York's HOTTEST Hostel: Safestay Micklegate - Unbeatable Deals!
Safestay Micklegate, York: The Good, The Bad, and The REALLY REALLY Instagrammable. (A Hostel Review, with Feelings)
Alright, let’s be brutally honest: I went to York, England, with a very specific mission: to overdose on history, eat my weight in Yorkshire puddings, and find a hostel that wouldn't make me want to sleep on the cobblestones. And guess what? I ended up at Safestay Micklegate. Yep, the self-proclaimed "HOTTEST Hostel." Let's dive in, shall we? Because trust me, it's an experience.
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(Let's GO!)
First impressions? The location, as they promised, is chef's kiss. Smack-bang in the middle of Micklegate, a stone's throw from the city walls and a quick walk to, well, everything. Seriously, you're practically breathing history here. The architecture is stunning, a mix of old and modern that just screams "York."
Accessibility: Okay, this is important. And honestly? Safestay gets a solid “good effort.” They’ve got an elevator (halleluiah!), which is a huge win for wheelchair users. However, navigating the hostel itself might be a bit of a challenge in places. The common areas are pretty accommodating, but some of the rooms could be a squeeze. I’m not an expert, but it seemed like they'd tried to think about accessibility, which is always appreciated. (I'd give it a 7/10 in this category.)
(Rambling Time: The Internet…and the Fear of Missing Out)
Before I even got to the room, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! sign practically winked at me. I need that. I'm a travel blogger (shhh, don’t tell anyone), and I thrive on documenting my delicious food and the perfect lighting for my selfies (blame Instagram). This "always-on" connection is vital, I tells ya.
But the internet connection? Well, let's just say it was…temperamental. One minute, I was uploading a stunning photo of my breakfast (more on that later), the next, I was staring at the spinning "loading" logo. Frustrating. There is Internet [LAN] available, but who carries a LAN cable these days? (Me, apparently, now.) Internet services were…present. Mostly. Wi-Fi (in public areas) was a little more stable, but still not perfect. This is a huge bummer for a hostel that's pitching itself as the "hot" destination. Consider yourselves warned, fellow WiFi warriors!
(Food Glorious Food - Or, My Breakfast Saga)
Right, let's talk about the Dining, drinking, and snacking situation. They had a Breakfast [buffet], which is always a win in my book. Western breakfast staples like eggs, bacon, and some rather sorry-looking sausages. There was also Asian breakfast options, but I stuck to my usual. The Coffee shop was…well, it served coffee. Decent enough, but nothing to write home about.
Here's where things took a turn, though. The first morning, I was starving. I hit the Breakfast [buffet] with the enthusiasm of a small child on Christmas morning, only to discover… the sausages were cold. COLD! I mean, I'm English, so I'm used to a little cold, but this was borderline offensive.
I did a little more sniffing and discovered a Vegetarian restaurant tucked away. That said, the A la carte in restaurant items were a bit too fancy for my hostel budget. Honestly, I ended up making a bowl of instant oatmeal and going back to my room to eat it like a sad little hermit.
**(Side Note: *Bottle of water*? Nope. But the mini bar? Well, my tiny room didn´t have one. No *Complimentary tea* either. Rude.**
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathe Easy (Mostly)
Okay, things start looking up here. Cleanliness REALLY seemed to be a priority. Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely working overtime. I noticed the Daily disinfection in common areas happening, and there were hand sanitizers everywhere. It felt genuinely safe, which is a huge relief in the current climate. The staff were also well-trained in safety protocol.
The Rooms sanitized between stays which helped me trust a level of cleanliness that was up to par.
There were Anti-viral cleaning products being used constantly, so the safety protocols made me feel comfortable. They even had Door/Nurse on call, so it gave me a lot of peace of mind.
(Amenities & Extras – The Good, The Quirky, and the Mysteriously Absent)
Let's get to the fun stuff! Safestay does offer a surprising number of amenities. There's a Fitness center, a Sauna, and even a Spa/sauna. (Look, I'm a backpacker, not a spa queen, but it's there!) There's even a Pool with view which I was very curious about until I saw it was also an outdoor pool (and I was there at the end of October).
