11 of the best romantic hotels in York
Looking for the best romantic hotels in York to sweep your partner off their feet?
If you’re looking for romantic UK hotels, York should be your first choice. There is a fantastic selection of romantic hotels in York to suit every couple and every budget.
Plus, there are lots of romantic things to do in York. In fact, I think there are few cities in the world that can rival York’s history, charm and unspoilt character. In addition, the city’s compact size makes getting around York simple and excellent rail links make romantic weekend breaks in York easy to do.
This is my pick of the best romantic hotels in York that will make your heart skip a beat. Whether you prefer historic charm, modern luxury, bustling city centre locations or a secluded hideaway, there is a hotel for you featured here.
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The Principal York
📍Station Road, YO24 1AA
This historic and stylish Victorian hotel is one of the largest hotels in York and boasts a convenient location.
Location | The Principal is adjacent to York rail station so it’s perfect if you’re visiting York by train. It is a 10 minute walk from York city centre and just one minute to York city walls and the River Ouse.
Facilities | This is one of the few York hotels with a pool and also features a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a gym. Beauty treatments are available. There is a bar, a Refectory restaurant and the Garden Room is the ideal setting for a romantic dinner or afternoon tea.
There is fee paying parking on site but as this is the closest hotel to York rail station, it’s best to travel by train if you can.
The communal areas of the hotel are luxurious and you’ll feel as if you are stepping back in with its elegant decor. Breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | Spacious suites and premium rooms have King size or single beds, a fridge, safe, tv, free WiFi, a seating area and a kettle. There are rainfall showers in the ensuite and most rooms offer a view of York Minster.
The decor is chic with neutral tones plus ornaments and wall art create a homely feel.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
Malmaison York
📍2 Rougier Street, YO90 1UU
Want to stay at one of York’s top hotels? The 4 star Malmaison is one of York’s newest – and most stylish – hotels.
Location | The hotel is a five minute walk from York rail station and from the city centre. There are pubs, cafes and restaurants within a two minute walk.
Facilities | The multistorey Malmaison has 150 rooms, a gym, spa and a rooftop restaurant. It also boasts the rooftop Sora Bar which I think is one of the most romantic places in York. Sipping a cocktail at a secluded table for two whilst watching the twinkling night lights of York is hard to beat. The late opening bar offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Malmaison also offers a fusion grill restaurant and a gorgeous Art Deco style bar.
Unfortunately, the hotel only has 8 parking spaces but long stay fee paying parking is available within a five minute walk.
Breakfast can be included in the room rate and half board packages are also available.
Rooms | Colourful contemporary rooms feature a king-sized bed and a chaise lounge. There is a walk-in monsoon shower and a free standing bath in the ensuites.
Each room features a seating area, a tv, kettle, mood lighting, free WiFi and room service.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
The Grand York
📍Station Rise, YO1 6GD
This 5 star hotel is pure romance. It’s a stunning Victorian-era hotel that oozes luxury and sophistication. In my local opinion, is one of the most romantic places to stay in York.
Location | The hotel is a five minute walk from York rail station and from York city centre. There are pubs, restaurants and cafes within a five minute walk.
Facilities | The Grand Hotel has a luxurious spa in it basement featuring a 13-metre pool, a sauna, steam room and a gym. Beauty and spa treatments are also available.
There is an elegant bar, a restaurant (Rise) serving British cuisine and afternoon tea plus the award winning Legacy Restaurant which I think is one of the best romantic restaurants in York.
Fee paying parking is available nearby or valet parking is available. Breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | The high quality rooms ensure comfort and privacy. Each room has extra large double beds or single beds, a tv, fridge, kettle, seating area and a safe. I love the extras such as the Egyptian cotton sheets and the Molten Brown toiletries. There is a bath and shower in the ensuite.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
Dean Court Hotel
📍Duncombe Place, YO1 7EF
If you want to stay close to York Minster, book the Dean Court Hotel. Its directly opposite the cathedral. This 19th century Grade II listed hotel will make your loved one feel like royalty – but without the eye-watering bill.
Location | The hotel is in the heart of York city centre so everything you need will be within a short walk. It’s a 10 minute walk from York rail station.
