I stayed in the Holgate Bridge Hotel in December 2019 for one week having started a new job at the nearby rail operating centre. Because I couldn't secure myself a flat in time, I had to book into B&B accomodation. I initially scratched around for reasonably priced B&Bs and I booked into the Holgate Bridge as it was one of the cheapest.
As far as B&Bs go, there are far worse than the Holgate. However, having booked for a single room, I was allocated room number 11 which was no bigger than a shoe box. Because the room is so small, I felt like I was in a prison cell! Also, the room was quite stuffy and I had trouble opening the window for fresh air. You have to use a communal shower/bathroom across the landing but there was never any hot water for a morning shower which was a dissappointment for me.
The other issue I had with the Holgate Bridge is that the reception desk is very rarely staffed. There is a number to ring on reception if no one is there but this never got answered when I tried to ring one night for a genuine reason it just got ignored.
The location of the Holgate is one of it's stronger points. There is a small convenience store on the corner of the block and about ten minutes walk away is a cluster of pubs and eatery places located on Blossom St. York City Centre is about 20 minutes walk via Railway Terrace & Leeman Road.
The Holgate is pretty average - please avoid the single rooms though because it did feel depressing staying in that tiny box!!!