The Hotel Guru
The 8 best family hotels in York

The 8 best family hotels in York

It’s not surprising that there’s a good choice of family hotels in York as it’s such a great city for a family holiday. There’s so much to keep children entertained – from the National Railway Museum (which is also free!) to exploring the smells and sounds of Viking-age York at Jorvik, to cruises on the river. York’s best family hotels are geared up with children’s menus, family suites and sometimes interconnecting rooms. Some have swimming pools, too.

Good-value family hotels

One of the best-value family hotels in York is Bar Convent. Close to the station and the walls, and in a historic former convent building and with excellent breakfasts and friendly staff, it’s hard to beat. There’s even a kitchen if you want to rustle up your own meals, plus it has a sheltered garden.
23 St Mary’s is a smart Victorian townhouse in a quiet street between the river and the Minster. Rooms are handsomely traditional, and there’s a large inviting sitting-room for recovering after a day of sight-seeing.

Mid-range family hotels

Children will love the fact the Dean Court Hotel is right opposite the Minster. They’ll need to get down to breakfast early to bag the tables with the best views. Amongst the contemporary style bedrooms there are five that are specifically geared to family’s needs (one with separate room with single and bunk beds). And the staff are known for their warmth and friendliness.
Another of York’s hotels with family rooms is The Grange, and they're happy to provide all the equipment you need from cots and Z beds to books for all ages. This handsome Georgian building is close to Bootham Bar, and so is within walking distance of all of York’s sights. Choose between traditional and contemporary bedrooms. It also has a good-value table d’hote menu for evening meals.
For a family hotel with on-site parking, take a look at Hotel du Vin. Bedrooms are smartly contemporary with masculine colours – if you want lots of space, choose the main building (a converted Victorian orphanage) rather than the extension – and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for children to explore.
For a home-from-home feel, choose one of the country-style cottages at Middletons. Sleeping up to six people, including bunk-beds, they’re ideal for helping families relax and do their own thing. Part of a group of Grade ll-Listed historic buildings around a courtyard, the hotel has a restaurant, parking, access to a nearby leisure club and is in a quiet residential area within the city walls, around 10 minute-walk from the centre.

Luxury family hotels

York’s original station hotel, a grand Victorian affair, has been converted into The Principal, a large and sleek, luxury hotel. There are plenty of areas for children to explore plus the basement has been converted into a leisure centre with pool. Meals are good-value, too, with decent children’s menus.
The equally luxurious The Grand, which sits across the road from The Principal and just inside the city walls, is one of York’s best family-friendly hotels. Bedrooms are large, and children are welcomed with colouring books and their own bathrobes. There’s a good-choice restaurant plus, for budding chefs, a cookery school for both adults and children.

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- Bar Convent Guesthouse York 19 rooms from £109
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Unwind in this tranquil convent, enjoy afternoon tea in the walled garden and read up on the town's history in the library
  Quirky  -  The living convent is open to guests, which means guests can explore the lovely gold and white Baroque chapel
  Local exploring  -  York has a huge amount of history (starting at the hotel itself) making this ideal for a cultural getaway
  Historic  -  This is England's oldest convent founded in 1686
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A unique guesthouse in an elegant living convent. Newly refurbished comfortable rooms, a baroque chapel, Victorian garden and a glass-roofed entrance hall make this an impressive building. A cafe serves meals until high tea. Best of all is staying amongst the sisters of the convent. 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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- Dean Court York 37 rooms from £119
  
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  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
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Travel
  
  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. See More
  
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- Hotel du Vin & Bistro York York 44 rooms from £129
  
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  Short break  -  York is packed full of cultural sites, pretty cobbled streets, and good restaurants - an ideal destination for a weekend jaunt
  Families  -  Extra beds can be placed in rooms or there's the option of interconnecting rooms for older kids
  Foodies  -  The classic French restaurant with a superb wine list is one of York's most popular restaurants
  City Style  -  A period Georgian property having undergone a chic renovation giving it a dark and clubby vibe
  
  Located in the Mount area of York - Hotel du Vin has delightful, elegant bedrooms in a charming 19th Century, listed building. Expect lots of cosy romantic spots to enjoy drinks and nibbles before venturing out to explore this fabulous city. A chic base. 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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- The Principal York York 155 rooms from £229
  
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  Hideaway  -  Set amidst its own beautifully landscaped gardens, giving the feel of remoteness, yet in the heart of the city.
  Local exploring  -  Ideally placed within easy access of York's main attractions.
  Sights nearby  -  Marvel at the intricate gothic design of the York Minster.
  Great walks  -  Take a scenic stroll along the city's ancient walls.
  
  A classic Victorian station hotel set in pretty gardens in the heart of the historic city. Elegant rooms are contemporary and spacious with the best boasting Minster views. Sumptuous afternoon teas and contemporary-style dining are a highlight. A luxurious retreat ideal for exploring York from. See More
  
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- The Grand Hotel York 207 rooms from £209
  
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  Cooking classes  -  Half day, full day and evening courses for all levels of home cook at the award-winning cookery school
  Families  -  The hotel takes particular care of families with family suites and especially crafted experiences
  Foodies  -  With an excellent 3 AA Rosette restaurant, this is a great York destination for food lovers
  5* Luxury  -  With indulgent suites, spectacular service, and standout cuisine - this is a luxurious stay
  
  A well-named hotel in a historic, former railway-company HQ. Expect five-star levels of service, a spa and a fine AA Rosette restaurant offering modern British cuisine. Bedrooms and suites are vast, comfortable and designed for the modern traveller. A spoiling stay to discover York from. See More
  
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