Facilities | Dean Court Hotel has a bar and a restaurant specialising in British and Yorkshire dishes. We’ve had afternoon tea here and it was delicious; the Minster views made it even better.
Unfortunately, there isn’t parking available on site but fee paying parking is available nearby.
Breakfast is included and half board packages are also available.
Rooms | Classic, country style rooms have large double or single beds plus tiled ensuites with walk-in showers. Front facing rooms offer romantic views of York Minster. Each room has a tv, seating area, safe and a kettle.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
Grays Court Hotel York
📍 Chapter House Street, YO1 7 JH
This boutique 12 room hotel tucked inside the city walls is the definition of historic charm. The building has been continually occupied since the 11th century and its pretty gardens are featured in many photos taken of the Minster from York City walls.
I think it’s one of the most romantic hotels in York for couples of any age. Plus, it has an unbeatable city centre location yet it’s secluded and quiet.
Location | The hotel is 16 minutes on foot from York rail station and is just three minutes on foot from York Minster so you’ll be in the centre of York with attractions, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.
Facilities | Grays Court York has an award winning Bow Room Restaurant which serves fine dining cuisine, plus there is a bar for a romantic nightcap.
There are numerous historical features such as a stone flagged entrance hall, a Georgian dining room, leaded windows and a first floor, 90 foot long Jacobean era wooden gallery.
On-site parking costs £20 per day. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Rooms | Spacious, high quality rooms feature a mix of English and French style antique furniture, fireplaces and chandeliers. The Cumberland Room offers a double monsoon shower whilst the Willoughby Room has a William IV era four poster bed.
For the ultimate treat, I recommend the Edwards Room with its copper bathtub. However, you may prefer the Mortimer Room which boasts a picture perfect view of York Minster.
If you’re visiting York at Christmas, this is one of the closest hotels to York Christmas market.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
The Churchill Hotel
📍65 Bootham, YO30 7DQ
This stylish boutique hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion has got that perfect blend of modern comfort and historic elegance. It’s one of the best hotels in York for couples.
Location | The hotel is a 15 minute walk from York rail station. Alternatively, catch a bus no. 2 or 30 bus from Station Avenue (one minute walk from the rail station) which stops on Bootham opposite the hotel. It’s a six minute walk to Bootham Bar.
There are cafes, restaurants, pubs and a small supermarket within a 10 minute walk.
Facilities | The Churchill has a brasserie restaurant, a stylish bar and a beer garden. In winter months, the beer garden is filled with cute pop-up igloos for intimate and romantic dining.
Fee paying parking is available on site and breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | The contemporary rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished; I love their cosy dark tones and velvet furnishings. For the ultimate romantic treat, book one of the luxury four-poster bed room which feature an in-room roll top bath as well as an ensuite with a walk-in shower.
Each room features a desk, tv, kettle and soft chairs.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
No. 1 Guesthouse York
📍1 Clifton, YO30 6AA
Romantic hotels in York don’t get much better than No 1 by Guesthouse. This highly rated Grade II listed Regency era hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in York. It recently featured in the ‘Top 10 hottest new hotels in the world’ and won the Best of the Best Travellers Choice Award 2023. You get something special when you stay here.
Location | The hotel is a 15 minute walk from York rail station and seven minutes from Bootham Bar and York city centre. You can also catch bus no. 2 or 30 from Station Avenue, a which stops outside the hotel.
There are cafes, restaurants, pubs and a small supermarket within a 10 minute walk.
Facilities | The hotel’s Pearly Cow restaurant serves locally sourced produce plus there is a super stylish bar. Afternoon tea is available in the elegant Marmalade Lounge.
The on-site spa specialises in bespoke therapies and offers side by side couples treatments.
Fee paying parking is available on site and breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | Each of the 38 rooms has an individual style and most rooms offer super King size four-poster beds. There are sash windows, high ceilings, a white decor and Egyptian cotton bedding.
Each room has a desk, tv, kettle and there is either a bathtub and shower in the ensuite.