However, here's a funny thing: sometimes, the amenities felt a bit…scattered. There was a Massage option listed, but I couldn’t find any information about it and I do love a good massage, especially after a long day of walking, although I could´t find it. Also, the Body scrub and Body wrap seemed a bit excessive for a hostel. But hey, I’m not complaining!
Things to do, ways to relax:
Well, there's a Gym/fitness to keep you busy, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool but you have to make sure you can handle the cold!
(The Room: Small, But Perfectly Formed…Maybe? and a lot of missing things…)
My non-smoking room was, well, small. Like, really small. But it was clean, and that's the main thing. I appreciated the Air conditioning and the Blackout curtains (essential for combatting jet lag). There was a Desk, a closet and some rather minimalist décor.
But, and this is a big "but," the bathrobes were nowhere to be seen. and the slippers were too. The In-room safe box was a welcome touch (always a must for me), and the Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver during the early morning cold walks. My room also had a window that opens so I could keep the room ventilated naturally.
(Important Stuff: The Practicalities):
- Check-in/out [express]: Super simple.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always good.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Laundry service: Necessary.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Car park [on-site]: It was there but I didn´t need it.
- Doorman : Yes.
(Things for the Kids – Or, Things for the Surprisingly Child-Friendly)
I didn't have any kids with me, but I noticed they had Family/child friendly options, including a Babysitting service. Surprisingly, the Kids meal options were pretty basic.
(My Verdict – And Would I Go Back?)
So, is Safestay Micklegate the "hottest" hostel in York? Well, that depends on your definition of "hot." It’s got a fantastic location, generally good cleanliness, and a decent range of amenities (even if some are a bit…underutilized). The staff were friendly and helpful.
The downsides? The erratic Wi-Fi, the sometimes-cold breakfast sausages, and the slightly cramped room.
Would I go back? Yes, probably. Especially if I was on a tight budget and prioritizing location and safety. It's a solid, if slightly imperfect, hostel. It definitely has its quirks, but that’s what makes life interesting, right?
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're in for the chaotic adventure that is my York itinerary. Forget meticulously planned spreadsheets, this is more of a scribbled-on-a-napkin kind of deal. And trust me, it's going to be messy. This is based on staying at Safestay York Micklegate, because, let’s be honest, I’m on a budget and the reviews seemed decent enough to roll the dice on.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Slightly Hungover, Struggle
Noon-ish (ish being the operative word here): Landed in Leeds, hopped on the train, and found myself wrestling my suitcase through the York train station. Seriously, why are cobblestone streets a thing? Made it to Safestay. First impressions? Cleanish. The dorm room vibe felt like a high school sleepover, but with more questionable hygiene practices. Found my bed. It was, thankfully, empty. Phew.
1:30 PM (Assuming I’d actually eaten something after my journey): The absolute desperation to find a decent pub lunch hit. A massive wave of hunger (and maybe a lingering headache from last night) struck. Wandered aimlessly, feeling like a confused lost puppy. Finally stumbled into The Guy Fawkes Inn. (Yes, the Guy Fawkes. The drama!). Ordered a Yorkshire pudding wrap. It was immense. Maybe a pint of local ale for good measure. Maybe two. Okay, definitely two. The waitress looked like she'd seen a thousand tourists come and go. I envied her calm.
3:00 PM: Attempted to actually do something. My internal monologue screamed: "Sightseeing, you dolt!" Stumbled towards the York Minster. The sheer scale of the building nearly made me choke on my own awe. The stained glass… it was breathtaking. But between you and me, my attention span started to wane after about an hour. My feet were screaming, and the gift shop beckoned. Ended up buying a York Minster snow globe. Don't judge me. I needed something frivolous.
