Marmadukes

After all, the name failed to bring the team any luck last season.

But the hotel's new feline-like replacement name, Marmadukes, should bring better fortune to Chris and Emma as well as her property developer dad, David Hattersley, as they enter their 22-room boutique hotel in the New Business Of The Year category in The Press Business Awards 2006.

Mr Hattersley's £4.5 million investment, transforming a former backpacker's lodgings in St Peter's Grove, off Bootham, into a small luxury hotel, was finally completed this Easter. And it's a hit.

The concept was simple but ambitious: to combine the first-class facilities of the best international hotels with the first-name friendliness of a small family guest house.

Their research confirmed there was a gap in the market. York was short of highly-rated hotels, a problem which increased every time one was snapped up to be made into flats. The tourist authorities confirmed the need for more upmarket accommodation.

Marmadukes exudes understated sophistication and character. Interior designer Julia Wade, together with David's wife Sue, individually dressed each of the 22 rooms. Stunning Italian fabrics, and 19th antique furniture combine to wonderful effect.

One feature is a fleet of custom-made beds made for the hotel by Warner Brothers prop maker Jonathan Tebbs, the man who created beds for the film, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.

All rooms have plug-in broadband internet, direct dial phones and digital televisions.

An unusual feature for this size of hotel is the Relaxation Suite, complete with sauna, hot tub, plunge shower and exercise equipment.

On warm summer nights, guests can also unwind in the elegant Roman garden.

Already the hotel, which employs 12 people and counting, has attracted regular custom from prized business clients, such as the team which broadcasts Channel 4 Racing, Norwich Union and visitors to York's Science Park.