Whether you’re visiting the city as a tourist or live locally and deserve a treat, a night away in a luxury hotel will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to enjoy the spring. Here are some of our favourite destinations for an indulgent mini break in York.
The Grand
This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of York, just a four-minute walk from the station. Trains are part of The Grand’s story: the stately red brick building in which it resides was formerly a ‘palace of business’ for one of Edwardian Britain’s wealthiest railways. Nowadays, it provides a luxurious yet comfortable base from which to explore the city. The Grand’s rooms come in two styles – one which celebrates the building’s past and another that boasts a more contemporary feel. From classic doubles to exquisite heritage suites, all are equipped with a coffee machine and a robe and slippers that can be used when visiting the atmospheric cellar spa and swimming pool. The Grand has two restaurants – The Rise, which serves a modern a la carte menu, and the three AA rosette-awarded Legacy for fine dining. There’s also the 1906 bar, where you can enjoy cocktails. The hotel even has its own cookery school for those who’d like to master a new skill during their stay.
Hotel du Vin
Offering chic accommodation inspired by the best of French hospitality, Hotel du Vin inhabits a Grade II-listed mansion on The Mount. The hotel’s 44 rooms are styled to highlight the building’s original features and tell the story of York through wall art and other thoughtful details. Each includes plush bedding, a flatscreen TV and a bath with a shower, as well as optional breakfast. If you’d like to dine in during your stay, the hotel’s bistro serves an expertly-curated menu that’s filled with tempting meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, all of which can be accompanied by the perfect bottle from its well-stocked wine cellar. You can also unwind with wine or cocktails, or enjoy a memorable afternoon tea in its bar.
Hotel Indigo
Situated on Walmgate near Rowntree Wharf, Hotel Indigo by IHG references York’s chocolate story through its decor. This purpose-built hotel is distinctly modern, however, and features open plan spaces and plenty of colourful, contemporary details throughout its 103 individually-styled rooms, all of which include a mini fridge, a local welcome gift and access to the mini gym. When it comes to food, the hotel has its own resident restaurant, No.88 Walmgate. This serves an exclusive menu devised by Pasta Evangelists that can be paired with local gins, ales, beers or signature cocktails from No.88’s extensive drinks list. Guests will also be able to start their day with a complimentary breakfast here.
No.1 by GuestHouse
Located on Clifton, No.1 by GuestHouse was named as one of the top 20 hotels outside of London in Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards 2024. Step into this handsome townhouse and you’ll discover all of GuestHouse’s signature touches, from a library of records to play on your turntable to a soothing cellar spa and a pantry where you can help yourself to complimentary treats whenever you choose. The hotel has 38 bedrooms, ranging from cosy doubles to the standout Bootham Suites. All are decorated in ‘wonder-inspiring’ style with antiques, art and many other special touches, including a doll’s house filled with tea and coffee making supplies. There’s also something for younger guests, who’ll be kept occupied with a Yoto Player and a library of cards in their room. The hotel’s concept restaurant, Pearly Cow, serves the best produce from the land and sea, cooked over fire or served over ice. As a guest, you can tuck into a light or hearty breakfast here or wake up to something more decadent in the form of oysters and spiced-as-you-like Bloody Marys.
The Judge’s Lodging
Offering stunning views of the city from its prime spot on Lendal, The Judge’s Lodging is the perfect destination for foodies visiting York. Once a temporary home to judges sitting in the Assize Courts, the hotel’s Grade I-listed building contains 21 elegant bedrooms with interiors that combine sumptuous fabrics, patterned prints and rich, contrasting colours for a traditional yet timeless feel. All come with a flat screen TV, Lavazza coffee machine and White Company toiletries, along with complimentary access to the nearby Emperors Gym. Guests here can begin their day with breakfast in the cellar bar, choosing from a variety of popular morning dishes and extras like cakes and pastries. Lunch is served in the dining rooms or on the terrace, and in the evenings the hotel offers a menu of beautifully-presented, seasonal dishes and decadent cocktails.
New Holgate Hotel
This boutique townhouse hotel is close to attractions like the National Railway Museum, York Cold War Bunker and Holgate Windmill. Inhabiting a Grade II-listed Victorian building, the New Holgate Hotel is spread across four floors. Its range of individually-designed rooms includes deluxe doubles, kings and luxury suites, all of which have Hypnos beds, large flatscreen TVs and locally-sourced toiletries. The New Holgate has its own restaurant with a menu that champions Yorkshire producers and growers, helping to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint. In the morning, this features choices like a full Yorkshire breakfast, sweet pancakes or Eggs Benedict, which can be complemented by fresh pastries, yoghurt, granola and fruit juices from the buffet. In the evening, there are house cocktails to sample. Pre-booked pooches can even join the fun.
Images: @thegrandyork, @hotelindigoyork, @judgeslodging
