a major thing, honestly. But if you're a very, very light sleeper, it *might* wake you up if you do a lot of pacing at night (I do that from time to time, thinking about things, you know?). I'm talking like, a *very* mild squeak, like a friendly mouse saying hello. Or maybe my imagination was running wild. (York is a city steeped in history and tales of ghosts, so I might have been primed for a little ghostly floorboard noise.) Honestly? I probably wouldn't even mention it, except you asked! It's not a dealbreaker by any stretch of the imagination. Just… bring earplugs if you're ultra-sensitive. (And if you *do* see a ghost, tell me! I love a good ghost story). Oh, and the shower pressure could be a smidge stronger, but that's probably just me being spoiled. (I always need a powerful shower to wake me up).
