Penleys Apartment York: Your Dream UK Getaway Awaits!
Penleys Apartment York: My Dream UK Getaway… Almost! (A Very Opinionated Review)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. I'm about to lay bare my experience at Penleys Apartment York, and trust me, it was a rollercoaster. They promised a dream UK escape, so let's see if they delivered – the good, the bad, and the utterly bewildering.
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- Description: Honest and detailed review of Penleys Apartment York, covering accessibility, amenities, dining, cleanliness, safety, services, room features, and overall experience with quirky observations and personal anecdotes. Find out if this York apartment lives up to the hype!
(My Brain Dump Begins…)
First off, let’s just say: York. Beautiful, historical York. I was practically drooling at the thought of wandering the Shambles, maybe getting spooked on a ghost tour, and finally, FINALLY, finding a decent pub. Penleys promised the perfect launchpad, and on paper, it had it all.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like a Bag of Quality Street Chocolates You're Afraid to Touch
Let's be brutally honest, accessibility is a HUGE deal for me. I have mobility issues, so anything claiming to be accessible gets thoroughly scrutinized. Penleys… well, they tried.
- Wheelchair accessible? Yes, in theory. The website promised it, and some aspects were good. The elevator was a godsend, and reaching my apartment wasn't an issue. My heart sank, though, because the bathroom was… cozy. Like, really cozy. Turning around in a wheelchair was a struggle. They had a grab bar by the toilet (thumbs up!), but the space was just severely limited. It wasn't a dealbreaker, but it definitely impacted my independence. I would've loved a separate shower instead of the combined bathtub one.
- Getting Around: The front entrance was generally accessible, but some areas inside sometimes felt a bit cramped.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They had the basics, but I felt like more could be done. Someone really needs to do a complete audit and get some feedback from real users.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: The Elusive Unicorn
I noticed there weren't any visible on-site accessible restaurants or lounges. It might be worth checking if other places are nearby instead.
Cleanliness and Safety: Smelling the Roses (and the Anti-Viral Spray)
Okay, full marks here. In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is KING. Penleys clearly took this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol: All present and accounted for! I felt genuinely safe wandering through the apartment. They were obsessed with sanitizing, which, honestly, I appreciated.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Yes! Thank the lord!
- Individually-wrapped food options, Breakfast takeaway service: These were available, perfect for keeping me safe.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: A must!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They were doing their best with the apartment's design.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Quest for Sustenance Okay, so there are no on-site restaurants. Boo!
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were accommodating (even if the options are simple).
- Breakfast takeaway service: Useful, especially due to the safety protocols.
- Snack bar: They had snacks available.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The coffee was pretty decent, and there were plenty of cafes nearby.
The Room Itself: My Sanctuary (or, at Least, My Temporary Base of Operations)
This is where things got interesting. My apartment was… a bit of a mish-mash.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: They had most of the "good stuff."
- The good: The bed was genuinely comfortable (extra long bed, yes!). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleep-deprived me. Free Wi-Fi, of course. The little balcony with a view was a bonus.
- The less good: The decor was… well, let's call it "eclectic." It reminded me of your eccentric aunt's house, in a good way.
- The frustrating: The internet. Ugh. It dropped out more often than a toddler with an ice cream cone. I needed the Internet access – LAN (and it wasn't working), and the laptop workspace was cramped and made me feel like I was back in the 90s.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams? (Spoiler: Not Quite.)
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nope. I think my initial excitement was based on a typo in their descriptions.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't see it.
- Massage, Sauna, Steamroom: Nope…
I'm not going to lie; I was slightly disappointed. I envisioned a spa retreat after a long day exploring York.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Contactless check-in/out: YES. Efficient and appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping: They kept the place spotless.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Useful if you're staying for a longer period.
- Concierge: Very helpful with recommendations.
- Cash withdrawal: There was a cash machine available.
- Luggage storage: Easy!
For the Kids: The Jury is Out
- Family/child friendly: Yes, they were.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
- Car park [free of charge]: Score! (Which is essential. Finding parking in York is a nightmare).
- Taxi service: Readily available, and the staff helped me with booking.
The Verdict?
Penleys Apartment York is a mixed bag. It's in a great location – close to everything! It's clean and safe during the COVID era. The staff are lovely. But the accessibility could be significantly improved, and the "spa" claims are misleading.
Would I stay again? Hmm… maybe. If I were traveling with a friend or partner, it's perfect. But if I were solo and relying heavily on accessibility, I'd probably explore other options. Penleys needs to be truly honest about what it offers. It promises a dream, and it delivers… a slightly flawed dream.
(Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars – with a strong emphasis on the potential!)
Saginaw's BEST Sheraton? 4-Star Luxury Awaits! (MI)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is real life, in all its glorious, chaotic mess. This is my Penleys Apartment adventure in York, complete with enough twists, turns, and questionable choices to make a seasoned traveler blush. So, let's dive in, shall we?
Penley's Apartment, York - My "Actually Gonna Happen" Itinerary (with a healthy dose of "Who the Hell Knows?")
