Award winning luxury hostel brand Safestay has opened its second hostel, Safestay York, following an extensive refurbishment. An interesting mix of tradition and modernity, Safestay York very much embodies the spirit of the great historical city it stands in.
Safestay York is located in the eminent Grade One listed Georgian Micklegate House, originally the town house of the Bourchiers of Beningbrough. Designed by the famous architect John Carr for John Bourchier, Micklegate House was completed in 1752 and is considered today to be the most important Georgian residence south west of the River Ouse. The Bourchiers featured prominently in York society and John Bourchier was a High Sheriff of Yorkshire.
Sensitive refurbishment
In their sensitive refurbishment of Safestay York, the designers, Black Box Interiors, have sought to preserve this sense of history. Guests staying at the 150-bed Safestay York feel very much part of the locale, situated right within the City walls, and while the design pays homage to the building’s grand historical past, the interiors are contemporary. The fittings and fixtures have been carefully selected to throw into relief the stunning room proportions and to maximise the wonderful sensation of space.
The choice of whimsical furnishings and vibrant hues complement and accentuate the original features of the building, which include a Rococo ceiling and ornate Georgian fireplaces. The stunning rococo ceiling features the heads of two great British luminaries – Newton and Shakespeare – and is believed to be the work of the renowned Italian artist Cortese. There is also an original 18th century stone-flagged entrance hall and a staircase with its superb carved balusters sweeping in front of a magnificent arched window.
Fantasy and humour
The designers have also brought an element of fantasy and humour to the hostel, playing with scale through the use of oversized armchairs and small individual, circular tables. Indeed, visitors could be forgiven for feeling like Alice in Wonderland as they walk past a Stags head (‘Mr Waldorf’), 18th Century chandeliers, Jeeves bowler and top hat pendants and lamps, and bespoke light fittings framed by cutlery; these accompany more classical pieces such as a chesterfield sofa and a church pew. There is also a twist on the traditional family portrait, with ornately framed pictures of animals dressed in full military regalia or period dress.
Rooms and facilities
Safestay York features 4- to 12- bedded bunk dorms with en-suite facilities. There are also twin bunk bed private rooms with their own tea & coffee making facilities and 40-inch televisions, as well as double rooms with ornate antique 19th century beds.
The rooms all feature lockers to secure luggage and personal items. Guests travelling with laptops can take advantage of free Wifi in the spacious communal areas; these comprise a reception, breakfast room and bar on the ground floor and a basement with computer room as well as a heated terrace and a well-equipped laundry room.
Rates start from £18 per bed per night. Private twin rooms are available from £60 per room per night.
Photography by James Bedford
For more information click here