The best hotels in York
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York always comes up top in the UK’s best cities – what’s not to love about the pretty (old) city? Especially as hotels in York continue to up their game in a bid to attract discerning world travellers.
As a tempting weekend break within easy reach by rail from London, York’s deep history and walkable sights, evolving food scene and roster of festivals are always a big draw.
It took a while to get a winning balance of classical and modern luxury but finally, York is acting like more of an international player with the arrival of some seriously design-focused, avant-garde hotels and spas. And, there are more in the works – watch this space. With there being a total of 74 hotels in York, we’ve had to be selective – but, here’s our pick of eight of the best hotels we think you should know about.
Tim WinterHotel du Vin
Hotel du Vin’s classically handsome style is all over this York hotel – a 19th-century former orphanage – ideally positioned for both the city and the racecourse on the affluent Mount and tucked among a row of lofty, gasp-inducing, so-chic Georgian townhouses. Interiors reflect the decadence of a private members’ club and the snug, rich tones and textures like earthy wood (the floors and furniture), leather and velvet (the chairs) are all part of the understated luxurious design.
Once in the rooms, oversized wooden sleigh beds, crisp white linens and deep, standalone bathtubs adorned with herbaceous L’Occitane samples make for a sound night. The hotel’s Parisian bistro features all the French hits: steak frites, pan-fried hake with Parmentier, tarte tatin, French cheeses and chutney and a great wine list with plenty of champagnes – go without the kids to fully appreciate the hotel’s charms.
Address: 89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX
The Grand
The Grand, York’s five-star hotel, was once the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, and its mighty façade is a true city landmark. Originally built in 1906, you can appreciate the Edwardian detail gloriously restored in the design and architecture at the hotel.
What the hotel does best is classical grandeur, the great hotel experience with all the embellishments, and it does this perfectly. There are 207 deluxe, comfortable rooms and suites with sky-high ceilings – try a heritage suite – intricate, long winding corridors leading to the airy modern restaurant Rise, and the super health suite – be sure to get to the steam room and glassy pool.
Make sure to try the sumptuous eight-course tasting menu extravaganza at Legacy, it’s one for a special event. The restaurant helmed by head chef Ahmed Abdalla is an exciting addition to the restaurant scene, with innovative, forward-thinking dishes created with Yorkshire’s finest local ingredients. Legacy’s smart design pays homage to its roots: York’s visionary engineers and architects.
Rise is the hotel’s main (AA Rosette awarded) bistro: a bountiful breakfast is also served here with keen and friendly service. Focusing on modern British dishes, standouts include the pan-fried duck breast and the super Grand burgers. Try the newly launched afternoon tea at the hotel, including a children’s afternoon tea – there is a solid savoury/sweet ratio including ham and cheese sandwiches (star-shaped, because they taste better), mini magnums and cake pops for the kids; and salmon brioches, coronation chicken, warm scones laden with jam and clotted cream – and a prolific range of teas, including sparkling teas from Denmark.
The level of service at the hotel is a true selling point and nothing is ever too much trouble. If you need local tips, just chat with the friendly and fun hotel doormen – they are true experts on the city and many have been at the hotel for years.
Address: The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Your Creative SauceGrays Court
Take a peek down hushed Chapter House Street to find a nice surprise tucked away: Grays Court – one of the most iconic and most sophisticated hotels in York. It offers one of the best locations in the city, neighbouring York Minster and Treasurer’s House. The old-school luxury that is delivered in spades at Grays is what makes it such a precious and private stay.
Among the medieval cobbles, spy the elegant entrance to the hotel and the flourishing green gardens fringed by York’s Bar Walls. On entering the luxury hotel, the snug lounge is rich and enticing: think soft leather sofas, blankets, and fireside chess. Of the 12 rooms, book the Somerset – it comes with a super king, a lovely lounge area, and views of York Minster and its gardens.
Once the dinner bell rings, go to the bar for a York Gin and a Ploughman’s or go all-out and book the tasting menu, a theatrical dining experience that is all about the produce. In summer, book a table for lunch on the hotel’s garden terrace. It’s an enviable spot for a treat, overlooking the ancient walls – a surviving piece of York’s history.
Address: Grays Court Hotel, Chapter House Street, York YO1 7JH
No.1 York
Created by a band of brothers – Tristan, James and Tom – with a plan to design home-from-home, wonder-filled stays in cities, GuestHouse is a hot hotel brand for a reason. The whimsical and playful details in each uniquely sourced hotel, decadent details, fine food and super amiable staff all add to the enviable hospitality mix. With 39 decadent bedrooms and three sensational suites, a stay in this York hotel is like opening a treasure chest – mesmerising.
Set in a beautiful Grade II-listed Regency townhouse in leafy, upmarket Bootham, the fun begins once inside as the design wizardry commences. Spy a grand winding staircase with violin-clad walls; the sunny-gold, saffron-frenzied Marmalade Lounge and its bright art, plump sofas and key embellished lounge tables (try the Yorkshire Parkin cocktail, you won’t regret it); and the handcrafted dolls house at the reception that houses the room keys.