(Day 1: Arrival & "Oh God, Did I Pack Enough Socks?" Anxiety)
- Morning (Like, REALLY Morning): The excruciating pre-dawn alarm. Seriously, why are flights always at the crack of sparrow fart? Drag myself out of bed, fueled by instant coffee and a vague sense of impending doom. The train to the airport. The usual airport circus – lines, questionable coffee that costs a fortune, and the overwhelming sense that you've forgotten something vitally important. (Spoiler alert: I always forget something. This time, it’s probably a comb)
- Afternoon: Touchdown in York! The air smells of… well, it smells like England, doesn’t it? Damp, slightly floral, and promising of a pub or two. Taxi to Penleys Apartment. Pray it looks as good in reality as it did in the photos, because online apartments are liars, I tell you! Unpack. More specifically, attempt to unpack. My suitcase is a Tetris nightmare. Discover I absolutely did not pack enough socks. Panic slightly.
- Evening: The important act! Walk (stumble) towards the city center. First mission? Food. I am hangry. Find a pub. Any pub. Preferably one with a roaring fire and a menu that doesn't involve anything remotely healthy. I’m thinking a proper Yorkshire pudding. Maybe two. Order something delicious, probably way too much, and immediately realize I’m already exhausted. Decide any more walking will be a mistake. Relax and drink a pint and, maybe, and this is the dream, actually think to myself "I'm on vacation…"
(Day 2: York's Majestic Grasp and Pub Trials)
- Morning: Okay, this is why I came! First, the York Minster. I mean, wow. Just absolutely stunning. Get lost in the sheer scale of the thing and the stained glass windows… I swear, the light in that place is magical. Took a dozen photos, including one where I almost tripped over a small child, but hey, it’s artistic!
- Afternoon: The Shambles! The Harry Potter fan in me squealed. It's ridiculously charming, even with the crowds. Buy some completely unnecessary knick-knacks. Resist the urge to spend a fortune on wizarding stuff – resist. Struggle. Fail.
- Evening: Pub crawl! This is where things get interesting. Start with a traditional brew. Then, search for the perfect pint. This takes time. Sample some ales. Talk to locals. Discover that everyone has an opinion on the "best" pub and that arguing is just part of the local culture. Learn that I am a terrible poker player with a surprisingly good beer to whisky ratio.
- Night: Find another pub. Get some snacks to eat. The night ends, eventually. I'm not sure when. Or how.
(Day 3: River, Railways, and Regret… Maybe?)
- Morning: A slightly blurry start. The breakfast in the apartment is a lifesaver. Walk along the River Ouse. It's serene, beautiful, and a little bit smelly, if I'm honest. Hire a boat or canoe, probably can't say for certain, and have an absolutely grand time for like 2 hours, and realize your arms may not be strong enough to manage it.
- Afternoon: The National Railway Museum. This place is MIND-BLOWING. I'm not even a huge train enthusiast, but the sheer size of some of these locomotives is awe-inspiring. Get completely lost in the history of travel.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant. Probably over-order again, because I am me. Maybe see a show at the Grand Opera House. Or, alternatively, fall asleep in the apartment after a single glass of wine and wake up at midnight, confused and slightly panicked, wondering where the last few hours went.
- Night: Back to the apartment. Write a diary. Regret not grabbing more chocolates earlier.
(Day 4: Shadowy City and a Sweet Finale.)
- Morning: Take a guided walking tour. Learn about the city's spooky history. Feel a shiver down my spine even when it's warm. Get a bit over-enthusiastic and take photos of random shadows.
- Afternoon: Return to The Shambles. Buy a gift for the loved ones. Find a coffee shop and get a rich delicious pastry to have the last time. Get lost in thought, think, and see one last time.
- Evening: Pack. This time, it probably won't be perfectly. Have one last pub meal, and plan the next visit. Stare out the window, contemplating all the things I didn't do and making a mental list for next time.
- Night: Last night. The hardest part. Maybe have a last drink - or many. Say farewell.
(Day 5: Departure and Post-York Blues)
- Morning: The dreaded packing. The apartment is a disaster. Say farewell.
- Afternoon: Train. The return journey. The inevitable post-holiday blues. Vowing to return to York ASAP!
- Evening: Getting home. Tell everyone how amazing it was. Start planning the next adventure.
Important Notes (because life is never simple):
- Food: This itinerary is entirely dependent on the availability of Yorkshire puddings. And beer. Lots of beer.
- Weather: Expect rain. Embrace it. Bring waterproof shoes, and a positive attitude.
- Spontaneity: This is merely a suggestion. If I feel like wandering off in a completely different direction, I will. That's the beauty of travel, right?
- Emotional State: I am prone to sudden bursts of joy, bouts of introspection, and moments of sheer existential dread. Adjust for this accordingly.
Final Thoughts:
York, you beautiful, quirky, history-laden city, I'm already missing you. You were a whirlwind of charm, deliciousness, and enough unexpected moments to keep me entertained for weeks. The best kind of holiday, I am sure. Now, to start planning the next one… maybe somewhere with even more castles? And definitely more socks!