5:00 PM: A stroll along the City Walls. Decided to actually do this! The views were beautiful, but my knees were already staging a revolt. Also, trying not to fall off the walls in my slightly tipsy state was definitely a challenge. A near-miss encounter with a rogue goose. I swear, those birds are plotting something.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a pub near the hostel. Can't remember the name, but I think I had a burger. Food coma initiated.
9:00 PM: Back at the hostel. Tried to socialize. Failed miserably. The others in my dorm either seemed to be marathon runners or were in a serious, hushed, pre-exam study group. I'm neither, so hid in bed with my book and the snow globe.
Day 2: Delving into Chocolate, Regrets, and a Ghostly Encounter (Maybe)
9:00 AM (ish, after hitting the snooze button a few times): Breakfast at the hostel. Basic, but hey, it filled a hole.
10:00 AM: York's Chocolate Story. Oh. My. God. This was an experience! Learning about chocolate and tasting samples? Sign me up. The interactive demonstrations were surprisingly entertaining (and educational, I guess). Made my own chocolate lollipop. Felt like a kid again.
Noon: A wander down Shambles. This place is pure magic. Cobbled streets, wonky buildings, shops with names like "The Potions Cauldron" (I almost believed I'd stumbled into Diagon Alley). Got completely lost and loved every minute of it, even though I'm pretty sure I walked the same street three times.
1:00 PM: Lunch and a very important decision - a slice of Yorkshire curd tart from somewhere and a coffee.
2:00 PM: York Dungeon. This was a mistake. A spectacularly entertaining, slightly terrifying, scream-your-lungs-out kind of mistake. The actors were fantastic, but I'm pretty sure I jumped a mile a dozen times. My inner scaredy-cat was screaming. I considered hiding in the bathroom at one point. I really don't recommend it if you're easily spooked, but man, it was a fun kind of horror!
4:00 PM: Post-Dungeon recovery time. Needed fresh air and a strong cup of tea. Found a tea room and wallowed in the joy of a proper British cuppa and regret and the existential dread of my sanity.
6:00 PM: Ghost walk. Okay, I was a bit skeptical. But the stories the guide told were genuinely creepy. The "ghost" factor may have been exaggerated. But the atmosphere, the cobbled streets, the whispers… it was enough to make me jump at shadows. Did I see a ghost? Probably not. Did I feel something… maybe. Definitely felt the beer from the pub and, again, all the chocolate from the day.
8:00 PM: Back at the hostel. I opted out of socialising and found myself staring at my York Minster snow globe, feeling strangely content.
9:00PM: Watched some trash tv on my device and went to sleep.
Day 3: Leaving York and a Bit of a Meltdown
9:00 AM: Checked out. The hostel was… fine. It served it's purpose.
10:00 AM: One last pastry and coffee.
10:30 AM: Train back. Started to feel a low-grade sadness about leaving. York had gotten under my skin, in a good way.
Then: On the Train, and already planning my return.
So that's it. My messy, imperfect, and deeply personal York adventure. Did I follow a strict itinerary? Absolutely not. Did I have a fantastic time? Absolutely, yes. And that's the most important part, isn't it? Just go, see things, eat things, and embrace the glorious chaos of travel. And if you happen to see a ghost in York, tell him I said hello.
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Is Safestay Micklegate ACTUALLY the hottest hostel in York, or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's get real. "Hottest"? Probably a *tiny* bit of marketing. But listen, it's *damn* popular. Book ahead, seriously. I tried to waltz in on a Friday night last spring, thinking, "Pfft, I'm a free spirit, I'll find something!" Nope. Sat on a park bench eating a soggy sausage roll while I scrambled to find a last-minute hotel. Learn from my mistake. Popular = a good place to be, though. Loads of young people, solo travelers, big groups. It's a vibe.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel or a more chilled-out place?
