It’s about time we started thinking about mini breaks now that the sun is starting to shine – isn’t it? The historic city of York is the perfect place to enjoy a summer getaway. Sat along the River Ouse, York is one of the best tourist cities in the world. It has some of the most idyllic streets to roam around and some of the best restaurants to dine out. If you might be planning a little trip to York, look at our lists of the most luxurious hotels in York.
The medieval city is home to the longest and best-preserved walls in England and is a fun thing to do when visiting the city of North Yorkshire. Once you’ve enjoyed the likes of York Minster, the River Ouse, and its quaint shops – you can dine in one of its beautiful restaurants before enjoying a pint in its old pubs or a nice cocktail in one of its popular bars. When you’ve finished exploring, you’ll be ready to chill out in your hotel. And, we’ve listed only the best hotels York has to offer.
So, what are the best hotels in York for your next trip?
1. The Milner York
This 5-star hotel is one of York’s most luxurious hotels. Its rooms are stylish and modern and feature flat-smart screens. The hotel sits in a quiet garden space overlooking York Minster. It also has spa facilities such as a sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool, and a gym.
The Refectory Kitchen and Terrace and Chapter House bar offers fresh, seasonal food using local ingredients. You can enjoy afternoon tea in the garden room and a full English buffet each morning. The Garden Room is a stunning space where you can choose to sit and sip on prosecco or chill at a table and get some work done.
First on our list of hotels in York and first off the train station. It’s set in the heart of the city, so within walking distance of all of York’s attractions and restaurants. To find out more information click here. The Principal Hotel, Station Road, York, YO24 1AA
2. The Grand Hotel & Spa
Set in the Grade II listed former railway headquarters, the 5-star hotel in the heart of the historic city of York offers stylish rooms with a luxury vaulted spa. Each room has Molton Brown toiletries with bathrobes & slippers with an evening turn-down available. Enjoy the luxury York spa hotel offerings such as the sauna, hot tub, swimming pool and steam room after a workout in its fitness centre.
Its open kitchen at The Rise restaurant offers guests modern British cuisine cooked using locally sourced ingredients as well as afternoon tea options on the terrace & bar. This is another York hotel in the city centre has to offer is on your doorstep. If you’d like to find out more click here. The Grand Hotel, City Centre, Station Rise, York, YO1 6HT
3. The Churchill Hotel
Originally a Georgian Mansion built back in 1827. This is another of the hotels in york that is situated in the centre and seamlessly mixes modern style with original features. Its rooms have great character with high ceilings and historical artefacts associated with Winston Churchill.
The award-winning brasserie serves locally sourced, fresh seasonal Yorkshire food with a modern twist. They have a great bar, The Wellington and a newly-opened beer garden with a wood-burning pizza oven for summer days.
It’s close to all the Yorkshire landmarks, especially the York Minster, which is just a few yards down the road. If you’d like to find out more information click here. The Churchill Hotel, 65 Bootham, Clifton, York YO30 7DQ
4. The Judges Lodgings
A Grade I listed Georgian Townhouse, this quaint hotel is right in the heart of the city and has three beautiful bustling bars with elegant indoor and outdoor seating areas. The on-site restaurant is served a modern British bar and grill and guests can enjoy a full English Breakfast included at the room rate. The downstairs bar area is like Aladdin’s cave and is a great space to enjoy a tipple or two with friends.
In the summer months, it has a fantastic seating area out front – or a more chilled balcony area at the other side perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Just around the corner is the iconic Stonegate and Betty’s Tearoom. You are again within walking distance of all York’s tourist attractions and bars. It’s one of our favourite hotels in York, if you’d like to find out more click here. The Judges Lodgings, 9 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ
5. Grays Court Hotel
Another one of the greatest hotels in York, located in a great central York location, Grays Court Hotel has beautiful views of the York Walls and a beautiful garden setting. The hotel takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city with its quaint setting. It has stylish bedrooms that all offer scenic views and all the luxury you’d expect.
The restaurant ‘The Bow Room’ has earned itself 2 AA rosettes and serves up a tasty 9-course tasting menu. During the day you can enjoy quintessential homemade scones teas and coffees with cream – or something a little stronger. It’s located right near the city centre, within walking distance of York attractions. For more information check here. Grays Court Hotel, Chapter House St, York YO1 7JH
6. The Judges Court
As another Grade II-listed gorgeous Georgian building, The Judges Court offers unique bedrooms with all the charm you could ask for from one of the beautiful York hotels in the city centre. It offers all the modern mod-cons you’d expect from a hotel and, each room is individually decorated with bespoke furniture, original panelling and polished wood and a Nespresso Coffee machine to get you going on a morning.
