🌤️ Your stay
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Hull.
✦ The Property
The Gilson Hotel exudes classic mid-century charm with its modest brick facade and a lobby that feels like a welcoming, unpretentious living room. The vibe is relaxed and practical, ideal for the budget-conscious traveller who values a central location over frills. Its USP is straightforward comfort a stone’s throw from Hull’s historic Old Town and marina, suiting solo explorers or couples on a short city break. Standing in the lobby, you’re greeted by a friendly, no-nonsense atmosphere that instantly grounds you in Hull’s resilient, down-to-earth character.
💬 What guests say
Guests appreciate the hotel's convenient location and find the staff friendly and helpful, with some praising clean rooms and comfortable beds. However, recurring complaints highlight issues with noise, maintenance problems like faulty toilets, and concerns over the hotel's policy of photocopying IDs, alongside reports of cleanliness and odour issues in common areas.
★★“Really nice guy on reception but everything else 0 stars! Extremely loud buzzing all night in room, more rusty than the titanic and right by a 5g tower. Also you cant flush anything down the toilet and they claim to be green but only in a way that saves them money. eat your tofu and save the world.”
— Caïna Verrin, a month ago
★★★★“Might not be the nicest hotel, but room is clean and bed comfortable. Friendly helpful staff. Great location”
— Geoff Bradley, 3 months ago
★★★★“Basic hotel close to the train and bus station and shops and within walking distance to Hull fc stadium.”
— Philip Smith, 3 months ago
★★★★★“Ok for a cheap hotel, but not cheap! Very concerning policy of taking a photocopy of ID document (driving licence / passport). Not aware of any reason why a hotel even needs to see such for UK citizens (never been asked anywhere else) but see absolutely no reason for a copy to be taken. Was told no room key without cop”
— Darren Martin, 6 months ago
🏛️ Chronicles of Hull
Hull (Kingston upon Hull) was founded in the late 12th century by monks as a wool-exporting port, later granted its royal charter in 1299. Its architectural evolution is a tale of contrasts: medieval cobbles in the Old Town, Victorian grandeur along Whitefriargate, and stark post-war Brutalism reflecting heavy WWII bombing. The city’s contemporary cultural identity was supercharged by its 2017 UK City of Culture year, spurring a vibrant arts scene centred on the Deep aquarium and the Ferens Art Gallery. Today, Hull balances its maritime heritage with a gritty, creative energy, proud of its historic trade links and reimagined public spaces.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Full Hull guide →✅ Best months
May and June offer the driest, sunniest spells with temperatures averaging 15–18°C, ideal for exploring Hull’s Old Town and marina without the summer crowds. September is a close third, with mild weather and pre-autumn calm.
🔥 Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month, driven by the Hull Fair (a huge travelling funfair from early October) and school holidays; hotel prices can rise 30–50% above normal. The Freedom Festival in early September also spikes demand, but August sees the biggest crowds and busiest streets.
💷 Budget shoulder season
April and October are the best shoulder months for discounts: April offers budding spring blooms and lower rates (often 20–30% off August prices), while October brings colourful autumn leaves and the Hull Fair’s vibrant atmosphere. Both have fewer tourists and mild weather, though October can be windier.
🧳 Weather & packing
Hull’s climate quirk is its frequent coastal wind, which can whip up from the Humber Estuary even on sunny days. Pack a lightweight, windproof jacket and layers — a zip-up fleece and waterproof shell are your non-negotiables for staying comfortable outdoors.
📰 Live City Briefing
- The ongoing Hull Maritime project has closed parts of the Old Town near the Minster for restoration of the Spurn Lightship and Arctic Corsair; check local diversions.
- A new direct rail link from Hull to London King’s Cross via the LNER service launched in 2025, reducing travel times and boosting visitor access.
- The annual Hull Music City festival runs in June 2026, with free gigs across venues near the marina — expect street closures and lively evening crowds.
🏨 Room Intelligence
✨ AI-generatedBefore you check in to The Gilson Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, away from the lift and stairwell, for a quieter stay. Corner rooms often have more space and natural light.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near ice/vending machines, service elevators, or the main lobby, as these areas tend to have more foot traffic and noise. Also avoid ground floor rooms with external windows facing the street.
Best views
Ask for a room with a view away from any main road or parking lot. Higher floors will provide a better cityscape or skyline view if the hotel has one.
Quietest floors
Higher floors (above the 2nd) are generally quieter due to less street-level noise and less foot traffic from the lobby.
🔊 Noise notes
Interior rooms facing an atrium or courtyard may be quieter than street-facing rooms. Also note that walls between rooms can be thin in older hotels, so request a top-floor room if possible.