Meanwhile, in the rooms – book either the Bootham or Clifton suite – there are mighty four-posters with Sealy mattresses and 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen, lovely lofty windows draped with fine sash curtains, and the symbolic White Rose of York is beautifully weaved into the wall decor. However, there are some other special elements to bring out your inner child: the signature in-room doll houses that double as coffee cupboards, Crossley record players, and access to the much-loved communal treat pantry – a highlight for all.
The afternoon tea served in the lounge gets top marks: try the warm and comforting scones with gooey jam and thick cream alongside a pot of tea from the extensive menu. The basement spa is, quite simply, excellent. The mellow, lavender-scented treatment rooms exude peace — as do the expert masseurs and their healing hands — take some Pinks Boutiques peppermint oil home. After a sound night, wake up to a formidable breakfast of pastries and hot plates — and yes, breakfast in bed is nothing short of wonderful too.
Address: No.1 by GuestHouse, 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
On arrival, Middlethorpe Hall, a William III luxury country house hotel and spa, looks like it’s straight out of Bridgerton. Set just outside the city near the lovely locality of Bishopthorpe and only a few minutes walk from York Racecourse itself, it has the advantage of being away from the city hustle yet not far from the action. But who needs to venture too far anyway?
There are 29 rooms and suites. The cottage suite is in a Victorian cottage with its own little garden and is best for family stays. The spa has a swimming pool and health suite; choose the bamboo massage.
Head chef Ashley Binder and pastry chef Paul Harrison helm the two-AA-Rosette restaurant: it’s a more formal affair with a smart dress code. Go for the tasting menu or a classic afternoon tea on the lawns. There are 20 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland surrounding the place and a host of local walks including the river walk to Bishopthorpe Palace – so blissing out in the Bridgerton bubble is easy.
Address: Middlethorpe Hall and Spa, Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB
Malmaison
A retro-70s insurance building in its former life, York’s Mal might be part of a chain but it is no ordinary Malmaison, that’s for sure. After a total design overhaul, the old and dated building has been reborn into the feisty new Malmaison York, a 150-room hotel bursting with bold colours.
For starters, step into the golden elevator, which takes patrons whizzing high above the city to Sora Sky Bar. Once there, sample delicious sushi plates and snazzy sundowners over epic views of the butterscotch-jade patchwork of York and beyond. Chez Mal, the hotel’s cool grill restaurant, dishes out the classics with its solid grill menu including New York strip and fillet, grilled chicken – even, harissa roasted carrots with chickpeas and whipped feta.
In the signature design-savvy rooms and suites there are luxuriant beds and lounges you’ll happily sink into. With added treatment rooms for some pampering, a trip down to the spa for a massage means you can detox before you retox, on York’s best rooftop terrace bar. Being a skip-and-a-hop from York’s centre, the super central location – and clubby feel – is perfect for meeting with pals.
Address: Malmaison, 2 Rougier Street, York YO90 1UU
Middletons Hotel
Middletons' location on Cromwell Road, within the city's ancient walls, is ideal for touring York’s centre and the local hood of Bishy Road. This good-looking, historical hotel is part of the local fabric and was a former hospital – but don’t let that put you off.
Made up of a collection of six gorgeous Grade II-listed buildings with 56 rooms, this cosy local stay with a great price point has plenty of personal touches (of the non-medical kind). The roomy and stylish Terry’s chocolate orange-themed cottages are the ones to book. More like spacious apartments, they are cleverly designed so all the family gets some space. An incentive for the kids, they come with bunk beds – dibs top! – hidden chocolate oranges and gift bags inside.
Breakfast is served in a bright and breezy dining room and is made up of hot savoury plates such as the northern breakfast, American pancakes and pastries – all served with care. Try the popular Sunday lunch for the mammoth Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy alone, and share the sticky toffee pudding afterwards.
Address: Middletons Hotel, Cromwell Road, York YO1 6DS
GARETH BUDDOYorkshire Spa Retreat
Keenly anticipated and launched in November 2022, the Yorkshire Spa Retreat is your new spa weekend destination. The brand-new spa includes an impressive health suite and wild swim pond, deluxe treatments and luxury lodges – it’s the perfect country escape from York. Based in the Vale of York, in Nawton, it’s just a 40-minute drive from York, yet feels like you’re in the heart of the countryside: the serenity is an utter gift.
YSR is cusped by woodland being set in the North Yorkshire Moors and 40 per cent of the area is made up of dense, green national parks. The 14 five-star lodges are just marvelously cosy, they’re also spacious and well-equipped for larger groups (book one with a hot tub), with BBQ facilities and outdoor lounge areas – guests get access to the handsome health suite, of course.
Once inside the health suite, we loved the Himalayan salt chamber, herbal steam room and eucalyptus-fused sauna. Booking a massage is a must. Try the honey butter connection massage or the glass complexion facial – with soothing, scented lotions and potions from Tribe 517.
When it’s time to eat, The Dome offers mod-casual dining, try the pan-fried salmon in mussel sauce and a note for cheese lovers: don’t miss out on YSR’s formidable cheese boards. You’ll leave dreaming of waking up to birdsong with a Beadlam Grange coffee every day.
Address: Yorkshire Spa Retreat, Gale Lane, York YO62 7SD