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Impossible Motel

3.0 star property
Adults-only hotel with bars/lounges and 24-hour front desk

Photo gallery for Impossible Motel

Experience a serene retreat with a large bed, wall-mounted lamps, and a chandelier.
Access the Sir Joseph Terry rooms via the staircase, located on the second floor.
Relax with a drink at the hotel's stylish bar, featuring a curved counter and comfortable seating.
Relax in this stylish lounge area with a tufted sofa, side table, and potted plants.
Relax in a serene hot tub under the stars.

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
3 St. Helens Square, York, England, YO1 8QN
  • York Minster
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Shambles
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • York Christmas Market
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Leeds (LBA-Leeds Bradford)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Romantic Room - Bath for 2 (The Red Room)

Romantic Room - Bath for 2 (The Red Room)

Romantic Room - Bath for 2 (The Red Room)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
  • 9 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Room (The Bank Vault)

Economy Room (The Bank Vault)

Economy Room (The Bank Vault)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Private bathroom
  • 20 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Double Room (Experience)

1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, iron/ironing board

Economy Double Room (Experience)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Signature Double Room, Hot Tub (Stella Solarium)

Signature Double Room, Hot Tub (Stella Solarium)

Signature Double Room, Hot Tub (Stella Solarium)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Private rooftop hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 20 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Design Double Room - 2 Baths (Labyrinth)

Design Double Room - 2 Baths (Labyrinth)

Design Double Room - 2 Baths (Labyrinth)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Designer toiletries
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Room, Hot Tub (Sir Joseph Terry)

Luxury Room, Hot Tub (Sir Joseph Terry)

Luxury Room, Hot Tub (Sir Joseph Terry)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Exclusive Room (Splendid)

Exclusive Room (Splendid)

Exclusive Room (Splendid)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • 14 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room (Mail Room)

Superior Room (Mail Room)

Superior Room (Mail Room)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Designer toiletries
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Elite Room - Bath for 2 (Sensational)

Elite Room - Bath for 2 (Sensational)

Elite Room - Bath for 2 (Sensational)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room (Superb)

Deluxe Room (Superb)

Deluxe Room (Superb)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • 14 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Comfort Room (Spectacular)

Comfort Room (Spectacular)

Comfort Room (Spectacular)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • 14 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room (Sublime)

Classic Room (Sublime)

Classic Room (Sublime)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
  • 13 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Double Room (Dungeon)

Basic Double Room (Dungeon)

Basic Double Room (Dungeon)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Designer toiletries
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

York

Impossible Motel places you in the centre of York, within a short 5-minute stroll of popular places like York Minster and Shambles. Highlights at this hotel include 2 bars/lounges and a restaurant. .The restaurant, Impossible Restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pink is the hotel's own cocktail bar. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and a coffee shop/cafe. .Attractions within a 10-minute walk of this 3-property class City Centre hotel include Jorvik Viking Centre and within 30 minutes you'll find University of York.

What's nearby

  • York Minster - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Shambles - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • York Christmas Market - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Jorvik Viking Centre - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • York City Walls - 5 min walk - 0.4 km

Getting around

  • York Station - 8 min walk
  • Leeds (LBA-Leeds Bradford) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪House Of The Trembling Madness - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Dusk - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bill's York Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Impossible Motel

Adults-only hotel with bars/lounges and 24-hour front desk
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Public spaces have free WiFi. Multilingual staff, tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services are also featured at Impossible Motel.

This 3-star York hotel is smoke free.

  • 13 guestrooms or units
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Impossible Motel offers 13 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottles of water and designer toiletries. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 40-inch Smart televisions come with pay-per-view films.

Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This York hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding, an iron/ironing board and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

Dutch, English, German, Romanian, Russian, Spanish

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  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,311 reviews
The price is AU$232
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Impossible Restaurant
  • Impossible Tea Room
  • Impossible Wonderbar
  • Pink

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • Area rugs in room
  • No lift

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch smart TV
  • Pay films

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Mobile key entry
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 72 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property welcomes adults only.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 24 hours of booking the reservation.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and cash. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Property is also known as

Impossible Motel York
Impossible Motel Hotel
Impossible Motel Hotel York

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Impossible Motel?

Impossible Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

What makes Impossible Motel a romantic place to stay?

Al fresco dining and a champagne service, as well as premium bedding in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Impossible Motel.

Is Impossible Motel family-friendly?

