Frequently Asked Questions
How central are your apartments?
We are probably in the most central York location for self-catering apartments, situated right within the ancient city walls (and only 50 yards from the Famous Betty's tearooms).
Is it noisy being in the centre of the city?
Not at Stonegate Court. Our apartments are at 1st floor level above three of York's oldest streets but tucked secretly away above ancient 'snickleways' (alleyways) so it is extremely rare for people to be distrubed by noise, particularly from early evening when the snickleways are closed off by the shop owners. We are very lucky as the apartments don't face onto any street of traffic or main thoroughfare. Our guests have called the apartments an oasis of peace and calm within the hustle and bustle of York.
How close are you to the Minster & do the bells disturb?
The bells don't ring at night!.. but do chime the time during the day and have bell-ringing practice around tea-time on some days. The courtyard of Stonegate Court has The Minster as its backdrop which is a beautiful picture and is about a minute walk from the apartment entrance.
Are we likely to feel hemmed in?
The apartments are located at 1st floor level and are situated around a beautiful open courtyard on which there are trees and shrubs and seating to enjoy the beautiful views of The Minster. Each apartment also has its own outside terrace with seating and lighting - possibly the only holiday apartments within the city centre to have this. The one bedroom apartment has no property below, above or to one side of it and the two bedroom has no property below with very quiet neighbours above and next door. You should certainly not feel hemmed in but should feel completely private and relaxed.
How accessible are you by train?
York is on the main rail routes between London and Scotland (2 hrs to London and 2.5 hrs to Edinburgh). We are also served very well with trains to the west and east. The apartments are just a few minutes walk from the station, or a couple of minutes by taxi if you have luggage to carry. Call 08457 225 225 for fantastic deals on the East Coast Mainline, particularly first class tickets which, when booked in advance, can be cheaper than the standard price.
If we travel by car where can we park?
The area within the city walls is designated car-free for most of the day, except for disabled. However, you can access the area by car for a short while to unload after 4pm on arrival day, and before 11am on departure day. Saturdays are after 4.30pm and before 10.30am. There are no restrictions for access or street parking at all on a Sunday. Once you have unloaded you can take your car to nearby Marygate car-park just off Bootham, which is then just a 5 minute walk back through the Museum Gardens. You will be able to use our permit free of charge (saving you £10 per day). Central Hotels charge for this. Disabled drivers can park on Blake St for up to 3 hours at any time of day.
I understand York floods regularly, will we be affected?
Although the river is just a couple of minutes walk away we are too far away and are also at a height so we are never affected. Marygate car-park also is away from flood problems.
How far are you from airports and what is easiest transport?
From Canada & the US many flights can come in to Manchester which is nearer than London. From here it is a train journey of approx 2 hours to York. We can also provide details of a local chauffeur who we and many other guests use as this can work out almost as cheap as train fares when there are a few travelling and certainly more convenient. If flying into Leeds/Bradford from Europe or on the London shuttle there is either a bus service available which drops you at York railway station (5 mins from the apartments) or again the chauffeur.
How can we book a break at Stonegate Court?
Our availability calendar is always up to date so check it first, or call us if you have no access, to ensure the dates you want are still vacant. If booking your break at Stonegate Court more than one month in advance you will be asked to pay a 40% deposit. The balance will be due one month arrival. If arriving within the month the full amount will be required upon booking. Payment can be made by card by using our secure on-line booking page. Just click on the page above marked 'availability/book' and follow the directions to check availability and place your booking. Or alternatively phone us. Please note we do not accept cheques or bank transfers.
What happens when we have booked?
We will send you an information pack with details about York, your apartment, directions, car-parking if required, your payment receipt and an information form for completion and return. This will help us to ensure we have your apartment prepared properly for you.
How do we get the keys?
On your information form which you will receive in your confirmation pack when you have booked your break with us, you will be able to advise us of approximate arrival time. The owners, Susan or Malcolm, will then meet you at the apartment to give you a quick tour and to hand over your keys and parking permit as required.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Because your apartment is in an area of archaeological importance the main road, Blake Street, is closed to traffic between 11am and 4pm weekdays, and between 10.30am and 4.30pm Saturdays, unless you have a disabled badge. However, your apartment would be ready for 3pm latest and, if we have no-one leaving that morning, it can be earlier. We are always happy to look after luggage after 10.30am so you can enjoy York baggage free on arrival. Check out is before 10am for the same reason and again we are happy to look after luggage if you want to enjoy York longer. If you need to go before we arrive you just lock up and put the keys and permit through the letter-box.
Do we have to clean up when we leave?
No! Many self-catering properties ask you to do this or charge separately. .. Not us! Everything will be spotless when you arrive, we have never scored less than 100% for cleanliness, and it is our job to make sure it is spotless for our next guests. Obviously we would ask you to respect the property and its contents but no cleaning or bed stripping - you are on holiday!
Do you accept children?
Children of all ages are very welcome. We can provide a cot and high-chair and games, DVDs, gameboy, playstation1, books etc. (if not already booked).
Are your properties suitable for wheelchair users?
Our one bedroom property is split-level with the bedroom upstairs. It also has a shower over the bath. Our two bedroom property however is all on one level, with wide doors, a ramp, and a walk in shower (although a small step up of about 4 inches.)
Are there any restrictions?
Strictly no smoking within the apartments and no animals. 4 adults maximum in the two bedroom (plus a child) or 2 adults maximum in the one bedroom (plus a child). We also do not allow hen and stag night parties as we are in a very peaceful residential area nor do we allow bookings of single sex non-family groups of more than two people.
Do you have any hidden charges?
None whatsoever. Only excessive use of the phone may be charged together with any replacement costs for damage during your stay.
What complimentary goodies do we get when we arrive?
A complimentary bottle of wine or a very speial Yorkshire Gift is provided for your arrival and you will also find fresh flowers, sweets and ample tea, coffee (including de-caf) milk, sugar, and juice for the children, plus a few delicious Yorkshire snacks. At an extra charge of £30 we can provide champagne and chocolates or Yorkshire Fayre (refer to welcome treats page for details). Please note that arrival gift, snacks and wine are not provided during our sale period.
Do you have computer access & what TV/entertainment do you have?
There is free wi-fi in both apartments. We also have flat screen TVs and DVD players in the living areas of both apartments.. In each bedroom we have flat screen TVs with DVD players and i-pod docks. We also have playstation and gameboy for the kids.
Can we store bikes anywhere?
Actually you can! There is a large bike store at ground level where bikes can be locked to fixed holds. And there are lots of excellent biking routes out of York.
What is the easiest way to contact you?
We are available by e-mail from 8am - 10.30pm. Sue@yorkluxuryholidays.co.uk. Mobile is on during this time unless we are in a restaurant or with no signal up on the Moors! 44 (0)7746 552478. If you can't get us leave a message and we'll be back to you swiftly. Our home/office number which has an answerphone when we are not there is 44 (0)1904 623508. You can also book diretly using our seure on-line booking page 24/7.