It’s located near all of the York tourist features, bars and restaurants, perfect for a city break where you won’t need a car or Uber. You can find out more here. The Judges Court, Coney St, York YO1 9ND
7. Malmaison York
The beautiful boutique York hotel was once the Aviva headquarters. The hotel is where history meets luxury, right in the pulsating heart of York’s ancient city centre. It’s a seven-storey building in the city of York that has 150 rooms that are truly sublime and has a beautiful rooftop bar that offers views of the historic city.
Its Sora bar will be on the roof and serves up Asian-inspired cocktails such as its peach and lychee spritz and cherry blossom negroni. Their food menu is just as great serving up a range of cold and grilled plated. Our favourites are the sticky pork belly and the glazed beef short rib, which are out of this world. Find out more here. Malmaison York, 2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU
8. Golden Fleece
A stay in a pub? Yes, please. The Golden Fleece York is a great restaurant and has all the quirks you love from an old York inn. The three-star hotel is full of character and is located in the city centre – ideally located for exploring the historic city. You can enjoy a few ales in the bar before choosing either to eat in the restaurant or explore others on offer.
The rooms are decorated beautifully with oak beds, rich red-painted walls and warm mood lighting. Each room has a coffee machine, TV, kettle and more. And, you can enjoy daily continental, Full English/Irish or vegetarian options. Find out more here. Golden Fleece, 16 Pavement, York, YO1 9UP,
9. Impossible Motel
A gorgeous grade II-listed building, the York Hotel is housed inside the former bank and is full of charm, elegance and amazing architecture. It’s the perfect place to take that someone special with each room carefully crafted offering visitors to York the advantage of being in the heart of the action with 13 fabulous zen-like rooms with intimate bathrooms, tantalising basement rooms and secret rooftop terraces with the city’s only rooftop private Jacuzzi experiences,
There’s also the Impossible bar and restaurant to enjoy a meal or just a few cocktails housed inside the old Terry’s shop. And, next door there is a boujee cocktail bar Pink by Impossible, that serves incredible cocktails that will help make your trip a memorable experience. Find out more here. Impossible Motel, 5 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN
10. Clementine’s Townhouse Hotel
This 5-star luxury boutique guest house in York offers a chic and comfortable stay in the heart of the city. Opening in June, after a multimillion-pound refurb, Clementine’s Guest House has 28 individually decorated bedrooms blending Parisian chic style with Yorkshire Victorian heritage. Enjoy a blissful night’s sleep in one of the suite’s four-poster beds.
Relatively new to the York hotels scene, it’s the perfect base for exploring the leafy city centre of York, a short walk from some of the cobbled town’s attractions such as the York Minster, Museum Gardens, and Shambles. You can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil stay after exploring the city with ease. Find out more here. Clementine’s Guest House, 4-5 St Peters Grove, Clifton , York, YO30 6AQ
11. Galtres Lodge
Galtres Lodge is a charming, independently owned hotel nestled in the heart of York. Once two Georgian townhouses, it now offers 12 unique bedrooms and the delightful Forest restaurant. Located on Low Petergate, the hotel is just steps away from the iconic York Minster.
Galtres Lodge is likely the most central hotel in York, and certainly the most full of character—fun, relaxed, historic, and a bit quirky. A proud Indie York member, it’s dog-friendly and offers a dining experience that’s all about tasty homemade food, good vibes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Book your table online today. Find out more here. Galtres Lodge, City Centre, 54 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HZ
12. The Fat Badger
Nestled within York’s historic bar walls, The Fat Badger is a beloved Yorkshire inn known for having the city’s best beer garden. This popular pub features charming outdoor dining domes that light up at night, offering a magical al fresco experience. Inside, you’ll find a traditional Yorkshire pub atmosphere, complete with real ales and an extensive gin list.
The restaurant, with its stunning city views, serves delicious a la carte pub food. For those wishing to extend their stay, The Fat Badger offers 12 individually styled ensuite bedrooms, each brimming with a unique Badger charm. We eagerly await your visit to The Fat Badger, York, where a warm welcome always awaits. Find out more here. The Fat Badger, City Centre, 2-4 High Petergate, York
So, as the leaves start to change, it’s the perfect time to consider a mini break, and the historic city of York offers an ideal summer getaway. With its picturesque streets, world-renowned tourist attractions, and top-notch dining options, York is a destination that should be on everyone’s list. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out our recommendations for the most luxurious York hotels in the city to make your stay even more memorable.
Read More: 12 Of The Best Boozy Beer Gardens in York To Enjoy This Summer
