The Watergate Inn
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Summary of reviewsThe Watergate Inn enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of York, making it a prime choice for exploring the city's attractions. Guests rave about its close proximity to shops, bars, restaurants and major tourist sites like the Shambles, complemented by easy access to public transportation and free parking. Despite its centrality, the inn offers a peaceful setting near the river. Clean and comfortable rooms, combined with friendly, helpful staff, contribute to its excellent overall value, making it a popular choice for visitors.
Breakfast at the inn is a standout feature with guests praising the quality and taste of the full English breakfast, often described as very good, fantastic and delicious. Fresh, good-quality produce adds to its appeal and the substantial portions and cooked-to-order meals offer excellent value for money. Although availability and timing can be inconsistent, the breakfast experience generally enhances guests' stays.
Dinner at the inn receives enthusiastic accolades for its amazing, excellent and delicious offerings, notably the beautiful fish dishes and Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. The varied menu, including standout fish and chips and chicken gyros, ensures guests have ample choices. The new ownership has revitalized the dining experience, making the bar more lively while adding a Pizzeria/Grill house described as "very, very nice." Despite occasional mentions of needing to seek meals outside, the quality of food and cocktails makes dining at the inn a compelling experience.
Rooms at The Watergate Inn are frequently commended for their cleanliness and comfort, suitable for short stays. While some rooms are spacious and well-equipped, others are noted for being small and basic. The decor could benefit from updates and better maintenance, but overall, the functional facilities and charm meet many guests' needs, especially for budget-friendly accommodation.
Cleanliness is a strong point for the inn with many guests noting spotless and tidy rooms and bathrooms. However, occasional issues like dirty blinds, mold and dust have been reported, suggesting areas for improvement. Nonetheless, the inn's clean environment, combined with its excellent location, makes it a favorable choice for short stays.
Staff at The Watergate Inn consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. The bar staff are also noted for their warm and accommodating service, enhancing the overall experience. Despite minor issues, the exceptional service from the staff ensures guests feel well-cared-for throughout their stay.
The WiFi service receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback indicates that once connected, the WiFi performs well, but many guests experience difficulties with incorrect passwords and weak signals, detracting from the overall experience.
The beds at the inn receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them clean and comfortable, while others report them as hard, lumpy and in need of better support. Issues like creaky bedframes and poor mattress quality have been noted, leading to less restful experiences for some guests.
Rated as a three-star establishment, The Watergate Inn offers basic, comfortable and affordable accommodations, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. The decor may be dated and minor issues like occasional noise and cold rooms have been mentioned, but the great value and excellent location make it a practical choice for visitors.
The inn is highly recommended for travelers with dogs, offering exceptional dog-friendly facilities and services. The staff's efforts to accommodate pets create a welcoming and engaging environment, though a wet dog smell has been noted occasionally. Overall, The Watergate Inn is a hospitable retreat for pet-loving travelers.
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Breakfast at the inn is a standout feature with guests praising the quality and taste of the full English breakfast, often described as very good, fantastic and delicious. Fresh, good-quality produce adds to its appeal and the substantial portions and cooked-to-order meals offer excellent value for money. Although availability and timing can be inconsistent, the breakfast experience generally enhances guests' stays.
Dinner at the inn receives enthusiastic accolades for its amazing, excellent and delicious offerings, notably the beautiful fish dishes and Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. The varied menu, including standout fish and chips and chicken gyros, ensures guests have ample choices. The new ownership has revitalized the dining experience, making the bar more lively while adding a Pizzeria/Grill house described as "very, very nice." Despite occasional mentions of needing to seek meals outside, the quality of food and cocktails makes dining at the inn a compelling experience.
Rooms at The Watergate Inn are frequently commended for their cleanliness and comfort, suitable for short stays. While some rooms are spacious and well-equipped, others are noted for being small and basic. The decor could benefit from updates and better maintenance, but overall, the functional facilities and charm meet many guests' needs, especially for budget-friendly accommodation.
Cleanliness is a strong point for the inn with many guests noting spotless and tidy rooms and bathrooms. However, occasional issues like dirty blinds, mold and dust have been reported, suggesting areas for improvement. Nonetheless, the inn's clean environment, combined with its excellent location, makes it a favorable choice for short stays.
Staff at The Watergate Inn consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. The bar staff are also noted for their warm and accommodating service, enhancing the overall experience. Despite minor issues, the exceptional service from the staff ensures guests feel well-cared-for throughout their stay.
