The Hotel Guru
The 6 best romantic hotels in York

The 6 best romantic hotels in York

With its wealth of historic buildings and its setting around a river, it’s not surprising that there are plenty of romantic hotels in York. Whether you take a stroll around the medieval walls, or through its narrow streets or around its riverside gardens, the city has an undeniably romantic air. And it’s equally true whether it’s a sunny day with the light glinting on the river and showing off the magnificent buildings or whether it’s a dark and misty autumn afternoon. Our choice of the best romantic hotels in York includes those that are rich in atmosphere, or in peaceful settings or with excellent restaurants.

Romantic hotels in the city centre

With its gas-lit bar and dining-room, creaky wooden floorboards, and seductively dark colours - plus location less than a minute from the Minster - the Guy Fawkes Inn cries out for romance. This York pub oozes history and offers elegantly simple bedrooms – opt for the suite – furnished with well-used antiques and some with four-poster beds.
Equally atmospheric, but in a grander style, Gray’s Court is so discreet, most visitors walk past without realising it’s there. Built for the Archbishop of York's first treasurer and dating from the 11th century, the building sits between the Minster and the city walls. Expect stone-flagged staircases, gracious bedrooms and a vast first floor hall that’s perfect for afternoon tea. The elegant fine-dining restaurant overlooks its huge gardens bordered by the medieval walls.
Tucked in a quiet residential street in the Bootham area, and close to the river, 23 St Mary’s is a smart Victorian townhouse with a pretty country-house style. Rooms are comfortably traditional, with well-chosen antiques. Choose the four-poster suite for a more indulgent stay.

Romantic hotels near York

If you prefer a country-house atmosphere, take a look at Middlethorpe Hall, only 10 minutes from York centre yet surrounded by gardens and parkland. From its handsome brick façade to its beautiful bedrooms adorned with antiques – spoil yourself with a four-poster suite – to its wood-panelled dining-room, you will feel truly pampered. There’s a spa and pool, too.

Romantic hotels with gardens

As well as Gray’s Court and Middlethorpe Hall, mentioned above, it’s worth considering Middletons which has a beautiful courtyard garden surrounded by a group of Grade ll-Listed buildings. Not far from York centre, and close to the river, it’s beautifully peaceful and offers light and airy bedrooms with vintage-style furnishings.

Romantic hotels for foodies

If a romantic meal is to be the highlight of your stay, Marmadukes Townhouse Hotel should be on your list. This smart town house hotel, in the Bootham area, has been awarded three AA rosettes for the Modern British dishes in its Park Restaurant. Its bedrooms should tempt too, with their mix of contemporary and antique furnishings, and boldly luxurious bathrooms. Try the loft suite with its private sauna.
Other romantic hotels with excellent restaurants include Middlethorpe Hall and Gray’s Court, both mentioned above.

Still not sure?

Expand your search to include our pick of the best luxury hotels in York,
Or take a look at our pick of the most romantic hotels in Yorkshire.
Alternatively you can contact a friendly guru for advice.
- Guy Fawkes Inn York 13 rooms from £139
  
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  Local exploring  -  An atmospheric hotel walking distance from many of the city's historical and cultural sights
  Foodies  -  It is pub food but done very well - perfect for foodies wanting an authentic pub experience
  Lively  -  The pub runs regular events - the Sunday night live blues gig is particularly popular
  Historic  -  The history goes that Guy Fawkes was born in the cottage to the rear of the property
  
  An atmospheric pub-with-rooms in the heart of the city, opposite York Minster and walking distance to the sights. Darkly cosy, with gas-lit bar and dining-room, bedrooms are elegantly simple with well-worn antiques, some with four-poster beds, plus there's hearty food and real ales. See More
  
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- Grays Court York 11 rooms from £220
  
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  Local exploring  -  Locations don'e get better than this for city exploring set between the Minster and the walls
  Historic  -  With Norman origins, this is possibly the city's oldest continuously lived-in private house
  Foodies  -  The small menu restaurant serves stunning British fine dining cuisine
  Great walks  -  Discover the rugged beauty of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks
  
  This hotel not only oozes history - the building dates from the 11th century - but is in an enviable location, between the Minster and the medieval walls. Bedrooms are light and gracious, the food elegant, and few tourists know it's there. See More
  
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- 23 St Mary's York (Yorkshire) 12 rooms from £100
  
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  Local exploring  -  Set in the heart of York, within walking distance from the main attractions, this hotel is perfect for local exploring
  City Style  -  Set in a heritage, Victorian townhouse with cosy interiors, this hotel has lots of local Yorkshire style
  Families  -  Family rooms are available at this hotel, making it a favourite with parents
  Great walks  -  Head into York on a long walk from this hotel and visit the main sights, including the Theatre Royal and Guildhall
  
  An elegant and peaceful townhouse B&B, a 10-minute walk from York Minster, with light and comfortable bedrooms, and a home from home atmosphere. Relax by the sitting room fireplace after a day out sightseeing; book a luxury suite for a four-poster bed. An inviting city break base. See More
  
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- Middlethorpe Hall & Spa York 29 rooms from £203
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well positioned to enjoy the best of the both worlds. Set in beautiful countryside but just 10 minutes from York's city centre
  Total relaxation  -  An elegant country house hotel with pretty gardens, grand interiors, standout service, and a spa - ideal for a relaxing break
  Foodies  -  The restaurant is a smart occassion with exemplary British cuisine served in elegant surrounds
  Historic  -  An 18th century National Trust property that's part of the Historic Houses Hotel
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Travel
  
  The perfect choice if you want to explore York but from the comfort of a country-house hotel. Classic looks combine with handsomely furnished rooms and a well-regarded restaurant, all wrapped up in acres of parkland - and the city just 10 minutes away. See More
  
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- Middletons York (Yorkshire) 56 rooms from £140
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Couples rate this heritage hotel highly; book a cottage room for a charming country feel, with exposed stone walls
  Weddings  -  Set in a listed property with an idyllic courtyard garden, book this hotel for your dream wedding venue
  Local exploring  -  Set a short stroll from the city centre, this hotel is a tranquil base for local exploring in York
  Sights nearby  -  Visit York Minster, a historic cathedral in the city dating back to the 7th century. The church is renowned for its architecture
  
  A cluster of beautifully restored listed buildings centred around a courtyard garden is the setting for this refined hotel. Bright guestrooms are dressed in a soft pastel palette with vintage-style furnishings. The fine-dining restaurant is exemplary. A charming bolt-hole. See More
  
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- Clementine's Townhouse Hotel York 28 rooms from £143
  
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  Short break  -  York has a good choice of attractions but it is also compact making it a great option for a quick weekend break
  Families  -  Several pairs of adjacent rooms are in self-contained areas of the two buildings - well suited to families
  Local exploring  -  Walking distance to York's many attractions including York Minster and several museums
  Great walks  -  Walk along the old walls of the city and enjoy the fantastic views
  
  This large and handsome B&B in a peaceful and well-heeled part of the city offers rooms with a rich designer style and a flair for the quirky. With a garden and sitting-room, there’s plenty of space to relax too. See More
  
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