Best Hotels near York City Centre

The Hotel Guru
York
Best Hotels near York City Centre

If you want to be steeped in the history of York, there’s nowhere better than staying in the city centre. Many central hotels are within sight of York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, and are within a couple of minutes’ walk of the famous medieval walls. Nowhere is very far – river, shops, museums, restaurants – and the historic streets are blissfully traffic-free. If you’re exhausted with sight-seeing, or laden down with shopping bags, then choosing one of the best hotels in York city centre makes it easy to pop back for a quick rest.

For a smart stay

For a smart central York hotel, it’s hard to beat Dean Court Hotel. It’s slap-bang opposite the Minster and is, arguably, the closest hotel to this magnificent building. Its eye-catching Victorian exterior belies light and contemporary style interiors. Ask for a Minster-view room.
Also, with bewitching views of the Minster, Gray’s Court, lies tucked away between the Minster and the city walls. Dating from the 11th century, this striking building is full of style and comfort, with gracious bedrooms, a magnificent first floor hall, fine-dining restaurant and huge gardens.

For an atmospheric inn

Another contender for the best central York accommodation is the Guy Fawkes Inn. This atmospheric property, less than a minute from the Minster and with a unique gas-lit bar and dining-room, oozes history. Bedrooms are elegantly simple with well-worn antiques, some with four-poster beds, plus there's hearty food and a good selection of real ales.
Tucked just inside Bootham Bar, The Fat Badger is a narrow warren of rooms inside two Georgian buildings. The twelve rooms are individually designed and all offer unique city views. Plus, there’s an unexpectedly large rear garden with Minster views.

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Written by Helen Pickles

Best Hotels near York City Centre

Dean Court

York

A landmark building in York boasting a prime position opposite the Minster. A pretty traditional exterior opens onto chic modern interiors featuring soft hues, clean lines and chic black tiled bathrooms. The cuisine is unfussy, local and undeniably good and staff are friendly and attentive.

Families - The five family rooms on offer and the childrens' menu make this an ideal choice for those travelling with children
Short break - Petite York is ideal for a quick weekend break - packed full of cultural sites all within a small area
Local exploring - Centrally located with many of the city's main attractions within walking distance
Sights nearby - Visit York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe

from $163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Guy Fawkes Inn

York

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.

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

from $191 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Grays Court

York

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.

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

from $302 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The Fat Badger

York (2-4 High Petergate)

This historic Georgian inn, in the shadow of the city’s medieval walls, oozes atmosphere from its cosy bars to its low-ceilinged bedrooms. Food is a cut above the average pub menu and there’s a good range of Yorkshire ales plus a hidden beer garden.

Foodies - The AA Rosette restaurant serves classic pub food with a modern twist, ideal for those interested in locally sourced produce
Families - With a children's menu, and space to add extra beds to some of the larger rooms, this would be a perfect spot for families
Local exploring - The hotel's proximity to all of the main attractions in York make it an ideal spot for exploring the city
Historic - Sat within the historic bar walls, this 17th century pub is packed full of character