The WiFi service receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback indicates that once connected, the WiFi performs well, but many guests experience difficulties with incorrect passwords and weak signals, detracting from the overall experience.
The beds at the inn receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them clean and comfortable, while others report them as hard, lumpy and in need of better support. Issues like creaky bedframes and poor mattress quality have been noted, leading to less restful experiences for some guests.
Rated as a three-star establishment, The Watergate Inn offers basic, comfortable and affordable accommodations, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. The decor may be dated and minor issues like occasional noise and cold rooms have been mentioned, but the great value and excellent location make it a practical choice for visitors.
The inn is highly recommended for travelers with dogs, offering exceptional dog-friendly facilities and services. The staff's efforts to accommodate pets create a welcoming and engaging environment, though a wet dog smell has been noted occasionally. Overall, The Watergate Inn is a hospitable retreat for pet-loving travelers.
Dog Friendly Inn
Inn with Parking
Cheap Inn
Small Inn
3-Star Inn
Guest Reviews
The Watergate Inn boasts an exceptional location in the heart of York, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore the city's attractions. Numerous reviews highlight its proximity to key sites with many guests noting that it is within walking distance to everything, including shops, bars, restaurants and major tourist attractions like the Shambles. The inn's central position allows for easy access to public transportation and offers the convenience of free parking, which is a significant bonus for those traveling by car. Additionally, the location provides a quiet setting close to the river, ensuring a peaceful stay despite its centrality. Guests repeatedly describe the location as fantastic, perfect and superb, emphasizing its value and convenience. The inn is also praised for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms and excellent overall value, making it a popular choice for a stay in York.
At 'The Watergate Inn,' breakfast receives high praise from guests for its quality and taste. Multiple reviewers note the delightful and full English breakfast, often described as very good, fantastic, lovely and delicious. The breakfast is highlighted for its fresh, good quality produce, making it a stand-out feature of the stay.
Guests appreciate the variety and portion sizes, mentioning that the breakfast is cooked to order and offers excellent value for money. In addition to breakfast, the overall food quality at the inn garners commendations with the fish and chips and chicken gyros specifically noted for their taste and substantial portions.
However, there are a few drawbacks. Guests express disappointment with the breakfast availability on certain days and late serving times. No breakfast is provided on Mondays and on some occasions, breakfast isn’t available until the pub opens, which can be inconvenient for early risers.
Despite these inconsistencies, when breakfast is served, it impresses guests and enhances their experience at 'The Watergate Inn.' The positive feedback about the breakfast and other meals underscores the inn's commitment to good food and service quality.
The Watergate Inn has garnered enthusiastic praise for its dining experience. Guests consistently describe the food as amazing, excellent and delicious with particular commendations for the beautiful fish dishes and exceptional Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. The varied menu offers an array of choices, including standout fish and chips and chicken gyros. Breakfast and dinner are highlighted for their abundance and taste.
The new ownership has been credited with revitalizing the establishment, making the bar more lively and welcoming. Italian food is available and the newly built Pizzeria/Grill house has been described as "very very nice." Though there were occasional mention of having to seek meals outside and clarity on meal finish times, the overall sentiment remains highly positive.
The onsite bar with its great cocktails, coupled with the quality of food, creates a compelling reason to dine in. The dishes are noted for being good value for money and generous in portion. Guests have been impressed by the hospitality and cleanliness of the inn, further enhancing their dining experience.
With new dining spaces on the horizon, including an anticipated little restaurant, The Watergate Inn is poised to continue delighting its patrons. Multiple guests express a desire to return, underscoring the compelling appeal of the food and overall atmosphere.
The Watergate Inn offers a mix of experiences when it comes to its rooms. Guests frequently praise the cleanliness, noting that the rooms are often spotless and comfortable, making them suitable for short stays. Some rooms stand out for their spaciousness, comfort and good bathroom facilities.
However, many reviews highlight the small size of the rooms with several guests mentioning that while the rooms are adequate for an overnight stay, they can feel cramped, especially for longer visits. The decor is described as basic and sometimes outdated with certain rooms in need of maintenance and refurbishment. Others note issues with amenities, such as a lack of hot water, thin walls and unpleasant odors.
On a positive note, the location is highly appreciated for its convenience and secure parking. The staff are often described as friendly and welcoming, contributing to a generally pleasant stay. Despite some dated aspects, the Inn's charm and functional facilities have met the needs of many guests looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly accommodation in York.
