The walled city of York in northeast England has a long and rich history that dates back to the ancient Roman era. This photogenic city is known for its landmark cathedral, the 13th-century York Minster, as well as the Shambles, a street that dates back to the 14th century.
With so much beauty to discover in the city and the surrounding areas, York offers a selection of boutique hotels to travelers.
The Best Boutique Hotels in York
The Bar Convent
Image Credit: The Bar ConventPrice: From $52
The Bar Convent is one of York’s most fascinating locations and one of its best-kept secrets. Established in 1686, this building hosted a hidden chapel that accommodated Catholics during the dangers of the Reformation period.
It has since been a convent and York’s first school for girls. The Bar Convent currently operates as a unique boutique hotel and still plays host to a community of Catholic sisters. The impressive history of the place provides a truly memorable boutique experience that is hard to find anywhere else.
Guests can enjoy delicious daily breakfasts at the on-site café, and they can research the history of the location in its library and archives.
Rooms at the Bar Convent are created to provide high-quality comfort in a modern style, right next to the train station and the entrance to the medieval walls.
The Churchill Hotel
Image Credit: The Churchill HotelPrice: From $124
The Churchill Hotel can be found in central York, only a short walk away from the Minster. Housed in an elegant mansion dating back to 1827, this boutique experience blends the history of the building with contemporary design and modern comforts.
Each sophisticated room at The Churchill Hotel features bespoke furnishings, Georgian color palettes, and polished hardwood floors. Accommodation options include double and twin rooms, along with superior and family rooms. Luxury rooms and the popular Prince of Wales Suite are also named to honor a royal visit in 1898.
The Churchill Hotel has a recently-established beer garden with a wood-burning pizza oven, and it provides seasonal garden igloos in the run-up to Christmas. The on-site brasserie serves fine dining influenced by traditional Yorkshire and British cuisine.
Clementine’s Townhouse
Image Credit: Clementine’s TownhousePrice: From $98
Clementine’s Townhouse is one of the newest boutique hotels in York, and it offers plenty of luxury. The location is only a short walk away from the train station and York Minster, in a quiet and upscale residential area.
The boutique hotel has a sophisticated mix of styles, with a focus on Yorkshire Victorian and Parisian chic. This old-world charm is complemented by modern comforts at every turn and includes 4-star facilities. Rooms at Clementine’s Townhouse feature individual designs and Victorian details. Some add a private balcony or a 4-poster bed.
Breakfast can be served in the designated breakfast room, in the lounge, or in-room. Guests can also enjoy a fun drink at the bar or in the walled garden. In addition, there are 2 versions of afternoon tea for those looking to indulge themselves.
Grays Court
Image Credit: Grays CourtPrice: From $288
Grays Court is an impressive location not only because of the luxurious accommodation it provides but also because it is the oldest inhabited house in York and one of the oldest in England.
After serving as the home of the well-established Gray family for over 200 years, Grays Court has now been offering sophisticated boutique service in an unmissable place. This location includes the perk of direct access to York’s network of medieval city walls.
The landscaped garden is framed by these historic walls and includes a bar for guests looking to enjoy spots of sunshine. The on-site Bow Room Restaurant features a refined 9-course tasting menu.
Rooms at Grays Court are full of individual features and plenty of opulent details. Some of them include stunning views over York Minster.
Jorvik House
Image Credit: Jorvik HousePrice: From $135
The history-filled Jorvik House can be found overlooking the Museum Gardens and adjacent to St Olave’s and the St Mary’s Abbey archaeological site. The hotel is located in a Georgian townhouse that dates back to 1750.
This refined boutique hotel includes a modern Scandinavian chic interior design to pay tribute to York’s past. Jorvik House is a short walk away from most main shopping and cultural attractions in the city, as well as from the train station.
This hidden gem in York provides express breakfast options to guests in the shape of a breakfast bag. This can be prebooked or requested at the front desk. For extra convenience, the Marygate car park is located right behind the hotel.
Rooms at Jorvik House feature individual designs and superior comfort. One of the junior suites on offer can be found in the hotel’s loft and includes stunning views over the city.
Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
Image Credit: Middlethorpe Hall and SpaPrice: From $251
The Middlethorpe Hall and Spa can be found in a William III country house. Despite being only 2 miles away from central York, this exclusive boutique experience provides a luxurious country estate complete with private parkland and manicured gardens.
This prestigious location includes a boutique spa, an on-site fine dining restaurant, and plenty of event space for weddings. The main building was established in 1701, and it is made from red brick and limestone, with incredible paneled interiors. The elegant gardens include white and walled versions, along with a small lake.
The elegant rooms at the Middlethorpe are split across several buildings. Each of them features a refined interior design with historical influences. Most rooms include a trouser press, a Nespresso coffee maker, a separate sitting room, and a gas fireplace.
Minster Walk Guest House
Image Credit: Minster Walk Guest HousePrice: From $105
The charming Minster Walk Guest House offers amazing boutique service in the heart of York, right next to the Museum Gardens and overlooking the medieval city walls. Guests have only a short walk to the banks of the River Ouse and the Minster.
This peaceful location in a central area provides a luxurious haven to all guests. Each morning, breakfast is served, and guests have flexible options for it. In addition, a toast and cereal buffet is served in the guest lounge, and visitors can preorder personalized hot hampers full of treats.
The guest house spreads over several redbrick buildings, with the main location dating back to the 17th century. Each stylish room at the Minster Walk includes a luxurious Harrison Spink mattress, premium linens, coffee and tea-making facilities, and a signature hidden feature.
Sandburn Hall
Image Credit: Sandburn HallPrice: From $159
The prestigious Sandburn Hall is only 8 miles away from York but provides an exclusive private retreat atmosphere. The estate is surrounded by lakes and woodland, allowing guests to unwind in this authentic Yorkshire atmosphere fully.
Sandburn Hall offers access to an on-site Clubhouse with a sports bar and golf shop to help guests accessorize for a golfing session on the private course. In addition, the on-site restaurant provides locally sourced fine dining with a Yorkshire twist.
Rooms at Sandburn Hall are designed to provide top-quality comfort. They are spacious and bathed in light, with stunning views over the surrounding landscape. Some of them have direct access to the manicured garden. Each room has a super king-size bed, a luxurious bathroom with a separate bath and walk-in shower, and a cozy seating area perfect for lounging.
Final Thoughts
Visitors to York have plenty of Roman and Viking history to uncover. The city also witnessed some key moments in English monarchy history and has an impressive artistic and cultural heritage. From Clifford’s Tower to the Jorvik Viking Center and the route along the medieval city walls, visitors will not forget a stay in York.
