Set in North Yorkshire, England, York is an ancient city going back to 71 AD. Today, it draws visitors from near and far, who marvel at its wealth of historic gems. Yet, it’s also a modern city, brimming with high street shops, elegant restaurants and cafes, and trendy bars. Many of the best hotels in York, UK, can be found in the city center. They are within easy walking distance of major attractions such as the famous Minster, The Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower. You’ll also find a good selection of hotels in the South Bank district. Positioned south of the River Ouse, it’s a great place to learn about York’s chocolate industry. The suburb of Heworth is also an interesting area to stay, with its Victorian villas. So, no matter where you decide to book a room, you’ll be well-placed to go sightseeing and explore the amazing attractions of York. For a more welcoming vibe, consider staying at one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in York.
Judge’s Lodging
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As the name suggests, Judge’s Lodging was once accommodation for judges in York. Today, it’s a genteel 5-star inn that exudes luxury. It features 21 guest rooms, each with an en suite bathroom with free toiletries. Many of the original building’s elements are still in place, including staircases and fireplaces. The Georgian-listed building offers 3 bars, and a full English breakfast comes with the room rate. The hotel restaurant focuses on pub fare. However, there are plenty of restaurants close by should you feel like having a more diverse range of meal options.
Judge’s Lodging is in the heart of York, overlooking York Minster. The Theater Royal is a 2-minute walk away. Likewise, the York Train Station is within walking distance, making it easy to explore York via public transportation.
Heworth Guest House
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The highly esteemed Heworth Guest House is one of the best hotels in York, UK, to stay at if you’d like to experience living like a local. Located in the suburb of Heworth, it’s just a short bus ride to York’s city center. And, with the bus stopping right outside the guest house, exploring York is easy and convenient. Several landmarks are within a mile of the property. These include the Quilt Museum and Gallery, York St. John University, and The Shambles York.
This 4-star property offers just 7 rooms, all with a private bathroom, iPod dock, and flat-screen TV. Many of the rooms also boast king-size beds. You can start the day with a full English breakfast. If the weather is nice, you can soak up the sun in the beautifully manicured garden. Family members of all ages are welcome here; however, the hotel does not allow pets.
Holiday Inn York
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The Holiday Inn brand is known the world over, so its presence in York, a popular tourist destination, is no surprise. This mid-range hotel is in the Dringhouses area, roughly a 15-minute walk from the York Racecourse. Other nearby attractions include the Bar Convent Museum and the 11th-century Priory Church of the Holy Trinity.
Holiday Inn York is one of the best hotels in York, UK, due to a number of reasons. For one, it’s ideal for families with young children since it offers free cribs or infant beds. What’s more, it allows pets, albeit for a fee. For another, it offers 142 bright and airy guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibar. Familiar food to cater to a variety of tastes is available at the restaurant. A lounge bar and terrace, meanwhile provide ideal spaces for winding down after a day of sightseeing in one of the most beautiful cities in England.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
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The ineffably elegant Middlethorpe Hall and Spa, built in 1699, is a wonderful place to stay in York. Located in Middlethorpe, it’s just a couple of miles from Yorkshire’s major museums. The hotel boasts 29 beautiful guest rooms, all decorated with antiques. Each has a flat-screen TV and private bathrooms, and many offer lovely views of the extensive grounds.
If you’re wanting to relax and recharge, you can find it all, and then some, at this 4-star hotel. You can swim in the indoor pool, relax in the spa bathtub, and detox in style at the sauna or steam room. What’s more, there’s a modern gym in the hotel’s Victorian summer house. At the restaurant, you can enjoy a candlelit dinner while feasting on classic British cuisine. However, remember that making advance reservations for the restaurant is highly recommended.
The Lawrence Luxury Aparthotel
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It’s no surprise that the Lawrence Luxury Aparthotel gets plenty of rave reviews. Choose to stay at this upscale property and select from a range of accommodations, from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to a romantic suite perfect for a honeymoon, making it a great alternative to our 11 Most Romantic Hotels In York UK. Modern decor, heated tile bathroom floors, soaking tubs, full kitchens, and automatically controlled skylight shades are just some of what you’ll find here. The property accommodates children and dogs. However, not all units are child- or dog-friendly. So, it’s best to check the apartments’ descriptions to see if they are suitable.
This luxury apartment hotel is centrally located in York. There are plenty of attractions within convenient reach. For example, York Minster, York Art Gallery, and York Theater are just a 10-minute walk from the Lawrence. Its location makes it one of the best hotels in York UK for sightseeing.
Principal York
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Formerly known as the Royal York Hotel, the 5-star Principal York is a great choice for a base to explore the city’s myriad offerings. Set beside the train station, it’s a short ride away from landmarks such as the National Railway Museum. Stately and imposing on the outside, it’s an elegant affair inside. Think Corinthian pillars, velvet armchairs, and mirror-covered walls. No less elegant, the 155 rooms feature huge beds and marble bathrooms.
