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.