No, Impossible Motel is an adults-only property.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Impossible Motel?

No, Impossible Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Impossible Motel?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Impossible Motel's onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Impossible Motel?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Impossible Motel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Impossible Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 95 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

William F

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

No lo recomiendo.

El lugar céntrico. No tiene ascensor y son muchas escaleras. Servicio genial, pero la habitación súper pequeñas, ni las maletas se pueden abrir, baño súper pequeños, en realidad no se lo recomiendo a nadie.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I personally loved the motel, unfortunately it was too dark for the wife. The noise from the bar/club was loud, but not bad enough to worry about. Location is amazing. Lots near by .
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

john

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Not luxury for thenprice

Small room, stuffy after taking a bath. The hotel lacks the luxury you’d expect for this price tag.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Impossible not to love this hotel

Beautiful, quirky hotel slap bang in the city centre. Couldn’t get a better location. Staff were extremely helpful & polite. Would definitely recommend a stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our 3rd time staying, great customer service and a great place!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tayte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frederich

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb comfort

Superb attention to detail. Excellent location for exploring the city. Beds and pillows were soo comfy. Though our room was small it had everything we needed. Other reviews mentioned noise from the bar above. We accidentally booked on a Tuesday night in January when that bar is shut and had no issues with noise. They offered to look after our bags when we checked out which was nice too.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quirky & fun

This was a really fun place to stay. Very helpful staff and lovwd the quirkyness of it all.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Stay

Had a lovely stay. Room was in a `vault'. Unique and I loved it! Would definitely recommend
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Dave

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed for one night in one of the underground rooms. From the pictures the brick walls and vaulted ceilings give the impression of a solid (and presumably quiet) room. Sadly, the walls are so thin you can hear the occupants of neighbouring rooms! You can also hear footsteps and doors banging, and in case that isn't enough to keep you awake there's always the loud buzzing noise that the air conditioning unit makes every 2 minutes! On the plus side the room looked every bit as stylish as it did in the photos. What perhaps isnt clear from the photos is that there is no toilet door. This seems a massive oversight in a room with no windows! All in all our stay was a unique experience that I hope to never repeat.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous place!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Lyndsay

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Not great value for money

Quirky hotel, fantastic location. However, not value for money! If you need a separate bathroom and toilet, don’t book the vault room. No doors on either and the room was tiny.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic hotel. The staff were great. The room itself was amazing with the most comfy bed I've ever slept in. The hidden door to the cocktail bar is also a nice touch. Unfortunately we didn't try the restaurant, but I can only imagine it will be as nice as everything else. The only downside the walls are paper thin, so you can hear everything your neighbours are up to and vice versa. Other than that, a truly enjoyable stay. We certainly will be back in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff. We were able to drop of our bags on arrival and go explore the city. Our room was ready before check in so we were called to let us know. Love that you get to pick your own whipped soap for your room. Our room was spacious with a comfy bed. The complimentary pastries in the morning were a nice touch too
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unique, luxury, Whimsical, Goth Paradise.

Absolutely stunning. Beautiful location. The hotel is situated in the perfect place. Staff are amazing in the hotel and restaurant. We will be back to try the other rooms. Ignore the negative reviews, this is a unique, quirky hotel and if youre a bit of a whimsical goth, you will love this place. Also the restaurant menu and interior is much better than the ivy. The kitchen was closed when we popped in for drinks but would have definitely eaten there rather than the Ivy. Staff really helpful and gave us recommendations (Cut and Craft)of where to eat which was fantastic. The White Company toiletries were gorgeous and i really loved that on arrival we were given a complimentary bathbomb and got to choose a tub of handmade whipped soap which smelt divine. Highly recommend a stay here, we are local but enjoy a night out in York so Impossible Motel will definitely be are go to hotel. I would go as far to say this is the nicest hotel we have stayed in. Well done. Loved it x
Superb Room
The Restaurant from St Helens Square
Open plan Bathroom
View from the gallery bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My self and my wife stayed in the red room at the impossible motel in York. Firstly the hotel is amazing such a unique place and the rooms are incredible. If you are looking for a memorable night away you can’t beat it. The hotel is right in the centre of York so everything is right on the doorstep. The staff were amazing so friendly and helpful. I can’t say enuf good things about it. I can’t wait for our next visit.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Niall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique accommodation tailored with a couple experience in mind yet at the same time right in the middle of old York. We definitely will come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024