Best Western Dean Court Hotel Ghost, York

As York is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the entire world, it’s no surprise that the Dean Court Hotel is haunted, primarily by a cleaner known as the ‘Mad Maid’. Mediums who have visited the hotel in the past came across the mad maid in the basement kitchen, where she told them that she used to work as a cleaner in the guesthouse that used to be next door to the hotel, which later became part of the hotel.

A number of other paranormal happenings have also been reported at the hotel, namely in room 36 on the third floor where most of the activity seems to be concentrated. Guests have reported doors slamming, feeling pressure on their chests late at night whilst they lie in bed, objects being moved around and out of their original positions and terribly cold spots in the rooms, even in the height of summer.

Brief History

The Best Western Dean Court Hotel was built in 1855 in what used to be three separate dwellings, primarily for the purpose of housing the Clergy of the Minster. The builders of the hotel were actually the very prolific York architects J.B. & W. Atkinson, who also built the hospital, FossBridge, OuseBridge and the Chapel of St. Peter’s School. The dwelling first opened up to the public as a place to stay just after WW1, when the Thwaites family bought the middle section of the dwelling and turned it into a hotel.

Over the years, as the ownership changed and expanded, all three buildings became part of the same hotel. In 1986, the small cottage guesthouse next door to the hotel was bought along with the hotel by three business partners, and then in 1993, it came under the sole ownership of just one of the business partners. In 2004 the hotel underwent a three-year refurbishment, making it into possibly the trendiest boutique-style hotel in York.

About

The Best Western Plus Dean Court Hotel is located right in the heart of York, meaning there are plenty of things to see and do right on your doorstep. With close travel links to Newcastle, the Northeast, Leeds and North Yorkshire, you’re also ideally located if you fancy exploring further afield. Dean Court offers 37 en-suite bedrooms, comprising of a mixture of singles, doubles and twins and all room rates come with breakfast included.

The hotel’s extensive refurbishment in 2004 means that all of the rooms are now decorated in a trendy, up-market boutique-style – some of the rooms with period furniture and features, some of them not. With prices starting from a very reasonable £101.00, York luxury has never been more affordable. The hotel also offers two eating areas, one of which is a high-end restaurant, the other a bistro and bar. The restaurant received an AA rosette in 2011 and is well-known in the area for serving outstanding locally sourced produce in a highly imaginative way. The bistro eating area offers light snacks, sandwiches, platters and cold meals – but all served up in a supremely stylish way!

From the moment you enjoy a warm Yorkshire welcome at check-in, you’re sure to have a supremely enjoyable stay at Best Western Plus Dean Court. Drop your bags and luxuriate in your surroundings, taking advantage of the many features that Dean Court has to offer.

Features

37 en-suite bedrooms
Disabled facilities
24 Hour reception and room service
Cots available
Wedding Licence
Wi-Fi available
Meeting facilities
Restaurant
Video/DVD Player
TV
Umbrella
Tea/Coffee making facilities in each room
Hairdryer in each room
Trouser press in each room
Telephone in each room
Laundry/Valet Service
Wake up call available
Porter
Car parking available offsite £12.50 per 24 Hour(s) including valet parking
Private dining services
Bar
Games console
Video/DVD Library
CD Player
Radio

Room Tariff

Standard single room, based on one person sleeping in the room, available from £101.00, breakfast included.
Standard double room with a smaller bed and smaller bath, based on two people sharing, available from £119.00, breakfast included.
Standard double room with a larger bed and larger bath, based on two people sharing, available from £139.00, breakfast included.
Standard twin room, based on two people sharing, available from £139.00, breakfast included. Please note all weekend stays are subject to a minimum two-night stay.

Things to do

York is a stunning, historical city full of things to see and do at any time of the year. There are a number of restaurants, bars and cafes, so you have plenty of choices for eating out, as well as a number of museums, gardens and theatres so you can get your cultural fill. York also boasts plenty of markets for you to sample some local crafts, as well as a number of places that you can go to enjoy a fun day out with all of the family, such as York Dungeon, York Minster and York Air Museum.