Where to Stay in York → 4 Unique Areas & Historic Hotels

Good day to you, my lords and ladies! Who’s ready for a bit of time-traveling in one of the oldest cities in Europe? York is a magical place and apparently a bit haunted! If you’re traveling here then you’ll need a proper guide and I’m here to help you with that!

The City Centre is the best area where to stay in York! This historic neighborhood has all the main attractions and incredible hotels. But don’t worry, I know not everyone wants to stay so central. So I added 3 more places perfect for those who want to travel around, budget travelers and relaxation; City Centre West, Bootham and South Bank.

I hope you’re not thinking of leaving after you finish the first part because you’ll miss 2 amazing bonuses. The first one has the best hotels in York that offer parking and the other has the top accommodations perfect for a romantic getaway!

Lots to look forward to!

Since York is basically the capital of Northern England, and it’s such a historic place, you’ll probably see a lot of tourists around. Which means that most hotels (especially the ones in this post) will sell out quickly. I recommend booking yours in advance if you want to find a good deal and a nice place, otherwise the others will beat you to it!

I think we’re ready to hit the road now!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Below you have a short list of the best hotels, all located in the top area to stay in York, the City Centre:

Check out the map below which will take away some of the confusion and help you visualize all the areas that I’ll mention in this post:

1. City Centre – where to stay in York for the first time

If you’re fascinated with history and a real hunter of the oldest places to visit in the UK, then you’ve made the right choice when you picked York as your next destination!

And what better place to start your time-traveling journey than York’s City Centre? This area surely gives London and Bath a run for their money! The medieval architecture (let’s not forget York is one of the oldest cities in Europe and it dates back to medieval times), museums, and romantic boat tours!

Exploring York on foot is probably the best way to discover it especially if you’re staying in the City Centre. That way you can take in all the stunning scenery, and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere!

Obviously, the best hotels are located in this historic City Centre. And trust me, everyone will try to book these first-thing so I highly recommend getting yours in advance. Otherwise, you may miss your chance of staying within walking distance of all the attractions!

And by the way, it’s not only during the day that you’ll see the historic city at its best. At night the restaurants and clubs are filled with tourists eager to try the classic pub food in England and maybe even hear some spooky stories about York’s past!

Other accommodation options in the City Centre

As I mentioned earlier, finding great hotels in York’s City Centre is definitely a challenge if you’re booking last minute. Most of the ones in the main list above will be long gone! So that’s why I thought I’d offer 4 extra York hotels which are just as good and may be on the market even a bit longer, so let’s have look:

• Luxury: Judge’s Lodging – Set in a historic Georgian House just within walking distance of all the attractions, this super elegant hotel offers such a unique setting and a lovely dining room where you can enjoy the usual afternoon tea and breakfast!  
• Mid Range: Hotel Indigo York – I love the mix of old and new decors of the rooms at this City Centre hotel! The accommodation has a bar where you can try lots of local beers and it also offers private parking.   
• Mid Range: Galtres Lodge Hotel – Cozy and so comfortable! With a perfect location near the attractions and vintage shops, this great hotel offers a restaurant and family rooms. 
• Budget: Hampton by Hilton – If you’re looking for something a bit more modern in York City Centre then check out this hotel. With lots of contemporary features and cool facilities like a fitness center, this place can’t be missed!

Things to do in the City Centre

• Travel back in time at Jorvik Viking Centre
• Climb up to see Clifford’s Tower (Central Tower)
• Enjoy the views from the York City Walls
• Grab a drink at Valhalla York
• Don’t get too scared at York’s Dungeons
• Visit the gothic-style York Minster and the art galleries inside
• Feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie on York Shambles Street

2. City Centre West – best place to stay in York for travel links

If you’re planning to visit more places in the Yorkshire area, or maybe you’re touring this part of England and want to be close to the main train station in town, then I’ve found the perfect area for you!

City Centre West is set just across the river from the City Centre, and it’s just as beautiful and historic as the first area. And yes, just as busy. Since York Railway Station is located here, many tourists pick the west side of the city as well.

It’s true, the main and most important attractions are set in the City Centre, but you’ll also find some here as well like the National Railway Museum York and lots of pubs and restaurants.

But let’s not forget that York offers impeccable architecture all around the city, so fear not! You’ll be just as mesmerized by your surroundings if you choose to stay here.

By the way if you’re thinking of going bar hopping at night I’d definitely bring someone with me. Apparently York is one of the most haunted cities in the world! They even estimated there are around 500 ghosts in this town! Spooky!

Other accommodation options in City Centre West

Since the City Centre West had so many great hotels, I couldn’t just leave you just with the options above so I’ve decided to add 3 more and share these amazing accommodations with you as well:

• Mid Range: The Lawrance – These stylish aparthotels are located in a traditional courtyard and they come equipped with everything you need for your stay including a small kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
• Budget: The Bar Convent – Enjoy a yummy breakfast at this affordable hotel that’s set in a super old building. Don’t worry though you’ll get all the contemporary features like free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen tv. 

Things to do in City Centre West

• Visit the award-winning Railway Museum
• Explore the Memorial Gardens
• Admire the views of River Ouse
• Stop by the Yorkshire Museum 
• Grab a drink at the Fox pub
• Go for a walk in Holgate Community Garden
• Join the spooky York ghost bus tour

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3. Bootham – where to stay in York for budget travelers

Set right near the City Center, this neighborhood is more residential and also popular with few tourists who visit York. And you know what that means?

