One of the most frequent questions I receive from guests and readers is: can I book a riverside room with blackout curtains? I completely understand why it matters. I love the soft glow of York’s riverside at dusk, but when it’s time to sleep I want true darkness. Over the years at Fevershamlodge Co I’ve learned how to find — and request — rooms that deliver a genuinely restorative night, and I’m happy to share exactly how I do it.
Why blackout curtains matter for a riverside stay
Light pollution from riverside restaurants, floodlit façades and passing boats can keep you awake long after you’ve unwound with a book in the lounge. For me, a good night’s sleep is essential to enjoy the next day of gentle walks or museum visits. Blackout curtains make an immediate difference: they reduce light, help regulate temperature, and create a cocoon-like atmosphere that supports deeper sleep.
How I check whether a room has true blackout curtains
Not all “blackout” descriptions are equal. Here’s my process when I’m researching or booking a room on Fevershamlodge Co or when I’m helping a guest book directly through a property.
Questions I ask when contacting the hotel or guesthouse
When I contact properties on behalf of myself or a reader, I use concise, practical questions. You can copy these in your own emails:
Understanding curtain types and what to look for
Some jargon helps when assessing whether a room will be dark enough:
When I’m inspecting rooms I prefer a combination: a snug roller blind inside the frame plus heavy floor-to-ceiling curtains on a track. That pairing usually delivers the darkest result.
What to do if a room isn’t fully blackout
Even with careful checking, sometimes the room falls short of expectations. Here are practical remedies I use or recommend:
Booking practicalities and upgrade tips
When I write room recommendations on Fevershamlodge Co I include an accessibility note and whether rooms can be darkened. Here’s how I handle bookings to improve the chance of success:
Sample email template you can copy
Here’s the short message I often send. You can paste it into your own email or the booking form:
| Subject | Request for River View Room with Blackout Curtains |
| Message | Dear [Property name], I’m booking [dates] in [room type]. Could you please confirm whether this room has floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains or a blackout blind that prevents light at the sides? I’m a light sleeper and this is important for my stay. If Room X is not suitable, could you recommend an alternative riverside room with excellent blackout fittings? Thank you, [Your name] |
What I include in my Fevershamlodge Co recommendations
On the site I only recommend rooms I’ve personally inspected or tested. For every riverside room I list, I note:
On arrival: a few bedside checks I always make
Once in the room I perform a quick, honest test so I know what to recommend to guests:
If I spot any problem I contact reception immediately — most properties are quick to help and will offer a room change or supplementary solution.
Sleeping well beside the Ouse is part of what makes a riverside break restorative. With a little prior checking — and by asking the right questions — you can reliably find a room that balances the charm of the view with the dark, quiet conditions you need for a true night of rest.