J.K Residence: Your DREAM Kuching Homestay Awaits!
Penleys Apartment York: You've Got Questions? I've Got (Mostly) Honest Answers!
Right, so, Penleys Apartment...Where Is This Magical Place Actually *Located*?
Okay, picture this: You're in York. You've maybe just survived the Viking Centre (it's intense, isn't it?). Penleys Apartment...it's right smack-dab in the *city centre*. I'm talking *walkable to everything* levels of convenient. I mean, *literally* you can stumble out the front door (responsibly, of course!) and Bam! York Minster's, like, right there, judging you with its Gothic majesty. It's the kind of location that makes you feel like you've won at Monopoly. And hey, maybe you actually will win if you are smart with the grocery shops. It is very close to some handy supermarkets.
Is this place… actually nice? Like, Instagram-worthy nice?
Alright, let's be real. I'm not a lifestyle influencer, but I do appreciate a decent cuppa and a comfy chair. Penleys? It *is* nice. Not like, "I need to Photoshop every single photo" nice, but definitely "Hey, this is a pleasant place to collapse after a day of battling tour groups" level nice. It's clean (which, honestly, is a HUGE win), it's got a good kitchen (more on that later…), and it has a certain *charm*. Think exposed brick, maybe some quirky artwork. The kind of art that makes you wonder, "Did they get that at a car boot sale?" In a good way. It's not sterile, which is a huge plus. You get the feeling someone actually *lives* here, rather than just trying to squeeze every penny out of you. I like that.
Cooking: Can I Actually Cook (or Just Microwave) in the Kitchen?
Oh, the kitchen. This is a big one for me because I *hate* eating out every single meal. The kitchen at Penleys is a proper kitchen. You can *actually cook*. There's a proper oven, a hob, a fridge, (probably) a toaster. Okay, I can't remember the exact details (I'm writing this based on a memory, which, you know...) but I know I made pasta. I may or may not have burnt the garlic bread. Pro tip: Check the oven regularly… especially if you're distracted by the alluring smells of York chocolate shops! The point is, you can pretend to be a chef. Or at least a reasonable human who can feed themselves without solely relying on greasy takeaways. This makes it very attractive if you're trying to save some pennies too.
Okay, so, Parking – The Bane of Every Traveller's Existence? Tell me it isn't terrible?
Parking in York? A trial by fire. Seriously. Penleys, I recall, doesn't have on-site parking. Cue the inner turmoil! This is where I was very grateful for the pre-planning. I *think* they recommend a nearby car park, or maybe there's street parking? Honestly, I've blocked out the parking stress. I *highly* recommend researching this *before* you arrive. Trust me on this. Do. The. Research. Because the last thing you want after a long drive is to be circling the city like a lost sheep, desperately trying to find a space. Seriously. Parking in York is a character building exercise. Or maybe it'll just give you a few extra grey hairs.
Is it...quiet? Because I *need* quiet.
Right, silence seekers, listen up! Penleys is *in the centre*. So, it's not going to be *dead* silent all the time. You're going to hear *some* city noise – the distant rumble of buses, maybe the odd boisterous stag do (it's York; they happen), definitely people walking around. It’s not a hermitage. But, in my experience, it wasn't ear-splittingly noisy. However, if you're ultra-sensitive to any background noise, pack earplugs. Seriously. That’s a travel essential anyway! And if you're after total isolation, this might not be your best bet. You're trading that for the convenience. It's a trade-off, and you need to decide your priorities.
The Wi-Fi: It's the 21st Century, Is it At Least *Decent*?
Look, I didn’t go all the way to York to stare at my laptop. But, yes, the Wi-Fi was fine. It worked. I was able to check emails, waste way too much time on social media (ahem), and even stream a movie or two. It wasn't buffering every five seconds. You can expect it to handle your basic internet needs. If you're planning on video-conferencing for work and need ultra-reliable connection, maybe double-check with the owners. But for most normal people, it's grand.
So, I’m Considering Booking! Any Quirks or Annoyances I Should Know About? The *Real* Truth?
Okay, fine. This is where I give you the *unedited* version. Every place has its quirks. Let's be honest! This is based on my stay, which may have changed. It all seemed pretty good and the owner was a nice helpful person. There was, as always, a slight delay in getting to the property, but that’s not a thing that's specific to Penleys. The key pick-up seemed straightforward. The shower was fine, although I’m used to a power shower, so don't expect something with a jet stream. The bed? Comfy enough. Not the *best* bed I’ve ever slept in, but I got a good night's sleep. I honestly can't remember much that was bad. The only minor thing was that I was slightly confused about how I got into the apartment when I arrived, but that was clearly explained after I phoned.
Would You Recommend Penleys Apartment? The Final Verdict!
Honestly? Yeah, I would. If you want to be *in* the heart of York, with easy access to everything, and a comfortable base to relax in, it’s a great option. It’s clean, it's well-located, it's functional, and it's not going to break the bank. If you are on a budget. Parking – sort that out *in advance*. Remember the garlic bread. And go enjoy York! It's a fantastic city. (And maybe try not to burn the garlic bread.)
