While there are many ways to enjoy a weekend, sometimes you need a more substantial change in scenery than the usual go-to activities of grabbing a drink with friends and catching up on your favourite series.
Even exploring a list of the top online casinos in the UK, which offer the thrill of chance from the comfort of home, isn’t always enough to give us the break we need to recharge for the workweek ahead. Taking a chance on slot games, testing our card shark capabilities, and rolling the dice is always thrilling, but sometimes we need something different. Something like a weekend getaway at a beautiful hotel in the heart of the vibrant city of York, where people from all walks of life will find something to captivate their attention and delight them.
If you’re feeling ready for a weekend getaway, we’ve compiled the best places to stay in York. These accommodations blend comfort and charm, inviting you for a much-needed weekend away.
1. No. 1 York by GuestHouse
No. 1 York by GuestHouse is an ivy-clad, historic Regency townhouse that is nothing short of impressive. Upon stepping into the guest house, the building continues to effortlessly deliver beauty and charm with a grand central staircase and swoon-worthy décor that blends timelessness and modernity in a sophisticated style. The guest house has far more than looks and history going for it, though. While you’re there—whether solo, as a couple, or with friends—you can unwind with the onsite spa, indulge in afternoon tea, sip wine at the bar, and explore the famous York Minster, which is just a quick 10-minute walk from the guest house’s front door.
2. The Grand York
The Grand York is a luxury, 5-star hotel where you’ll be greeted by a doorman and welcomed into a sophisticated lobby with elements alluding to the building’s history as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company. The hotel has over 200 rooms, each individually designed to offer style and comfort. The Grand York is perfectly situated for walking to and from York’s foodie scene and city centre attractions. But for those not interested in city life and tourist activities, the hotel has everything you need to enjoy your weekend, including multiple fine-dining restaurants and a spa. You can even attend cookery classes and return to daily life with a new skill set and appreciation for the culinary arts.
3. Hotel du Vin
As the name implies, the Hotel du Vin is home to a luxurious bar with an extensive wine list that will impress wine lovers. The bar is undoubtedly a highlight, but it isn’t the only perk of staying at this hotel. It is located near York’s historic city centre, making it ideal for history buffs and those charmed by heritage sites. The building itself has an interesting past, having served as a private residence and an orphanage since its construction. Hotel du Vin boasts an alluring style and decor, from its suites to its communal spaces, including a romantic interior courtyard where visitors can dine outdoors within the privacy of the 44-room hotel.
4. The Churchill Hotel
The Churchill Hotel offers a contemporary style with nods to its namesake, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, throughout. The building once served as a private residence but now houses multiple guest suites, a brasserie, and a beer garden. It’s located in the heart of the city, allowing you and your travel companions to go sightseeing with ease before retreating to a cosy beer garden with locally sourced food and drinks. It’s an inviting space with nods to history and focused on an enjoyable stay for its guests.
5. Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
When you need a change of scenery to recharge, it’s hard to go wrong with a spa getaway. And in York, one of the best relaxing spa getaways is Middlethorpe Hall & Spa. The hall sits on 20 acres of private gardens and green space, creating a relaxing and inviting experience before you even check into your room. Upon checking in, you can access even more restful amenities, including a steam room, whirlpool, sauna, and swimming pool. When you need to refuel, you can visit the onsite award-winning restaurant, the Oak Dining Room. The restorative appeal of Middlethorpe carries into the design and décor of the building. The hall décor leans into a neutral country house style, incorporating glamorous notes through fine art and antique furniture. It invites you to enjoy a taste of luxury alongside its restful amenities and fine cuisine.
6. Clementine’s Guest House
Minutes away from York’s historic centre is Clementine’s Guest House, which is filled with patterned tiles and carpets, framed art, ornate furniture, and countless antiquities that deliver a quirky, endearing, character-filled building. Clementine’s Guest House has just over two dozen rooms and offers communal spaces, like a garden and resident lounges, that give its guests a sense of intimacy and privacy where they can rest and unwind. It’s the ideal spot to reconnect with friends and for a quiet getaway.
7. Grays Court Hotel
If you’re drawn to York for its rich history and historic sites, you’ll undoubtedly feel enchanted by Grays Court Hotel. The hotel and its grounds have roots going back to 1090, and it’s evident in the construction and style of the building, which has been carefully and lovingly maintained. It’s a boutique hotel with an air of exclusivity and only a handful of rooms for guests. Though the ambience feels exclusive, families and pets are welcomed with open arms. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with your children and beloved pets, Grays Court Hotel could be the perfect fit. You can stay busy with the inviting grounds surrounding the building and by venturing out to historic sites surrounding the hotel.