The beds at The Watergate Inn have received a mixed bag of reviews from guests. While some praised the beds as being clean and comfortable, a significant number of reviews highlighted various issues. The most frequent complaints pointed to the beds being uncomfortable with many describing them as hard, lumpy or lacking proper support. There were several notes about thin and old mattresses with some guests reporting that the mattress quality was poor, often leading to difficulties in getting a good night's sleep. Common issues also included creaky bedframes and noisy beds, which contributed to a less than restful experience. In a few instances, beds were described as being supported by makeshift wooden blocks, adding to the discomfort. For those who need a soothing sleep after a long day of travel, it seems the beds at this inn may not consistently provide the desired comfort.
The Watergate Inn, located in a prime, central position, offers an affordable stay with a reputation for cleanliness. Many guests have consistently highlighted the very clean and tidy rooms, noting the attention to detail in terms of cleanliness. The bedding is often described as clean with fresh towels provided for showers. Clean bathrooms also receive positive remarks, adding to the comfortable environment.
Despite the generally favorable feedback on cleanliness, some guests have reported issues. There are mentions of dirty Venetian blinds, mould in rooms and occasional dust and cobwebs, all of which detract from the experience. Additionally, instances of inadequate deep cleaning and maintenance issues, such as outdated decor and worn carpets, have been noted, indicating areas for improvement.
The rooms vary in size with some being quite small and there are occasional discrepancies between room conditions and expectations. Nevertheless, for many travelers, the hotel's cleanliness, coupled with its excellent location, makes it a good choice for a short stay in the city.
The staff at The Watergate Inn consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently mention how the staff went out of their way to make their stay pleasant, often describing them as amazing, lovely and welcoming. A recurring theme is the staff’s exceptional service and willingness to help with many visitors appreciating their efforts to meet any needs and show people around.
The bar staff also stand out, being described as friendly, accommodating and nice, contributing to a warm atmosphere. Despite a few mentions of minor issues, such as difficulties with the room or the internet, the positive experiences with the staff play a significant part in guests’ overall satisfaction.
From reception to housekeeping, every interaction with the staff is noted as friendly and pleasant. The helpfulness extends to all areas of service, including thoughtful accommodations made by the owners and a general sense of great hospitality. Overall, the staff at The Watergate Inn are hailed as a highlight of the experience, ensuring that guests feel welcome and well-cared-for throughout their stay.
Guests at The Watergate Inn have mixed opinions about the hotel's WiFi service. Positive feedback highlights that once connected, the WiFi worked well and was even described as excellent and stable by some visitors. However, a significant number of guests experienced issues with the WiFi password, frequently reporting that the code provided was incorrect, which led to difficulties connecting in the first place. Some reviewers also noted that the internet signal could be weak and spotty, contributing to their dissatisfaction. Overall, while the WiFi quality at The Watergate Inn is praised by those who successfully connected, there are several cases of connectivity problems and incorrect access codes which detract from the overall guest experience.
The Watergate Inn offers a straightforward and budget-friendly stay, perfectly aligning with its three-star rating. The decor is a bit dated, which one might expect at this level, but it still provides basic, comfortable and affordable accommodations. Guests especially appreciate the great value offered, ideal for those looking for a cheap and cheerful option in the city center.
Despite some minor drawbacks, such as occasional noise likely due to shisha and the rooms getting cold during certain times of the year, the overall experience is positive. The hotel's easy access to city-wide attractions adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Some reviews noted areas in need of improvement, mentioning tatty conditions and broken amenities like TVs. However, for those prioritizing cost over luxury, The Watergate Inn remains a friendly, no-frills option that delivers on what one would expect from a middle-tier hotel.
The Watergate Inn is a highly recommended destination for travelers with canine companions. Guests consistently highlight the inn's exceptional dog-friendly facilities and services. Dogs are not just allowed, they are actively welcomed, making it an ideal choice for those looking to bring their pets along.
The staff at The Watergate Inn go above and beyond to accommodate dogs, often bringing their own pets to play with guest dogs, ensuring a warm and engaging environment. This thoughtful addition has been appreciated by many guests, adding a personal touch to their stays.
There's no extra charge for bringing dogs, making it a cost-effective option for dog owners. Besides being dog-friendly, the inn is also receptive to other pets, including cats. Guest feedback praised the welcoming atmosphere not only for humans but for their furry friends as well.
A few remarks mentioned a wet dog smell, which suggests that while the inn is incredibly accommodating to dogs, those sensitive to pet odors might want to consider this aspect. Nonetheless, for pet-loving travelers, The Watergate Inn stands out as a hospitable and accommodating retreat.