Yep, low prices! If you were looking for a place to stay that’s not super far from the main attractions like the City Walls and York Dungeon and also offers some affordable hotels, then you’ve hit the jackpot!

Bootham is perfect for those of you who want a mix of touristy York but also some tranquility as well. The City Center can get super busy at times since everyone is spending their time there, so this area can definitely be that breath of fresh air that you need!

And don’t think that you won’t find things to see here! Besides the fact that you’ll get to see a more authentic park of this historic city, you’ll also stumble across many vintage shops, pubs, art galleries, and museums.

I told you, no matter where you’ll go in York, you’ll find something to love! Now let’s check out the best hotels in York, Bootham!

Other accommodation options in Bootham

Things to do in Bootham

• Visit the 11th century St Mary’s Abbey
• Check out the paintings at York Art Gallery
• See archeological treasures at Yorkshire Museum
• Grab a drink at Minster Inn pub
• Catch a play at the York Theatre Royal
• Enjoy the usual afternoon tea at Café FeVa

4. South Bank – best place to stay in York for nature lovers

The Yorkshire area is absolutely packed with natural areas (and lots of spa hotels as well). and York has some lovely green areas as well but a bit further away from the City Center.

If you are looking for something closer to the woods and walking paths then I’d recommend booking your hotel in South Bank, an area located a 30 min walk away from Central York.

Perfect for those of you who aren’t big fans of the crowds and city atmosphere, South Bank is a tranquil, peaceful neighborhood where you can relax and unwind.

As you can imagine there aren’t many attractions here, since the main one is the beautiful nature, however, you will find the York Racecourse! Oh yes, this is where they hold horse racing competitions usually in the spring – summertime. So if you’re a fan make sure you drop by!

When you’re not too busy taking long walks and enjoying the scenery you can check out the pubs around, there are a few and even a Cricket Club if you’d like to try the famous sport in the country!

Other accommodation options in South Bank

Things to do in South Bank

• Visit the York Racecourse
• Stop for a drink at The Knavesmire pub
• See a game at the Ovington Cricket Club
• Walk around the Knavesmire Grasslands

👑 Luxury price:	£180
💵 Mid Range:	£130
🛏️ Budget:	£90
📍 Best area:	Medium
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Dean Court
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Hedley House Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	Georgian House & Mews

BONUS 1: Best hotels in York with parking

Doing a road trip around Yorkshire and you need a great hotel that offers parking spaces? Well, I’m here to help you with that! I’ve looked around for hours and found the best hotels in York that offer just that.

So let’s have a look:

• Luxury: Grays Court Hotel – This unique hotel in the City Center is so elegant and apparently it was once the home of King James I! Every little detail is so well-thought-out, and the furniture is definitely my favorite part, and also the fact that you get a nice sight of the city walls. Make sure you grab dinner at their AA Rosette restaurant, the food is delicious!
• Mid Range: No 1 by GuestHouse – A beautiful boutique hotel that offers such a nice combination of old and new designs. The soft-colored furniture will create a super cozy environment and just wait until you see their luxurious spa!
• Budget: The Heworth Inn – Clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for your stay! This affordable hotel comes with family rooms that have a flat-screen tv and a free parking space.

BONUS 2: Best hotels in York for couples

Planning a romantic getaway with your significant other in York? Well, this medieval town has a romantic vibe at times and the old houses can definitely make you feel like you’re in a Jane Austen novel.

But it’s not just that, you’ll also find lots of unique hotels where you and your partner can enjoy your holiday in peace. I’ve looked through the lists and found 3 amazing ones for all budgets so let’s have a look:

• Luxury: Middlethorpe Hall & Spa – Peace, privacy, and award-winning food? Sounds like the perfect romantic getaway to me! This fabulous hotel that was built in the 1600s overlooks the York Racecourse and it has such stylish rooms. There’s also a spa where you guys can relax and unwind with a massage.
• Mid Range: Principal York – Set in an iconic building, this amazing hotel has a swimming pool and beautifully-decorated rooms. After exploring York you can end your day with a romantic candlelight dinner at their restaurant.  
• Budget: Best Western Kilima Hotel – This affordable hotel is so cozy! You’ll never want to leave its comfortable four-poster beds and rooms! During your stay, you’ll have access to a swimming pool and a nice lounge area where you can enjoy some drinks.

FAQs about hotels in York

Conclusion

Can you believe how beautiful this place is? I’m sure you’ll love every moment here! And now that you’ve read this super comprehensive guide with the best areas where to stay in York, you’ll feel much more confident when planning your trip

But before I let you get on with the planning, let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve talked about today.

This post has the best areas in York, plus 2 great bonuses with the top accommodations with parking and some amazing hotels which are perfect for a romantic getaway.

That’s a lot of content to digest, but you know I always like to leave you feeling prepared and ready to hit the road. However, if you still have doubts on which hotel you like, then maybe my 2 favorite ones will inspire you:

• The Dean Court Hotel – Set in a beautiful building this hotel has a modern decor and it offers views of York Minster
• Hedley House Hotel –  A lovely mid-range option that has super comfortable rooms, a hot tub, and a spa center where you can relax

Don’t forget what I mentioned earlier. Booking your hotels in advance in York is so important as this city is super popular with tourists and the good ones always go first.

Well, everyone, I hope you enjoy this adventure and I want to hear all about the ghost stories when you come back! So leave me a comment below if you’ve encountered any spooky activity during your holiday.

Safe travels,

Victoria

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