The 10 best hotels in York

What used to be the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company is now a five-star hotel. This magnificent Edwardian building has a total of 107 rooms, each an en-suite bathroom, and some with views of York Minster. You’ll also find a gym, pool and spa in the basement vaults and as far as sustenance goes, its vintage cocktail bar and classic British restaurant and terrace are a hit with guests and locals alike.

Mood? Timeless yet up to date. 
Budget range? Quite pricey. 
Time Out tip: Be sure to book their Champagne afternoon tea with a view if you're feeling boujee. 

Located close to York Racecourse – so just a couple of miles out of the centre – this charming boutique spa and hotel gives you the chance to combine sightseeing and restaurant-ing with some very me-centred relaxing. The Hall is now owned by the National Trust and there’s something delightfully old school about its cute-and-cosy interiors filled with genuine vintage knickknacks, rather than the Millennial appropriation found in most places. Book yourself some spa sessions and time for tea and scones. 

Mood? Grand and stately.
Budget range? Slightly on the cheaper side. 
Time Out tip: Absolutely do not forget to spend a generous amount of time exploring those gorgeous gardens all year round.

Another upscale York hotel, this time one that conjures Britain’s golden age of steam-train travel. This 155-room railway hotel is, as you’d probably imagine, just by York station. Seek out a room towards the top if you’d like views of the city. Downstairs, meanwhile, you’ll find a gym, pool and a business centre, plus Peachey's Bar & Grill, which serves locally sourced produce, and the The Swollen Gambler, which is great for a pre-dinner cocktail. 

Mood? A blend of ornate and modern. 
Budget range? A good deal for a deluxe stay. 
Time Out tip: Our recommendation? Afternoon tea in the Garden Room, it’s divine.

You can (very rarely) go wrong with a stay in a Malmaison hotel and their York base is no exception. It’s right in the centre of town, which makes it a good choice if you’re looking to spend evenings out, and boasts two on-site restaurants, one contemporary British and the other Japanese. The interiors are all perpendicular lines and pops of funky colours – a little bit Scandi here and there, a little bit De Stijl in others. Two things we love: the views from the rooftop bar area (cocktail in hand = non-negotiable) and the hotel’s own spa. Yes, you deserve it all.

Mood? Cool and colourful. 
Budget range? Plenty of low-price dates available. 
Time Out tip: There's a bottomless brunch every Saturday with endless mimosas and prosecco on the agenda... 

In a town full of historical buildings, this is still a particularly old one indeed. An eleven-room house that dates back to 1080 and is completely soaked in history (it was given to the Duke of Somerset by Edward VI in the sixteenth century). It makes for a commanding presence beside York Minster and the city walls, and the stone fireplaces, ancient timber and leaded windows make it feel truly unique. 

Mood? Dolls house-worthy furnishings. 
Budget range? A little extra dough for something extra special. 
Time Out tip: In summer be sure to eat in the garden, which, at night, features a resident owl.

As one of the best boutique hotels in York, Clementine’s is a twin-set of stunning Victorian villas sitting side-by-side. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated. There are plenty of nods to Victoriana – deep purple walls, a surplus of velvet and a wiliness to embrace florals – along with some really bold and brilliant wallpapering. Enjoy a late-night drink in the speakeasy-style bar or breakfast in the beautiful lounge area.

Mood? Elegantly quirky. 
Budget range? One your wallet will thank you for. 
Time Out tip: Book in for a traditional English cream tea – featuring hot scones baked fresh on-site. 

Seeking out a more modern hotel in York? Try the 101-room boutique Hotel Indigo in Walmgate, York’s most up-and-coming area. You’ll be excellently positioned for many of the town’s top attractions, such as The National Railway Museum and The Shambles, one of the city’s most picturesque streets. Rooms are modern and come with complimentary snacks in the minibars, though if you’re hungry, pop in for a rustic pizza or a snack in the bar.

Mood? Sophisticated and cosy.
Budget range? Moderately priced. 
Time Out tip: Look out for the special welcome treat from York's one and only Wizards Magic Chocolate. 

Britain’s wartime Prime Minister might not seem like an immediately obvious source of inspiration for interior decoration. But this boutique hotel in a Georgian mansion has used the great orator as the basis for a style that fuses modern elegance with Blenheim-approved historicism. The rooms range from storm-at-sea blues and greys to pretty-in-pink girliness. It’s also worth spending time in the brasserie or out on the terrace with a beer.

Mood? Luxury heritage mansion. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 
Time Out tip: Check out the newly-opened beer garden with a wood burning pizza oven. 

Okay, this one’s just a little out of the ordinary: it’s a working convent, and on top of that, the oldest one in the UK. The hotel is housed in a 17th-century building, near the train station and city walls. Given its Grade I-listed status, it’s little wonder that rooms can be on the small side (some have private bathrooms, some have shared bathrooms). But there’s free Wi-Fi throughout, and its terrifically good value. The resident nuns are happy to answer any touristy questions you might have, and you also have access to the on-site chapel. Plus, a shout-out has to go to the award-winning breakfast that's included.

Mood? Simplistic convenience. 
Budget range? Great value. 
Time Out tip: Pay a visit to the on-site cafe where you'll find some of the best cakes and scones in the city. 

Set in, you guessed it Hustwaite, this country-style nine-bedroom hotel is quite the intimate affair if you're in want of a romantic weekend away. During warmer months, the terrace proves to be a charming spot to enjoy a cold bevvy in the sun, while indoors you can chill out at the bar, or enjoy some hearty British cuisine at the cosy on-site restaurant. Location-wise, we love that the Plum and Partridge feels rather hidden while being an enviable distance from North York Moors National Park.

Mood? Country cottage vibes.
Budget range? Affordable.
Time Out tip: Just remember to tuck into something that goes easy on the garlic - that could really put a spanner in the works for a date night.