For a romantic getaway in York, I recommend booking one of the Bootham Suites. These large rooms have a Juliette balcony, a fireplace and an in-room bathtub.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
The Judges Court
📍Coney Street, YO1 9ND
If you want to stay in the heart of the city centre but prefer a quiet intimate hotel, book The Judges Court Hotel. It’s the perfect romantic hotel in York if you want contemporary luxury with a historical twist.
Tucked away in a private courtyard behind the shops of Coney Street, this boutique hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian building which was once home to the judges of York. I think it’s one of the hidden gems in York.
Location | The hotel is a 15 minute walk from York train station. Shops, pubs, a small supermarket and restaurants are on your doorstep.
Facilities | The hotel has a 24 hour front desk and free WiFi but doesn’t have a bar or restaurant.
Unfortunately, there isn’t parking available on site so you will need to park in a nearby public car park.
Rooms | Each of the 15 rooms is unique and beautifully decorated, making you feel like you’re in your own little love nest. Romantic features include a four-poster bed and an in-room freestanding bathtub, large walk-in rainfall showers and Molten Brown toiletries.
Each room has a tv, kettle, sofa and a quirky feature wall.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
Middletons
📍Cromwell Road, near Skeldergate, YO1 6DS
Middletons Hotel is on a quiet side street close to York city centre. It was awarded best Large Hotel of The Year 2023 by Visit York. If you want a centrally located romantic hotel in York with a country feel, Middletons is a good choice.
Location | The hotel is a 15 minute walk from York rail station and an eight minute walk from the city centre. There are several cafes, pubs and restaurants within a 10 minute walk plus two small supermarkets.
Facilities | Set in a country style manor house, the hotel has 56 rooms spread over five listed buildings. There is a restaurant, bar and gym on site. Afternoon tea is available daily.
Reasonably priced parking is available on site and breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | Each individually styled room or suite has a King size bed plus a tv, kettle, fridge and coffee machine. The rooms are stylish with attention to detail and high quality finishes creating a luxurious homely feel.
Additionally, you can also book a cosy cottage which has a separate living room with a tv and sofa. If you’re looking for a pet friendly hotel in York so you can bring your dog on your romantic getaway, Middleton’s has one pet friendly room available.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
📍 Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 2GB
If you don’t mind staying a little out of York city centre, Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is something special. It’s ideal for history lovers looking for a old-charm, romantic hotel in York. The hotel is owned by the National Trust and all profits go back to the charity.
The 18th-century hotel is surrounded by 20 acres of landscaped gardens. Plus, with only 29 rooms you are guaranteed a quiet cosy stay with a high level of customer service.
Location | Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is 2 miles / 3 km from York city centre. As it’s one of the few hotels in York with free parking, it’s a good option if you’re travelling by car.
If you don’t have a car, you can catch the No.11 bus from the main road outside the hotel into York city centre. Check the bus timetable here.
Facilities | There is a spa with a pool, sauna, steam room and a jacuzzi plus beauty and aromatherapy treatments are available. Middlethorpe’s award winning restaurant offers a la carte and tasting menu plus a highly rated afternoon tea.
Breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | The spacious rooms are individually decorated in a classic, country style and some of the main house bedrooms offer a romantic four – poster bed. Each room has a desk, soft chair, kettle, coffee machine and a tv.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
The Franklin Apartments
📍Franklins Yard, Fossgate YO1 9TN
If you want to self-cater on your romantic trip to York – or just want more space than a traditional hotel room – check out the luxurious Franklin Apartments on Fossgate.
Furthermore, Fossgate offers some of the best bars and restaurants in York so if you don’t want to self cater, you won’t have to walk far to find something to eat.
Location | The apartment is a two minute walk to York city centre and a 20 minute walk from York train station.
Facilities | Each apartment has a designated parking spot – a rarity in York city centre!
Rooms | The newly renovated apartments feature four poster king-sized beds, free-standing baths, wood beam vaulted ceilings and riverside views. Each apartment has a well equipped kitchen, a cosy living area and a private bathroom.
Click here to check prices and availability
Romantic hotels in York – summary
If you book any of the romantic hotels in York featured in this article, your romantic escape will be one to remember. Plus, don’t forget to check out my guide to the best romantic restaurants in York.
So book your stay, pack your bags, and get ready to create unforgettable memories with your loved one in York.
