York has a wide variety of accommodation available, ranging from luxury hotels and international hotel chains to smaller bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and some good-quality self-catering accommodation, which can be a good option for those staying more than a couple of days. You can even stay in a working convent (www.bar-convent.org.uk).
Most visitors want to stay within the City Walls, especially if they are only staying one night, but there are some good options just a short distance outside which are well worth considering (and which may be slightly cheaper). There is also reasonably priced seasonal accommodation in the halls and self-catering flats of York University, situated on the campus a couple of miles from the centre (www.yorkrooms.com). Regular buses run into the city.
The inviting ivy-clad Regency facade of the Grange Hotel.
Courtesy The Grange
In summer, particularly during race meetings and festivals, it is safer to book accommodation well ahead as York is an extremely popular destination. Tourist Information Centres will help to find somewhere to stay.
The price codes listed below are based on a standard double room for one night, with breakfast, in peak season. However, prices can fluctuate rapidly, and many hotels will offer special deals like midweek rates, dinner or bed and breakfast packages, so do check their websites first. Out of season prices, especially in winter or during school terms, can also be much cheaper.
£££ over £140
££ £80-£140
£ under £80
MINSTER TO OUSEGATE
Dean Court
Duncombe Place; tel: 01904 625082; www.deancourt-york.co.uk.
This comfortable, traditional hotel is very close to the Minster and in its own traffic-free zone. Rooms are decorated in various colour schemes and many have views of the Minster. Its D.C.H. restaurant has 2 AA rosettes. £££
Grays Court
Chapter House Street; tel: 01904 612613; http://grayscourtyork.com.
This stunning historic property started offering accommodation in summer 2010 with five rooms just a stone’s throw from the Minster. It’s family run and a family home, with a successful mix of contemporary and original features. £££
Judges Lodging
9 Lendal; tel: 01904 638733; www.judgeslodgings.com.
Beautifully refurbished rooms at this elegant and friendly Georgian townhouse, which once provided accommodation for judges visiting the York assizes. Central location makes it a good base for a short break. £££
PAVEMENT TO TOWER STREET
Hilton Hotel
Tower Street; tel: 01904 648111; www.hilton.co.uk.
If you want a four-star, modern hotel within the City Walls, then the Hilton has contemporary and comfortable rooms, some of which have views of Clifford’s Tower. Popular with business travellers too. £££
WEST OF THE OUSE
Cedar Court Grand Hotel
Station Rise; tel: 01904 380038;
This five-star hotel opened in spring 2010. Situated in an imposing Edwardian building, once the HQ of the North Eastern Railway, it brings luxury to the city centre, with a spa, spacious rooms and a personal butler service for those staying in a suite. £££
The Hodgson’s Choice Penthouse 80 offers stunning views of the river and Minster.
Courtesy Hodgeson’s Choice
Royal York
Station Road; tel: 01904 653681;
You can’t miss this grand Victorian hotel as it’s right next to the railway station. It has some imposing public rooms, a mix of contemporary and classic bedrooms, and fine views across the gardens to the cathedral. £££
Hodgson’s Choice
80 Postern Close; tel: 01904 610351; www.hodgsons-choice.co.uk.
Close to Skeldergate Bridge is this sleek, 5-star self-catering apartment, which sleeps two adults. Known as Penthouse 80, it has stunning views of the river looking towards York Minster. Minimum stay of three nights. ££
OUTSIDE CITY WALLS
Arnot House
17 Grosvenor Terrace; tel: 01904 641966; www.arnothouseyork.co.uk.
There are just three rooms, and plenty of period features, at this comfortable B&B a short walk from the city centre. Local produce served at breakfast – and vegetarian options too. £
Bishops
135 Holgate Road; tel: 01904 628000; www.bishopsyork.co.uk.
All the rooms are different at this guesthouse in a Victorian villa on the city outskirts – two of the rooms have four-poster beds. There’s free Wi-Fi and you take breakfast in the light, sunny dining room. £
Bootham Gardens Guest House
47 Bootham Crescent; tel: 01904 625911; www.bootham-gardens-guesthouse.co.uk.
This purpose-built guesthouse has several ground floor rooms that are suitable for less mobile visitors. There’s a guest lounge with a courtyard garden, and free computer access (with Skype). £
Hotel Noir
3 Clifton Green; tel: 0800 612 8008; www.hotelnoir.co.uk.
In various shapes and sizes, the contemporary rooms are all crisp and unfussy in shades of black and white. There is free Wi-Fi too. The hotel is a short walk from the City Walls. £££
Staying in a yurt is a fun alternative to camping for the entire family to enjoy.
Courtesy Jollydays camping
The Grange
Clifton; tel: 01904 644744; www.grangehotel.co.uk.
This ivy-clad regency townhouse is just a short walk from the Museum Gardens. It has a restful air, with squashy sofas and open fires in winter. A few rooms have four-poster beds. £££
The Groves
15 St Peters Groves; tel: 01904 559777; www.thegroveshotelyork.co.uk.
Set in a peaceful tree-lined cul-de-sac, a pleasant 10-minute stroll from the city centre, The Groves offers supe-rior bed and breakfast. The main building retains some interesting late Victorian features. Bedrooms come in various shapes and sizes but all have been stylishly refurbished. ££
Mount Royale
The Mount; tel: 01904 628856; www.mountroyale.co.uk.
A good option for families (it has an outdoor heated swimming pool and a pleasant garden), this hotel is comfortable and secluded. It’s a short walk to reach Micklegate Bar. ££
Middlethorpe Hall
Near Bishopthorpe; tel: 01904 641241; www.middlethorpe.com.
Friendly staff and excellent service at this elegant country hotel set in a 17th-century house belonging to the National Trust. It’s surrounded by glorious gardens and is close to the racecourse. Good bus links take you to the city centre in 15 minutes. £££
WEBSITES
Other useful websites are:
YHA International: www.yha.org.uk
York Yurts: www.yorkyurts.com
York Luxury Holidays: www.yorkluxuryholidays.co.uk
www.bedandbreakfastnationwide.com
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