Luxury services and amenities abound. Here, you can relax in the pool or go for a workout in the gym. A steam room/hammam and a sauna offer chances to detox and de-stress as well. Bringing the kids? They will receive their own welcome packs. And, if you’re prepared to pay a bit extra, you can bring your dog. Pets get their own beds and treats here.
Jorvik House
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Set in the core of historic York, Jorvik House is testament to the city’s Viking past. In fact, “Jorvik” is the Viking name for “York.” The hotel itself harks back to the 1750s. Across the street, you can visit the 11th-century St. Olave’s Church. It’s named after Olaf, a saint in Norway. Also, Jorvik House overlooks what remains of St. Mary’s Abbey, a Benedictine abbey from 1055. Truly, Jorvik House is one of the best hotels in York UK, for history buffs.
The hotel’s 19 Nordic-style rooms feature en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Sleep on luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen and update your social media using free Wi-Fi. Continental breakfast is available for a fee. And, if you’re hankering for other types of food, there are plenty of restaurants close by.
Grays Court
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Once the home of King James I, Grays Court dates from 1080. Today, it is an outstanding hotel where guests get treated like royalty. The spacious rooms mix the old and the new. You’ll find gorgeous antique furniture as well as modern comforts like satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. It’s worth noting, however, that there’s no elevator in this Grade 1-listed property. There’s an award-winning restaurant where you can relish a 9-course tasting menu in the evenings. Also, you can unwind in the Jacobean Long Gallery, the picturesque gardens, and the art-filled Bow Room.
The hotel is in the historic center of York. It sits beside York Minster and offers views of the city’s medieval walls. Also close by, the York Minster Library, Goodramgate, and Gillygate delight history buffs.
Elmbank Hotel & Lodge
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Many mid-range hotels in York can provide plenty of value for money, as Elmbank Hotel & Lodge shows. Here, guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, and their fill of coffee or tea in a common area. The deluxe rooms can sleep 2-3 people, while the charming lodge attic accommodates 4 adults plus up to 3 children. Keep in mind, though, that infant beds or cribs are not available at this property.
Elmbank Hotel & Lodge, originally a 19th-century townhouse, is in York’s Mickelgate Ward. Close by, the York Racecourse is one of the city’s popular attractions. In fact, elements of the hotel’s design pay tribute to the city’s equestrian legacy. Also, a bus stop just outside the property makes it easier to explore York’s treasures. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant offers European cuisine. So, you don’t need to venture far to slake those hunger pangs.
Tower Guest House
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An award-winning B&B, Tower Guest House marries gorgeous Victorian design with modern luxury. Some of its 8 opulent rooms boast a huge king-size bed or a four-poster bed. Guests are welcomed with flowers, chocolates, or champagne in the room upon arrival. If you are looking for a quiet, restful holiday, then this is one of the best hotels in York, UK, for you. This is because the hotel has a policy of refusing bookings for group events such as bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Tower Guest House can provide cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee. Many fine dining venues are also near the property. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the city center, so landmarks like the York Dungeon and the Shambles are easily accessible.
The Grand, York
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Stunning design, stellar service, and an abundance of amenities are what you’ll find at The Grand. It’s only natural that it’s known among the best hotels in York, UK. Elements of its original Edwardian features are evident throughout the property, from the stone staircase to parquet flooring. There are 200+ bedrooms arranged over 6 floors. All are large and well-lit, and tastefully decorated. They might not offer the best views in town, but they’re eminently comfortable.
The original building’s vaults are today a luxurious spa. Here, certain guests can enjoy an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a spa and sauna. Meanwhile, the hotel’s eating spaces offer delectable dishes sourced from Yorkshire farms. Close to this 5-star hotel are the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Guildhall, and York Train Station.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in York, UK:
- River Ouse Lunch Cruise – Enjoy a sumptuous buffet-style lunch on the River Ouse aboard the magnificent Captain James Cook boat. Relish dishes made from the freshest ingredients. You’ll be serenaded during your meal, too.
- Ye Olde Starre Inn – Grab a pint at York’s oldest continuously licensed pub! Possibly dating back to the mid-1500s, the pub serves a range of drinks. Don’t forget to try their traditional pies!
Recommended Activities In York, UK:
- Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour – Creepy and comedy come together in this popular 75-minute tour. Join in and learn about the horrific, and at times humorous, past of some of York’s popular landmarks.
- Rowntree Park – There’s an endless array of things to see and do at this award-winning riverside park. Dating from the close of World War I, the park consists of 10 acres. Here, there are children’s play areas, a reading cafe, tennis courts, and more.
