Best Luxury Hotels in York

Named Hotel of the Year at The Catey Awards, this grande dame was erected in 1906 as a “Palace of Business”. Nowadays it’s also the choice for spa-seekers and foodies. The landmark property comprises a large cookery school, where you can learn the skills of baking, fine patisserie, curry making, seafood prep and much more — parent and child classes are also available. Its original restaurant, The Rise, has three AA Rosettes, while the newer venue, Legacy, serves an eight-course tasting feast with an optional wine flight. Afternoon tea can be taken on the terrace and The Grand has a bar.

Like something from a Jane Austen novel both inside and out, Middlethorpe Hall is a pretty country mansion surrounded by 20 acres of rolling grounds, just a couple of miles from the city centre. Two Edwardian cottages house the destination spa and there’s a pool. Guests can stroll through the walled and rose gardens, dine in the two AA Rosette restaurant and attend a wine tasting in the 17th Century dovecote. 29 hotel rooms comprise main house suites, main house bedrooms, courtyard rooms and suites, garden suites and a cottage (the latter two are dog-friendly). The property is just one of three Historic House Hotels.

They say location is everything, and whether you’re in York for a romantic weekend break, or to explore the city’s historical past, Greys Court Hotel is the ideal location from which to base your activities. Steeped in history, and with parts of its architecture dating back to the late 11th century it appears squeezed between the Minster and the Treasurer’s House. However, once through the hotel’s entrance, the connotation with squeezed ends, and you can enjoy the luxurious, historically romantic ambience that Greys Court Hotel offers, along with all the modern conveniences you would expect from a high-end establishment.

A Grade II* Listed Georgian mansion built in 1827, The Churchill Hotel has previously served as a school, a private home and a government office. Dewsnaps is the main restaurant; a modern British brasserie. The Wellington bar is the hotel’s watering hole and there’s a new beer garden, with igloos for private dining during the winter season and a fairytale bothy space. Quirky and classic rooms have Duck Island toiletries — for the utmost luxury, book The Prince of Wales suite, once patronised by His Majesty King Edward VII. It has high ceilings, arched windows, a king size four-poster bed and a free-standing copper roll-top bath.

The Hotel du Vin and Bistro is an impressive Grade II listed building which has been transformed from its darker days as a 19th-century orphanage, to a modern luxurious 44-bed boutique hotel. Situated on the edge of the city, it is close enough for a short trip to the racecourse or city centre, yet far enough away to provide that relaxing end to a busy day. With hand-sprung mattresses, sumptuous linen and beautiful bathrooms the suites have a cosy, relaxing appeal. A great little hotel for a business stopover, or celebratory short break.

Found in one of the oldest pockets of the city, Hotel Indigo is your modern base from which to explore the storied history of your Walmgate doorstep. Artwork in mismatched vintage frames adorn the walls, depicting the neighbourhood’s past, notably its connections with the origin of chocolate making in York. Bedrooms have plenty of vintage touches, such as wood panelling and buttoned brown leather headboards, along with contemporary lines and pieces. Pop into No.88 Walmgate, the hotel’s urban bar, use the fitness centre and catch up on some work in the snug.

Just minutes from the heart of York, boutique hotel, the Elmbank Hotel is steeped in 19th-century history. Redesigned by George Walton, a contemporary of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the hotel boasts one of the UK’s most complete Art Nouveau collections. Be greeted by stunning stained glass, murals, and intricate stencils as you make your way to the thoughtfully designed and elegantly styled guest quarters. Its 61 bedrooms are adorned with unique artwork celebrating Elmbank’s significant Yorkshire heritage en-suite bathrooms with hand-crafted GOLEM tiles, (some with roll-top baths), flatscreen TVs, WiFi, and facilities for Yorkshire Tea and Nespresso coffee. Elmbank’s Leetham’s Brasserie serves seasonal dishes, while Peacock Bar, invites you to relax at the marble-topped bar or on plush sofas surrounded by original Art Nouveau treasures.

An old station hotel dating back to the Victorian era, The Milner York has been transformed into an elegant, yet modern establishment ideally placed for exploring the city. York Minster is a ten-minute walk away and the National Railway Museum is just five minutes. As would be expected from a luxury hotel the facilities are excellent with hotel concierge, and porters who will meet you at the station if you’re arriving by train. While enjoying the sights and sounds of York don’t miss out on afternoon tea in the hotel’s fabulous Garden Rooms. In the evening make use of the hotel’s pool and gymnasium, before enjoying a gourmet evening meal prepared with Yorkshire’s finest products.

The hallowed bar walls are home to the Fat Badger, an upmarket inn with rooms that boasts what is widely thought to be the best beer garden in the city. The traditional Yorkshire pub is a favourite among gin enthusiasts, with a huge selection, while the restaurant area provides wonderful views and an a la carte menu. Those staying onsite are treated to designer decor in the 12 ensuite bedrooms, with features such as four-poster beds, tactile velvet fabrics, original sash and case windows and a colour palette that blends sophisticated dark hues with explosions of bright cheery colour.