The 6 Best Romantic Hotels in York

Grays Court Hotel

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

Guy Fawkes Inn

  • 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

Middlethorpe Hall

  • 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

Middletons

  • 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

Marmadukes Townhouse Hotel

  • 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?

The 6 Best Romantic Hotels in York

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

York

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.

  • 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
from CA$361 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Guy Fawkes Inn
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 CA$247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Grays Court
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 CA$391 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Clementine's Townhouse Hotel
Clementine's Townhouse Hotel

York

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.

  • 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
from CA$254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
23 St Mary's
23 St Mary's

York (Yorkshire)

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.

  • 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
from CA$178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Middletons
Middletons

York (Yorkshire)

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.

  • 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
from CA$249 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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Written by Helen Pickles

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