Stay in style for your visit to York and the surrounding region of Yorkshire at the elegant Principal York Hotel.
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10 Fast Facts
- The Principal York is a historic hotel located in the heart of the city of York, in North Yorkshire, England.
- The hotel was originally built in 1878 as a railway hotel, and it still retains much of its original Victorian charm and character.
- The Principal York is part of the Principal Hotel Company, which operates a collection of luxury hotels across the UK.
- The hotel features 155 rooms and suites, each individually decorated in a classic style and equipped with modern amenities.
- The hotel’s elegant restaurant, The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace, serves delicious, locally sourced food, including a range of classic British dishes and international cuisine.
- The hotel also features a stylish bar, The Chapter House, serving a range of fine wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.
- The Principal York is situated within easy walking distance of many of York’s top attractions, including York Minster, the National Railway Museum, and the city walls.
- The hotel is a popular venue for weddings and events, with several stunning event spaces available, including the elegant Cedar Room and the historic White Rose Suite.
- The hotel features a fitness center, with a gym, sauna, and steam room, as well as a beauty treatment room offering a range of pampering treatments.
- The Principal York is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, with its rolling hills, quaint villages, and charming countryside pubs.
Price Expectations and Room Options
The Principal York offers a range of room options to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Standard rooms are available, featuring comfortable beds and classic decor, along with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe rooms offer more space and luxurious touches such as Nespresso machines and bathrobes, while Executive rooms provide access to a private lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening drinks. For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the hotel’s suites offer spacious living areas, four-poster beds, and stunning views of the city.
Prices at the Principal York vary depending on the season and room type, but typically range from around £100 to £300 per night. Special offers and packages are also available, including discounted rates for longer stays, bed and breakfast deals, and romantic getaways. The hotel’s central location and luxurious amenities make it a popular choice for visitors to York, so it’s worth booking well in advance to secure the best rates and room options.
Property Description
The 4-star Principal York, formerly The Royal York Hotel, is set in quiet gardens, with views into the new Garden Room overlooking York Minster. Free WiFi is available through the hotel, and the leisure club includes a sauna, steam room and heated indoor pool.
It has stylish and modern rooms featuring a flat-screen Smart TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and a work space area. Guests will find an iron, ironing board and hairdryer in the wardrobe and each bathroom has a rain shower.
The Refectory Kitchen and Terrace, and Chapter House bar offer fresh, seasonal food with a local flavor, while traditional afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room. A full English buffet breakfast is available each morning.
With a gym and indoor pool the hotel is next door to York Train Station, with fast and frequent connections to London, Scotland and across the north of England. The property offers parking for guests driving to the property. The historic city center and York Shambles are a 5-minute walk from the hotel and York Racecourse is 5 minutes’ drive away.
A Grand Stay at the Principal York: Elegance and History at the City’s Heart
Amidst the historic grandeur of York, where ancient walls encircle bustling streets and Gothic spires tower over centuries-old architecture, the Principal York hotel stands as a beacon of timeless elegance. Formerly known as the Royal York Hotel, this esteemed establishment has been a prominent feature of the city’s accommodation offerings since the 19th century. Today, the Principal York retains its Victorian charm while providing guests with luxury and comfort that speak to modern sensibilities.
The Historical Grandeur of the Principal York
The journey through the hotel’s storied past begins the moment you set eyes on its impressive façade. Opened in 1878 as the Royal York Hotel, the building was designed to complement the adjacent York railway station, inviting weary travelers to unparalleled opulence. It was a place where history was not just observed but experienced. Through its rebranding to the Principal York, the hotel has maintained its historical charm while enhancing its facilities to meet contemporary luxury standards.
Victorian Elegance Meets Contemporary Chic
Walking through the doors of the Principal York, you are greeted by a harmonious blend of old and new. The lobby soars with its high ceilings, ornate cornices, and grand sweeping staircases, all hinting at the hotel’s Victorian roots. Yet, the interior design brings a fresh, chic edge, with touches of modern art and design elements that add comfort and a cosmopolitan vibe to the historic setting.
Rooms and Suites: A Nod to the Past with Modern-Day Amenities
Each room at the Principal York is a tribute to the hotel’s prestigious heritage, tastefully furnished to accentuate its Victorian origins. High windows, rich fabrics, and intricate detailing pay homage to the era of the Royal York Hotel, while plush beds, high-speed internet, and elegant bathrooms ensure that your stay is as comfortable as it is nostalgic.
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Principal York’s suites offer expansive spaces, unparalleled views of the city or gardens, and additional amenities that promise a truly grand experience.
Dining with a Historic Backdrop
The hotel’s restaurant, with its high ceilings and period features, offers a dining experience that is both grandiose and intimate. Here, guests can savor dishes that celebrate Yorkshire’s rich larder, prepared with a modern twist. The bar and lounge areas, with their Victorian-inspired decor, provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing drink or a casual meeting.
An Oasis of Relaxation: The Garden Room and Leisure Facilities
Settle down with a book or enjoy afternoon tea in the tranquil Garden Room, overlooking manicured lawns and the historical architecture of York. For those who wish to unwind, the hotel’s health and leisure facilities, including a heated indoor pool, provide the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of travel.
Events Worthy of Royalty
As a nod to its former name, the Principal York continues to host events with regal finesse. With its stunning event spaces, including a grand ballroom and several meeting rooms, the hotel is an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and galas, offering state-of-the-art facilities amidst a setting that exudes historical splendor.
Exploring York from a Prime Location
Located in the heart of the city, the Principal York offers unrivaled access to York’s historical treasures. Within walking distance, guests can explore the ancient York Minster, walk along the storied Shambles, or delve into the Viking history at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
A Commitment to Service Excellence
The true spirit of the Principal York is found in its exceptional service. The hotel staff carry on the traditions of hospitality for which the Royal York Hotel was known, ensuring that each guest’s stay is memorable, comfortable, and deeply satisfying.
Conclusion: A Historical Gem Reimagined
The Principal York is more than just a hotel; it is a piece of York’s living history. It stands as a proud continuation of the legacy left by the Royal York Hotel, offering a luxurious sanctuary to those who traverse its historic halls. For a stay that promises the elegance of the Victorian era with the comforts of the 21st century, the Principal York is a destination in itself, a place where every visit is enriched with history and every moment is a brush with the past.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a business retreat, the Principal York is a testament to the city’s vibrant history and a gateway to its present delights. Come and write your own chapter in the storied annals of this iconic York landmark.
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Property Highlights
- Located in the best-rated area in York, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.3
- Want a great night’s sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.
- Breakfast Info
- Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Buffet
- Private parking at the hotel
Images of Property
Owner’s Description
Some users may find this historic description useful.
In the heart of the city with views of the Minster
The Principal York, steps from the train station, is the perfect base from which to discover the historic city of York. Blending the grandeur of late-Victorian architecture with the comforts of modern travel, The Principal York offers its guests the warmest welcome this side of the Pennines.
Award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair have refurbished and restored the hotel’s rooms and public spaces to create 155 elegant, comfortable bedrooms and suites in balanced, neutral tones that offer more than just a place to sleep.
Facilities
- Disabled Access
- On-Site Parking
- Wi-fi
- Child Friendly
