Are you planning a surprise getaway or a weekend break for two? There are numerous romantic hotels in York that will provide everything you need for a memorable stay.
In our opinion, York is not just one of the most beautiful cities in Yorkshire; it is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Steeped in history and offering some of the county’s best-loved attractions, it’s also one of Yorkshire’s most visited places.
If you’re considering a romantic short break with your other half, then York has plenty to offer the courting couple or happy honeymooners. Unwind with cocktails by the river, take in the sights of the city on a walk along the historic walls, enjoy breathtaking views from Clifford’s Tower, explore the magnificent York Minster, uncover secrets of the city’s past at one of the museums or indulge in tasty treats at one of the many brilliant cafes in York.
York is also home to some incredibly beautiful hotels. If it’s romance you’re after then you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing accommodation in this remarkable city. With Valentine’s Day not too far away, we thought we’d put together a short list of some of our favourite romantic hotels in York, to help you decide where you will spend that next steamy short break for two.
8 of The Most Romantic Hotels in York…
The Grand
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
The Grand Hotel in York is one of the UK’s top spa hotels and offers a truly luxurious experience including one of the best afternoon teas in York. All the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated but the little extras available further contribute to making this one of the most romantic hotels in York. Whether you book a standard room, an executive room or one of their luxurious suites, you have the option to add an in-room package to your booking. Want to surprise your beau with a bottle of bubbly and floral surprises?
For an additional £60, the team at The Grand will ensure there’s a bottle of prosecco, a selection of fine chocolates and a rose petal heart on the bed when you arrive. If you really want to push the boat out and give your other half a stay they will never forget, opt for their ‘Ultimate Romance’ package. This upgrade costs £246 and includes a personalised balloon arrangement, a bottle of Taittinger champagne, a dozen red roses, a selection of chocolates and rose petals on the bed. The perfect package for a surprise proposal!
If you really want to impress, we recommend splashing the cash on a stay in their Penthouse Suite. This immaculately presented suite offers the ultimate in luxury and features his and hers walk-in showers plus a stunning roll-top bath with views across the York skyline.
The facilities at The Grand are also rather impressive. In addition to the luxury spa and sumptuous afternoon tea, there’s an intimate bar ideal for late-night cocktails and a highly-rated restaurant. The Grand operates one of the best cooking schools in the UK so you can expect a meal in their on-site restaurant to be utterly superb. Spend a night here and we promise, you won’t want to leave!
Guy Fawkes Inn
Treat your loved one to a city break with a difference by booking a stay where Guy Fawkes was born in 1570! Located on historic High Petergate, Guy Fawkes Inn is ideally situated for those hoping to explore the sights and sounds of York’s most famous streets and landmarks. The building’s remarkable history is evident through both the decor and numerous original features. It is so well preserved, in fact, that a stay here almost feels like travelling back in time!
There are thirteen 4* rooms at Guy Fawkes Inn, each sympathetically styled to pay homage to the building’s fascinating past. It also features an excellent AA Rosette restaurant serving hearty British mains and delectable desserts, perfect for those intimate candlelit dinners. The well-stocked bar serving local real ales will undoubtedly be a welcome sight after a strenuous walking tour of the city. The team at Guy Fawkes Inn will be on hand to share some fascinating facts about the building and its famous previous owner.
25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
The Churchill
65 Bootham, York YO30 7DQ
Built in 1827, The Churchill Hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion in the centre of York. The building changed hands numerous times during the 19th Century and in 1892 was listed as ‘Government House’ – the residence of a Major General.
This beautiful building remained the property of the government until 1985 when it was acquired by new owners and transformed into a fourteen-bedroom hotel. It has since undergone many changes and, after an extension was added in 2006, it became a beautiful boutique hotel comprising an array of individually designed rooms.
The interiors at The Churchill are just as stunning as the exterior of the building. With original features and Georgian-era colour schemes, it oozes sophistication and class. For those wishing to stay at The Churchill, there are various room types to suit different budgets. They have small double and twins, spacious superior rooms and a spectacular suite in which the Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Edward VII stayed during his visit to York in 1898.
When staying at The Churchill, you won’t have to venture far to find somewhere great to eat. In addition to being just a stone’s throw from the centre, there’s also an excellent brasserie on site serving traditional British dishes. It isn’t too pricey either – you can get three delicious courses for as little as £25! If visiting during the warmer months, their recently renovated garden space provides a beautiful setting for al fresco dining. During the colder months, their pre-bookable garden igloos will keep you warm and sheltered whilst enjoying an intimate, candlelit meal for two.
Grays Court
Grays Court is a luxury boutique hotel with a fascinating past. Originally built during the 11th Century, it’s York’s oldest inhabited house. Over the centuries, it has hosted numerous high-profile guests, including Kings and Knights. It’s also the only privately owned property in York to have direct access to the historic city walls.
