after being informed that the hotel we had boked the gateway to york had no resteraunt facilities we were to be upgraded to the minster hotel. if this ws an upgrade i would hate to see a downgrade, the room was an attic room small dingy and basic, the whole hotel had a musty smell, beware also you have to pay ?6.95 for a cooked breakfast, your free option is the continental which had run out of croissents on the sunday. the reception staff were unhelpful, the one member of staff who shone was the lad behind the bar on the friday night. we stayed in the hotel for our evening meal on friday which although was nice was also very expensive. ?4.95 for a starter ?10.95 for a main and ?3.95 for dessert the food was hardly table de hote more like a bar meal.we would never stay at this hotel again middle aged couple from shildon

We booked a 2 night stay at the MInster having looked at the photos and website description. As it was fairly pricy we assumed we were in for a treat. We realised from the moment of arrival on friday evening that we were in for a big disappointment. On entering reception we were greeted half-heartedly by a miserable looking receptionist. The greeting was soon drowned out by the sound of drunken shouting and singing from the bar which was excused by "er some people have been to the races...." We were then informed that we were too late to dine in the restaurant (which actually didn't close until 9pm so we still had 25 minutes). In light of subsequent events we were glad we didn't try it. So we were left to carry our own bags to the room via a tiny service lift. The room was the biggest disappointment. We were advised there was satellite tv, instead there was a small portable tv without even a remote. The room decoration was shabby and the bedclothes incorporating a grungy looking old blanket were less than enticing. The room was small and needed redecoration. The view from the window was of the car park and the strains of loud disco music assaulted our ears. The following day we asked about a remote for the tv and were handed an old shoebox full of used and broken remotes and told to take our pick!. The ones we tried did not work and no-one cared enough to follow it up. We felt that the staff could not have cared less what sort of stay we had. The price at ?125 per night was extortionate for the standard of accommodation and service! It did not even include english breakfast which would have cost extra had we been brave enough to risk it. The only good thing about this hotel was its close location to the beautiful city of York. We had a good time because "its what you make it" but it was no thanks to the Monster Minster Hotel and we certainly would not re-visit. I would certainly advise anyone getting hitched in the Reg office next door not to take the obvious option and book it for their reception or they will be in for a big disappointment. Loved York though - the ghost tour, open top bus tour and Cafe Rouge were highlights!

We decided to take the chance despite some horrific reviews on this site. The hotels own reviews are (obviously) quite the opposite. I trusted that the situation would not be as bad as it was painted based on my previous stays at a sister hotel in the same city. Arrival was good, there is an ample private car park which is a big help and no charge (?10 per day at my last York Hotel) The receptionist was very pleasant and although we arrived two hours before our check in time the room was ready and we were allowed to occupy. The hotel has a great deal of promise but I would definitely describe it as 'tired'. The room was adequate with a firm but comfortable bed. Plenty of tea and coffee, chocolate etc. A small tv but quite ok for its purpose. There were cobwebs on some of the lightshades and on the ceiling edge. The bathroom was ok but again it was showing signs of being in need of a facelift. Taps were drippy and difficult to turn off completely but this could be achieved with the help of the towel for grip. Grouting and sealant was giving way to age and use and there was a little mould behind the bath taps. Despite this the power shower was in good working order and the water was hot enough with no interruption. The paintwork was chipped and marked and needed painting and cleaning properly. Given this I have to say that it did not put us off and I have certainly seen worse and complained about worse states in hotels. It was clear that redecoration was in progress as the painters gear was in the corridor. All staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful and we could not fault them. It seemed that new staff were being recruited and those there were doing a good job. Dinner on the first night was excellent. The food was superb and the ambience in the restaurant was fine. We were well looked after and enjoyed every minute. Breakfast is for some reason continental, but we knew this when we booked. I took the option of the full English on the first day at extra cost. It was a good plate but I felt it had been under a heated light for some time and the freshness was a little suspect. Nevertheless it was enjoyed. There were things short on the continental spread though, ie croissants and yoghurt but these were made available when requested. The hotel is situated in a perfect position for Yorks main attractions and is in sight of the marvellous Minster. This is a great location to stay, near to all the pubs, restaurants and visitor locations. We had a fantastic short break. The hotel is definitely getting there and it seems that faults are being addressed. I honestly think that reasonable people will find little to complain about. That said I am a very tolerant and easy going person but I will not be ripped off and can raise havoc when necessary. Main comment would be that the cleaner needs a course in cleaning or the sack. There is a definite lack of knowledge about cleaning a room for visitors to occupy. A closer look into the nooks and crannies would reveal the places which need that extra bit of attention. Despite everything I would repeat my stay at this hotel as it makes York easy to enjoy at its best.

We booked over internet for Bed & Breakfast at ?100 per night with secure parking and central. Parking was excellent city central location. Reception was slow, but friendly. Rooms were small and smelt of cigarette smoke (although now a non smoking environment) Rooms were small but warm (and it was cold outside). We could not have a shower as we could not get enough hot water to come through, so we ended up having a bath which was just warm. We were under the impression that full English Breakfast was included although we were told when checking in that only Continental Breakfast was included in the price of ?100 per night and if we wanted English this would cost another ?14 per couple per night. This was not acceptable to us. We had booked for B. and B. and living in England we expected a full english breakfast! Staff were friendly at Breakfast but totally inexperienced school children. Our table was set with saucers rather than than tea plates for our toast. Certainly not worth ?100 per night.

This was our second honeymoon and what a disaster. We booked an expensive hotel thinking that we would have luxury accommodation. We were told to go to room 5 and we were all excited. In the afternoon we decided to go for a lie down after walking round York. All we could hear was the humming of the central heating boiler. We had no bath, just a shower which was dirty and scabby and black between the tiles. The temperature control worked the wrong way so when you turned it to hot it went cold. The room was clean but very old fashioned like 1970 decor. We paid ?238 for 2 nights and when we booked we were told breakfast was included........when we arrived we were informed it was continental breakfast only and had to pay more for full English. After our first night out we came back to find we couldn't get in, the key didn't fit the lock and just went round and round. It was snowing and blowing a gail so we had to bang on door till night porter heard us. We asked to be moved...but were told it was the last room available. In the morning we went for breakfast. We were ignored totally and after 15 mins of watching the very immature staff mess around squirting each other with cleaning fluid we realised that we weren't even going to be offered a cup of tea or coffee. One man got up and walked out because they were squirting just a few inches from his face. In the end I asked if we could possibly have a drink. For the price we paid I would have expected luxury. It was a very poor standard of b and b the worst I have ever experienced. Do not go is my advice. We have 3 children and never get to go away and saved up for a special weekend, second honeymoon I would have had more luxury in a tent!!!!!! If you want to go to Fawlty Towers this place is recommended!!!!