Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open all year?
The apartments at Stonegate Court are open all year for bookings. Stays can be as short as 2 nights or as many as 30 nights. Guests can arrive any available day. Please note, however, that the minimum number of nights' stay in the 2 bedroom apartment at Xmas/New Year is for 4 nights and we do not accept arrivals/departures on Xmas Eve, Xmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day in either apartment.
How central are the apartments?
Stonegate Court apartments are probably in the most central York location for self-catering apartments, situated right within the ancient city walls on Blake Street and only 50 yards from the Famous Betty's tearooms.
Is it noisy being in the centre of the city?
The apartments at Stonegate Court 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 disturbed by noise. The apartments don't face onto any street of traffic nor onto a main thoroughfare. 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. The Minster itself is about a minute's 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, shrubs and seating to enjoy the beautiful views of The Minster. Each apartment also has its own outside terrace with seating and lighting. 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. Essentially your apartment front door opens out onto the beautiful outside courtyard overlooked by The Minster, not onto a closed inside corridor, and the back of your property opens onto your own private terrace.
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 blue badge holders. Unless you have a disabled badge you cannot enter Blake Street with a car, for the entrance to Stonegate Court building, between 10.30am - 5pm on any day. Outside of these times you can park for a few minutes to unload. Once you have unloaded you can take your car to nearby Marygate or Gillygate car-parks just off Bootham (A19), which is then just 5 minutes walk back to the apartment. You will be able to park free of charge (saving you c.£11 per day). Many central hotels and other accommodation providers charge up to £20 per day for parking. Disabled drivers can park on Blake St for up to 3 hours at any time of day and all day any day at Marygate car-park..
I understand York floods regularly, will we be affected?
Although the river is just a couple of minutes walk away, Stonegate Court is too far away and is also at a height so is never affected. The car-parks we use are also 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 you will need to take a taxi to Leeds railway station for a train to York or use taxi/chauffeur all the way to York.
How can we book a break at Stonegate Court?
The availability calendars are always up to date so check first using the link to the left 'check dates/book', or e-mail us on sue@yorkluxuryholidays.co.uk or call us, York Luxury Holidays, on 07746 552478 / 01904 623508. 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 before 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 to the left marked 'check dates/book' and follow the directions to check availability and then place your booking. Please note we do not accept cheques or bank transfers.
What happens when we have booked?
If booking on-line you will receive an immediate e-mail confirming your booking and payment made. The apartment owners will then e-mail you with further confirmation including information regarding access, directions etc. If you have paid a deposit only, you will be sent a secure payment link approx 5 weeks before your arrival so that your final payment can be made.
How do we get the keys?
The owners will make arrangements with you directly regarding access arrangements and how to collect your keys (and parking permit if applicable).
What time is check-in and check-out?
You can drop off luggage anytime after 10.30 am (and pick up your parking permit if required.) Your apartment will be ready for 3pm latest and, if no-one is leaving that morning, it will probably be much earlier. Check out is before 10am so that the apartment can be prepared thoroughly between guests but again guests may leave luggage for a few hours before next guests arrive.
Do we have to clean up when we leave?
No! Many self-catering properties ask you to do this or charge separately. Everything will be spotless when you arrive, and it is the owners' job to make sure the apartment is spotless again for next guests. Obviously you are asked 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. A cot and high chair can be provided. There is also a sofa-bed in the living areas suitable for a young child. DVDs, playstation 2, books, games etc. can also be provided.
Are your properties suitable for wheelchair users?
The one bedroom property is split-level with the bedroom upstairs. It also has a shower over the bath. The two bedroom property 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 Stonegate Court is 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 special 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 you can purchase 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. There is a flat screen TV and DVD player in the living area of both apartments. In each bedroom there is a flat screen TV with DVD player and an i-pod dock. Playstation 2 is also provided.
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?
You can contact Malcolm & Susan Kitchener at York Luxury Holidays by e-mail 8am - 10.00pm. Sue@yorkluxuryholidays.co.uk.
Mobile phone 44 (0)7746 552478.
Home/office number 44 (0)1904 623508.
You can also book directly using our secure on-line booking page 24/7 marked to the left as 'check dates/book'.
Who are the owners of the apartments?
York Luxury Holidays is owned by Malcolm & Susan Kitchener who live in York. They have been managing high end holiday accommodation in York for 9 years. They are also the owners of 6 Stonegate Court, the one bedroom apartment. From mid June 2012 John Reddick and Helena Ragg-Kirkby will be the new owners of 15 Stonegate Court (previously owned by Malcolm & Susan). Again they have been providing high end holiday accommodation in York for many years. When booking the one bedroom apartment you will be dealing directly with the owners. When booking the two bedroom apartment via York Luxury Holidays you will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking and payment. Your contact details and booked dates will then be passed to the owners who will contact you directly with further information.
