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 and sights, 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. Relax with cocktails or coffees 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 or indulge in spot of atmostpheric retail therapy when visiting The Shambles.
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 just a few days away, we thought we’d put together a short list of some of our favourite romantic hotels in York, to help you decide on where you will spend that next steamy short break for two.
The Grand

The Grand Hotel in York is one of the UK’s top 5* hotels and offers a truly luxurious experience. All the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated but it’s the little extras which make this hotel that little bit more special. 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 champagne and rose petals? For an additional £47, you can do just that.
If you really want to impress, we recommend splashing the cash on a stay in their Penthouse Suite.This room 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. They have a luxury spa, a swanky lounge, an intimate bar and The Rise – a rather swanky restaurant and cocktail bar with heated garden terrace. Spend a night here and we promise, you won’t want to leave!
The Churchill

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’ and 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 is now a luxury hotel with 32 contemporary guest rooms.
The interior of The Churchill is just as stunning as its exterior. With original features and Georgian-era colour schemes, it oozes sophisication and class. For those wishing to stay at The Churchill there are various room types to suit different budgets. They have smaller rooms for short stays, family rooms and twin rooms and some very elegant four-poster rooms for those romantic city breaks. If you’re out to impress then their luxury rooms are perfect for securing your place in your other half’s good books!
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 onsite serving traditional British dishes. It isn’t too pricey either – you can get three courses of delicious Yorkshire grub for as little as £27!
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 a great on-site restaurant too. Enjoy a lazy morning in one of their immaculately deocrated rooms before spending a relaxing afternoon in their very own landscaped gardens.
All the rooms here are absolutley 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 beautiful 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.