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Location
Breakfast
Guests appreciate the variety and portion sizes, mentioning that the breakfast is cooked to order and offers excellent value for money. In addition to breakfast, the overall food quality at the inn garners commendations with the fish and chips and chicken gyros specifically noted for their taste and substantial portions.
However, there are a few drawbacks. Guests express disappointment with the breakfast availability on certain days and late serving times. No breakfast is provided on Mondays and on some occasions, breakfast isn’t available until the pub opens, which can be inconvenient for early risers.
Despite these inconsistencies, when breakfast is served, it impresses guests and enhances their experience at 'The Watergate Inn.' The positive feedback about the breakfast and other meals underscores the inn's commitment to good food and service quality.
Dinner
The new ownership has been credited with revitalizing the establishment, making the bar more lively and welcoming. Italian food is available and the newly built Pizzeria/Grill house has been described as "very very nice." Though there were occasional mention of having to seek meals outside and clarity on meal finish times, the overall sentiment remains highly positive.
The onsite bar with its great cocktails, coupled with the quality of food, creates a compelling reason to dine in. The dishes are noted for being good value for money and generous in portion. Guests have been impressed by the hospitality and cleanliness of the inn, further enhancing their dining experience.
With new dining spaces on the horizon, including an anticipated little restaurant, The Watergate Inn is poised to continue delighting its patrons. Multiple guests express a desire to return, underscoring the compelling appeal of the food and overall atmosphere.
Rooms
However, many reviews highlight the small size of the rooms with several guests mentioning that while the rooms are adequate for an overnight stay, they can feel cramped, especially for longer visits. The decor is described as basic and sometimes outdated with certain rooms in need of maintenance and refurbishment. Others note issues with amenities, such as a lack of hot water, thin walls and unpleasant odors.
On a positive note, the location is highly appreciated for its convenience and secure parking. The staff are often described as friendly and welcoming, contributing to a generally pleasant stay. Despite some dated aspects, the Inn's charm and functional facilities have met the needs of many guests looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly accommodation in York.
Beds
Cleanliness
Despite the generally favorable feedback on cleanliness, some guests have reported issues. There are mentions of dirty Venetian blinds, mould in rooms and occasional dust and cobwebs, all of which detract from the experience. Additionally, instances of inadequate deep cleaning and maintenance issues, such as outdated decor and worn carpets, have been noted, indicating areas for improvement.
The rooms vary in size with some being quite small and there are occasional discrepancies between room conditions and expectations. Nevertheless, for many travelers, the hotel's cleanliness, coupled with its excellent location, makes it a good choice for a short stay in the city.
Staff
The bar staff also stand out, being described as friendly, accommodating and nice, contributing to a warm atmosphere. Despite a few mentions of minor issues, such as difficulties with the room or the internet, the positive experiences with the staff play a significant part in guests’ overall satisfaction.
From reception to housekeeping, every interaction with the staff is noted as friendly and pleasant. The helpfulness extends to all areas of service, including thoughtful accommodations made by the owners and a general sense of great hospitality. Overall, the staff at The Watergate Inn are hailed as a highlight of the experience, ensuring that guests feel welcome and well-cared-for throughout their stay.
Wi-Fi
3 Star
Despite some minor drawbacks, such as occasional noise likely due to shisha and the rooms getting cold during certain times of the year, the overall experience is positive. The hotel's easy access to city-wide attractions adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Some reviews noted areas in need of improvement, mentioning tatty conditions and broken amenities like TVs. However, for those prioritizing cost over luxury, The Watergate Inn remains a friendly, no-frills option that delivers on what one would expect from a middle-tier hotel.
Dog Friendly
The staff at The Watergate Inn go above and beyond to accommodate dogs, often bringing their own pets to play with guest dogs, ensuring a warm and engaging environment. This thoughtful addition has been appreciated by many guests, adding a personal touch to their stays.
There's no extra charge for bringing dogs, making it a cost-effective option for dog owners. Besides being dog-friendly, the inn is also receptive to other pets, including cats. Guest feedback praised the welcoming atmosphere not only for humans but for their furry friends as well.
A few remarks mentioned a wet dog smell, which suggests that while the inn is incredibly accommodating to dogs, those sensitive to pet odors might want to consider this aspect. Nonetheless, for pet-loving travelers, The Watergate Inn stands out as a hospitable and accommodating retreat.
No, The Watergate Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Watergate Inn.
Yes, The Watergate Inn welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Watergate Inn.
No, The Watergate Inn doesn't have a gym.
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