Okay, truth time: it's a bit of both. Think of it like a slightly boozy, slightly chaotic house party where everyone's pretending to be cultured. You'll get people downing beers in the common area, playing cards, probably shouting about something interesting or having the best conversations… but also, people curled up in corners with books, nursing hangovers, or just needing some quiet space. It depends. Sometimes it's a full-on rave until 2 am (earplugs – essential!), sometimes its a more mellow hangout. Depends on the crowd and the day of the week really. I've had some of the best conversations of my life there, and I've also wanted to scream and run away. (But hey, isn't that travel in a nutshell?)
Are the dorms decent? I'm a light sleeper!
Right, the dorms… Look, they're functional. They're not The Ritz. They're big-ish rooms with bunk beds. I’ll be honest, the first time I went I was like, "Oh, *bunk beds*? Really?" But you know what? You get used to it. The one I was in had proper lockers – bring your own padlock, obviously. Noise? Yeah, it can be an issue. Earplugs are your best friend. Seriously, invest in a good pair. And eye mask too. Some rooms are better than others - ask for a quieter one *when you book.* That little trick saved me from a sleepless night a few weeks back.
What about the private rooms? Are they worth the extra dosh?
Okay, this is where I get *really* opinionated. If you can swing it, absolutely. Especially if you value sleep! I splurged on a private a couple of times, and it was a game-changer. You get your own space, your own bathroom (bliss!), and a much better chance of a decent night's rest. The noise levels are *vastly* improved. Seriously, if you're traveling as a couple, or just value your sanity, it's worth every penny, just because you can actually recharge when you're knackered after a full day in York!
Is the location good? How easy is it to get around?
Bloody fantastic! Safestay Micklegate is right in the heart of the action. You're a stone's throw from the York Walls, and the Minster, and the Shambles. Everything is walkable! You can practically roll out of bed and stumble into some history. Seriously, I walked to the bar, stumbled through some Roman ruins, went back to the bar. Rinse and repeat. Public transport is super easy if you want to go further, but realistically, you won't *need* it much. Get comfy shoes, though. York's a walking city.
What are the facilities like? Kitchen, common areas, etc.?
The kitchen is a bit of a lottery. Sometimes its pristine, sometimes its a chaotic mess of abandoned pasta and someone's forgotten takeaway containers. It's a hostel kitchen, so manage your expectations. I've made some genuinely brilliant meals there (and witnessed some epic cooking fails!). Common areas are plentiful. There is a lounge and a bar! The bar's great, but it *is* a hostel bar, so don't expect Michelin-star cocktails. But it's handy for a pre-dinner drink and a chat, and the staff are generally a good laugh. They've got laundry facilities. I used them. They worked. (Victory!).
Is it safe? I'm a solo female traveler.
I’m a solo female traveler, and I’ve stayed there many times. I've felt safe every time. The staff are generally good, the key card access helps because it keeps the riff-raff out, and there's a sense of camaraderie amongst travelers. But, like anywhere, be aware. Don't leave valuables lying around. Use the lockers. Trust your gut. If a situation feels off, remove yourself. Common sense stuff. Generally, though, I'd say it's a safe environment. And I met some incredible women there. It's a great place to find travel buddies - my best ones came out of this hostel.
What's the staff like? Are they helpful?
Honestly, the staff are hit or miss. Some are fantastic, bubbly, full of local knowledge, and happy to help with anything. Others… well, they look like they've pulled an all-nighter (which, to be fair, they probably have!). Generally, they’re helpful. They deal with a *lot* of people, and they're usually pretty good at it. I remember once, I locked myself out of my locker at 2 AM (don't ask). A staff member begrudgingly came to the rescue. It wasn't their fault, and I still found a great place. So, yeah, mixed bag, but mostly good. Tip: be nice to them. A little bit of politeness goes a long way, especially if you need their help later.
I heard there's a bar! Is it any good?
The bar... Oh, the bar. It's a hostel bar. It's not a cocktail lounge. But it's cheap. And it's convenient. And it's a fantastic place to meet people. It's a gateway to socializing and having some of the best nights of your life. I have tales to tell. The bar is where the magic happens. I mean, if you're looking for aBudget Hotel Guru