If you’re looking for somewhere with a country feel that is still just yards away from the amenities and attractions, then this is the place for you! It’s quiet, romantic, incredibly pretty and has an excellent on-site restaurant too. Enjoy a lazy morning in one of their immaculately decorated rooms before spending a relaxing afternoon in their own landscaped gardens.
All the rooms here are absolutely stunning and decorated to complement the era in which the building was built, as well as pay homage to its regal connections. Ornate furniture, luxurious soft furnishings and pretty colours combine to make these rooms some of the most Instagrammable hotel rooms in the city. Certainly worthy of a romantic night or two! We’re particularly fond of the Cumberland suite which includes a free-standing bath, a walk-in monsoon shower and spectacular views of the hotel gardens and city walls.
No.1 by GuestHouse
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
GuestHouse is an independent hospitality group created by a team of brothers. There are currently just two of these immaculately designed hotels in the UK open for bookings but further hotels in Margate and Brighton are expected soon. No.1 by GuestHouse is in the heart of York city centre; just a stone’s throw away from the magnificent York Minster. The beautifully restored Grade II listed Regency townhouse boasts high ceilings, a sweeping staircase and 39 gorgeous guest rooms.
The team at GuestHouse have created something special. The attention to detail and unexpected little extras provided at this hotel make a stay in York a truly special one. There’s an intimate spa located in the arches of the hotel cellar, a lovely restaurant serving the best locally sourced produce, a free-for-all pantry packed full of treats, an extensive vinyl library due to there being a Crosley record player in every guest room plus, additional services like dog walking and luggage collection available too.
GuestHouse does its utmost to ensure guests have a carefree and memorable stay so it certainly deserved a place on our list of the most romantic hotels in York. You can even request a hamper which includes everything you would need for a romantic picnic by the river including a full afternoon tea, plates, cutlery, napkins and a blanket.
York Pavillion Hotel
45 Main Street, Fulford, York YO10 4PJ
If you want to explore the city centre but would prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle, York Pavillion Hotel could be the perfect accommodation choice. Situated no more than a couple of miles away from York’s top attractions, this romantic hotel in York offers charm in abundance! With its own landscaped gardens and fairytale courtyard, the Grade II listed mansion provides the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river to the city centre and spend a day browsing York’s quirky shops, learning about the city’s rich history and seeking out those all-important selfie opportunities before heading back to the York Pavillion Hotel for a meal in the award-winning brasserie or Parisian bar. If you don’t want to venture into the city centre the next day, why not spend a couple of hours perfecting your putting at Fulton Golf Club which is just a mile away from the hotel?
The Principal York
Station Road, York YO24 1AA
This spectacularly grand hotel is just a few steps away from York station and offers guests a luxurious stay in the heart of Yorkshire’s most beautiful city. Expertly restored and refurbished by award-winning architects, Goddard Littlefair, this gorgeous Victorian-era building boasts 155 elegant bedrooms. a fantastic restaurant, a stylish bar, an opulently decorated lounge area plus a swimming pool and leisure facilities.
All the guest rooms at The Principal York are decorated to the highest standard so whether you choose standard accommodation, a premium room or one of their sumptuous suites, you’re guaranteed a stylish and comfortable room with all the expected facilities.
The public areas at The Principal York are mesmerisingly elegant, particularly The Garden Room which offers sweeping views of the hotel’s manicured lawns and superb all-day dining menus. For that romantic evening meal for two, book a table at The Refectory, where you can tuck into an array of British dishes made using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Middlethorpe Hall
Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB
Middlethorpe Hall is a splendid 17th-century manor house hotel with 20 acres of private parkland and gardens. Once home to famous diarist Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, it is one of National Trust’s Historic House Hotels and offers guests luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining and revitalising spa experiences. The William III country house is just two miles away from York city centre so you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a country spa retreat whilst being within walking distance of the city’s attractions and amenities.
In total, there are 29 luxurious rooms and suites at Middlethorpe Hall, each beautifully appointed and featuring everything one would require for a comfortable stay. Most of the guestrooms and suites are located in the main house but four of Middlethorpe Hall’s most spacious suites can be found in the 18th Century courtyard. Furnished with antiques and fine prints, each of these suites has a comfortable sitting room, a separate bedroom and views over the courtyard – ideal for a weekend of romance.
As regards dining, the 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant at Middlethorpe Hall boasts talented Head Chef Ashley Binder and Pastry Chef Paul Harrison at the helm, both of whom have produced expertly crafted award-winning menus. Book a candlelit table for two and tuck into culinary delights from the superb a la carte menu or opt for the full foodie experience by opting for the sumptuous 6-course tasting menu.
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