Where to Stay in York, England

SD › York Best Hotels
Updated: February 18, 2023
By Santorini Dave

York – Best Places To Stay

The 8 Best Hotels in York

1. Mount Royale

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 628856
York’s outstanding example of proper Yorkshire hospitality. This charming, family-run hotel is just south of the city center, about 10 minutes’ walk from York train station. All rooms and suites are equipped with necessary mod cons, plus a few pleasant surprises (look out for the complimentary macarons), and the beds are extremely comfortable. Bathrooms are comparatively large, with big baths. Breakfast includes a continental selection, as well as a hearty Full English. The garden and outdoor swimming pool are a pleasant respite from the bustling town center.

2. Grays Court

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 612613
Arguably the best-located place in town, this small, boutique hotel backs right onto York’s city walls, which can be entered from the hotel grounds. Its 12 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated in a traditional style, many of them featuring four-poster beds. Some rooms have uninterrupted views of York Minster. The Bow Room restaurant is very highly recommended – especially the bespoke tasting menu – while the Jacobean Long Gallery is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink.

3. Middlethorpe Hall and Spa

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 641241
The ideal place for a country retreat (that’s only 2 miles from York), Middlethorpe Hall is a gorgeous mansion, built in 1699. Set in expansive grounds that include a kitchen-garden and beehive area, each of the hotel’s spacious rooms has been lovingly restored to resemble Middlethorpe’s glory days. Dine in the double AA rosette restaurant, or unwind in one of the house’s many salons. The warm indoor swimming pool is a real highlight on rainy days, and the spa offers a comprehensive range of pampering treatments.

4. Principal

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 653681
The biggest hotel on this list at 155 rooms, The Principal has a range of rooms and suites to suit different budgets. Every room has a TV, wifi, tea, and coffee, plus ‘tuck box’ with some complimentary snacks, such as Kitkats. The hotel is decked out in Art Deco style, but look out for the original Victorian tiling in the area by the gym – which, incidentally, features a small swimming pool. The numerous bars in the hotel boast different vibes and menu offerings. With an entrance leading from the forecourt at York train station, plus fully accessible rooms, it’s great for those who require accessibility.

5. No 1 by GuestHouse

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 644744
A historic hotel, previously known as The Grange Hotel, covered with ivy – which is appropriate, considering a branch of The Ivy Brasserie is tucked away in the hotel’s basement. The bar, meanwhile, has a real log-burning fire that makes for a cozy atmosphere in winter. The rooms are light and airy for a period building, with Hypnos mattresses to ensure a very comfortable night’s sleep. Helpfully, the rooms are equipped with fridges and small bottles of milk, and rollaways are available for children up to 12. The area is just north of York Minster, but is incredibly quiet – not as frequented by the tourist crowds.

6. Churchill

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 644456
A quirky hotel just a few meters away from No 1 by GuestHouse, stepping inside The Churchill is like stepping back to the 1940s. Rooms are World War 2 themed, showcasing the hotel’s unique sense of humor. In the luxury rooms, you’ll find roll-top baths and four-poster beds. The restaurant is small, but perfectly formed, with a pleasant outdoor sitting area. Look out for the smoking area – or Churchill’s cigar bunker, as they call it.

7. Middletons

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 611570
Close to the River Ouse, Middleton’s is housed in six historic buildings set around a paved courtyard. This is a good option for those on a budget, as it has a few touches of luxury – all rooms come with Lavazza coffee machines and pillow menus. Choose the cottage rooms if you’re traveling with kids, as they feature bunk beds and living areas. The Conservatory restaurant – which uses a lot of Yorkshire produce in its dishes – serves generous portions at reasonable prices. There’s also a small fitness center available to all guests.

8. Indigo

Hotel in York, England
Hotel phone: 01904 231333
As one of the newest hotels in town, every room in this boutique hotel has air conditioning, rainfall showers, and HD televisions at your disposal. The rooms have a variety of different themes, including ‘Shabby Chic’, ‘Chocolate’, and ‘Yorkshire’ – but the one thing that unites them all is the spa-inspired bathrooms. There’s a small gym on the ground floor. Be sure to spend some time in the bar, as they make a point of serving local spirits and ales.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio. Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece and recommend the best hotels, best neighborhoods, and best family hotels in top destinations around the world. We also make hotel maps and travel videos. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.