💡 Insider tips
1. Book directly with the hotel or call ahead to note preferences like high floor or quiet area—third-party sites may not guarantee these. 2. Check if the hotel offers early check-in or late checkout for a fee to adjust your schedule for less congestion.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
🏨 Hotel Facilities
Free standard WiFi (up to 10 Mbps) throughout hotel; no password required, select network 'GilsonGuest'; no paid tier
Lift serves all floors (1-4); no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital PressReader access on guest devices; no physical newspapers; listed building with original Edwardian features in the lobby
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available from 12:00 on request; late check-out until 12:00 free, after 12:00 charged £10 per hour (subject to availability)
Free luggage storage available at reception on check-in day or after check-out
Step-free access via ramp at main entrance; lift to all floors; no adapted rooms or grab rails in bathrooms; wheelchairs may struggle in some corridors
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Pryme Street Car Park (0.2 mi, £6.50 for 24 hours); no EV charging on site
💷 Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no city tax in Hull)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for non-refundable rates; refundable rates may require a £50 incidental hold at check-in via credit/debit card
🕌 Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Trinity House Chapel (484 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Danish Church (508 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Hull Minster (571 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Jubilee Central (770 m · ~10 min walk)
🎯 Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Princes Quay Shopping Centre — 318 m · ~4 min walk
Humber Dock Promenade — 261 m · ~3 min walk
Spurn Lightship — 116 m · ~1 min walk
Bonus Arena — 251 m · ~3 min walk
Waterloo Street Play Ground — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
📍 5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 977 m · ~12 min walk
Wilberforce Pharmacy — 868 m · ~11 min walk
Today's Express — 511 m · ~6 min walk
Hull Paragon Interchange — 791 m · ~10 min walk
💱 Money & Currency
Get a travel card →British Pound Sterling, GBP
Use high-street banks or post offices for fair rates; avoid airport exchange bureaux which charge poor rates; many travellers simply withdraw from ATMs which offer competitive rates
Card and contactless payment are standard; most shops, cafes, and transport accept Visa/Mastercard; mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) widely accepted
15% in restaurants is customary for good service (not obligatory); rounding up or £1-2 for casual cafes; taxi drivers typically receive 5-10% or rounded fare; hotel staff appreciate £1-2 per night
💸 Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Buy a reusable Oyster-style MayTravel card for buses—discounted weekly/monthly passes save 20-30% vs single tickets; supermarket meal deals (sandwich/snack/drink bundles) at £3-5 beat cafe prices. Walk or cycle the city centre (flat terrain); HU1 is compact and pedestrian-friendly with cheap bike rental via Gorebike stations
ℹ️ Good to know
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
🍽️ Where to Eat
Reserve on OpenTable →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Hull, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
🛬 Your arrival
🕒 Check-in is from 15:00. Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 977 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Wilberforce Pharmacy — 868 m · ~11 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →🚌 Getting Around
Book trains →Hull Railway Station → Holiday Inn Hull Marina by IHG
💡 Take train to Hull Station, then 10-min walk to Marina or hop on local bus. Most economical long-distance option.
Holiday Inn Hull Marina by IHG → City Centre / Attractions
💡 Marina location is excellent for buses. Buy a 7-day ticket (£16.50) for unlimited local travel. Bus stop directly outside hotel.
Humber Airport / City Centre → Holiday Inn Hull Marina by IHG
💡 Day tickets offer good value at £4.50. Airport Express X4 goes directly to city centre in 20 mins.
Humber Airport (HUY) → Holiday Inn Hull Marina by IHG
💡 Book in advance for better rates. Airport is only 5km away, making taxi very convenient.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Gilson Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor, away from the lift and stairwell, for a quieter stay. Corner rooms often have more space and natural light.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Gilson Hotel?
Avoid rooms near ice/vending machines, service elevators, or the main lobby, as these areas tend to have more foot traffic and noise. Also avoid ground floor rooms with external windows facing the street.
Is The Gilson Hotel noisy?
Interior rooms facing an atrium or courtyard may be quieter than street-facing rooms. Also note that walls between rooms can be thin in older hotels, so request a top-floor room if possible.
Which rooms have the best views at The Gilson Hotel?
Ask for a room with a view away from any main road or parking lot. Higher floors will provide a better cityscape or skyline view if the hotel has one.
What are insider tips for staying at The Gilson Hotel?
1. Book directly with the hotel or call ahead to note preferences like high floor or quiet area—third-party sites may not guarantee these. 2. Check if the hotel offers early check-in or late checkout for a fee to adjust your schedule for less congestion.
What time is check-in at The Gilson Hotel?
Check-in at The Gilson Hotel is from 15:00. Check-out is by 11:00.
Does The Gilson Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free standard WiFi (up to 10 Mbps) throughout hotel; no password required, select network 'GilsonGuest'; no paid tier
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Gilson Hotel?
None (no city tax in Hull)
When is the best time to visit Hull?
May and June offer the driest, sunniest spells with temperatures averaging 15–18°C, ideal for exploring Hull’s Old Town and marina without the summer crowds. September is a close third, with mild weather and pre-autumn calm.
🗺️ Top Attractions
💡 Check the box office for free lunchtime concerts and cultural events throughout the year.
💡 Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or summer for free open-air events and performances throughout the season.
💡 Donations are welcome but entry is completely free. Visit during quieter mornings for a peaceful experience.
💡 First Friday Art Walk events feature extended hours and special exhibitions. Ideal for art lovers seeking emerging talents.
💡 Visit during off-peak weekday afternoons for shorter queues. Online booking offers discounts compared to walk-up prices.