From Georgian splendour to Minster views: The most romantic hotels in York
York has long been a favourite destination for couples looking for a romantic city break, and for good reason. Few cities in the world can rival its history and character, and it’s the perfect size for strolling the atmospheric streets or heading away from the bustle to some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Plus it’s only just over two hours by train from London or Edinburgh. With ancient nooks and crannies galore, enchanting riverside walks, charming restaurants and cafés tucked away on the winding cobbled Shambles, there are plenty of lovely ways to spend a weekend or longer in the company of a loved one. And to cosy up in after a busy day exploring, York has a wealth of luxury boutique accommodation, featuring intimate restaurants, rooms with Minster views and beautiful gardens for when the weather’s warmer. Here's our pick of the most romantic hotels in York.
The Mount Royale Hotel & Spa
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This long-established family-run boutique, just outside the city walls in splendid period buildings, has a traditional but quirky country-house style. The whole place is scattered with antique furniture, gilt-framed portraits, chunky wooden candelabra and a motley assortment of Chinese vases, warming pans, and spinning wheel – it definitely has character. Tucked away is a large garden with twisting paths and secret corners, plus – surprisingly – a tear drop-shaped heated swimming pool, Scandinavian log cabin with sauna and steam room, and hot tub. Garden rooms have private patios while attic rooms are characterful with beams. Read expert review From ￡95 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
York, Yorkshire, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This small country house hotel charms with its striking looks, comfortably traditional rooms and flawless service. Two Edwardian cottages have been converted into a small spa, with indoor pool. A flagstone terrace overlooks 20 acres of grounds – including a walled garden, parkland and small lake – as does the drawing-room; one of several sitting-rooms, all heaped with newspapers and magazines. With genuine antiques, pretty little armchairs and old-fashioned dressing-tables, the 29 rooms feel like the guest bedrooms of a well-heeled friend's house in the country. Some have window-seats, all have books, fresh flowers, fruit and homemade biscuits. Read expert review From ￡99 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Principal York
York, Yorkshire, England
9Telegraph expert rating
From the outside, it looks like a monolithic, Victorian station-hotel (which it was) but inside, The Principal York is sleek and modern, with lots of soft greys and soft carpets, elegant velvet armchairs and walls hung with mirrors, all set against Corinthian pillars and lofty corridors. Expect traditional, luxury-hotel service levels – concierge and porters, even someone to meet you off the train – brought up to date with staff that crack a joke. Suites spoil with huge beds and a small hamper of local produce; it’s worth paying extra for Minster views. Read expert review From ￡119 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Grays Court
York, Yorkshire, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This hotel, in arguably York's smartest address, positively vibrates with the past, from its medieval stone-flagged entrance hall and leaded windows to the bow-windowed Georgian dining room and 90ft long, Jacobean, oak-panelled gallery on the first floor. It feels elegant but relaxed, with a mix of English and French antiques, modern sofas and contemporary artwork and reportage photography. Fireplaces and leaded windows add character to the rooms while Jo Malone diffusers and thick curtains add luxury. Bathrooms, on the other hand, are sharp and modern perhaps with a copper bath or glitzy tiled wall. Read expert review From ￡189 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Grange Hotel
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
The handsome dark-brick building, with stone pillars, sash windows and decorative cornice, is a bit of a showstopper. Inside, Georgian grandeur – red-granite pillars and a sweeping staircase, dado panelling and gilt-framed horse-racing paintings – has been cleverly combined with a contemporary townhouse feel. There are several areas to relax à deux, from a large club-like bar with wall-size tapestry to the elegant first-floor drawing room with its fine plasterwork and sweeping sash windows. The rooms, spread over three floors, run the gamut from classic country house four-poster to cool townhouse contemporary. Read expert review From ￡99 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Churchill Hotel
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Despite this hotel occupying a grand Georgian mansion, the period's aesthetic has been eschewed and instead interiors have a sober, clubby feel in shades of grey and charcoal with tiled or wood floors, modern art and splashes of shiny brass. Though rooms in the original building are generally larger, the semi-basement rooms are the most romantic with quirky layouts and barrel-vaulted ceilings. The hotel is close to York's attractions so you can easily spend the day sightseeing with your loved one before returning to your suite and ordering room service and a Netflix movie. Read expert review From ￡85 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Hotel Du Vin & Bistro York
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Sultry in its own right, you'll find all the Hotel du Vin hallmarks inside this low-level, pale-rendered building: slate and wooden floors, charcoal-grey walls, moody black-and-white photographs, tan leather armchairs with splashes of cherry red and aubergine in cushions and footstools. This style continues to the rooms and many of the bathrooms have freestanding baths. The French brasserie-style dining-room is all terracotta and sage-green walls, semi-private side-booths framed by wool curtains and softly glowing brass table lamps; cooking is confident and portions are generous. Read expert review From ￡99 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Dean Court Hotel
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This hotel is in prime position opposite the Minster – right at the heart of the city’s history – and exudes a friendly, old-fashioned charm. That said, inside it's been given a pleasant contemporary styling with dark-wood floors and shiny wallpapers. Throws and silky headboards add touches of luxury to the rooms, and bathrooms are bright and well thought-out, some with glitzy tiling; a refreshing lack of clutter makes the most of space, so even small rooms don’t feel cramped, and the best rooms have views of the Minster. The big plus of this hotel, location aside, is the warmth and friendliness of the staff. Read expert review From ￡67 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Contribututions by Helen Pickles