York Holiday Homes Shine in Pass the Keys’ Top-Rated Property List

Let's be honest, hunting for the perfect holiday spot can feel like a full-time job. You scroll through endless pictures, read review after review, and try to figure out if 'a short walk to the city centre' means five minutes or a forty-minute hike. It’s the guest ratings that really tell the story. So, when a company that manages thousands of properties releases a list of its best-of-the-best, it’s worth paying attention. On 31 March 2026, the holiday let management company Pass the Keys did just that, revealing its most top-rated holiday homes across the UK. And it turns out, people absolutely love visiting York.

What makes these properties stand out?

So, what does it take to get on a list like this? It's not just about a pretty living room or a fancy coffee machine. Pass the Keys, which looks after over 1,700 properties, set the bar high. To even be considered, these places needed at least 25 reviews and an eye-watering average score of 4.79 out of 5 on platforms like Airbnb. This isn't about one or two people having a good time; this is about consistent, exceptional quality. A huge part of that comes down to the management. Pass the Keys operates as a franchise, meaning local franchise partners are on the ground in over 65 cities, making sure everything runs smoothly. This model ensures excellent communication and professional support for guests, which is key to a brilliant guest experience. It’s this combination of great properties and solid management that creates a truly comfortable and hassle-free stay.

York is the place to be

Out of the top ten top-rated properties in the entire UK, three of them are in York. That’s a pretty big deal and says a lot about the quality of the holiday homes available in the city. These places aren't just getting good reviews; they're getting rave reviews for their fantastic central location, beautiful interiors, and the service that comes with them. Let’s take a look at the York properties that made the cut.

• Hampden Street (Number 3): This renovated 1890s period home is a perfect example of what makes a stay in York special. It's located right inside the historic city walls, which means all the main attractions, shops, and restaurants are just a short walk away. Guests love that it’s a comfortable base right in the action but still quiet. One guest, Bethany, said, “Great location - all the shops, restaurants, bars and museums etc are well within walking distance. The Pass the keys team were super helpful and answered questions we had promptly.” With two bedrooms, it’s ideal for families looking to explore the city centre.

• Bootham Court (Number 5): This stylish apartment scores big points for being just a six-minute walk from York Minster. For anyone visiting the city, that kind of central location is a dream. The apartment itself has two comfortable bedrooms and, crucially for York, it comes with a rare allocated parking space. No circling the streets looking for a spot! Guests consistently praise how beautiful the apartment is. Isac mentioned, “The apartment itself is beautiful just like the photos and felt so warm and homely! We felt at home straightaway!”

• Feversham House (Number 6): Another gem with an allocated parking space, this one-bedroom apartment is on the ground floor of a renovated Victorian building. It has high ceilings and underfloor heating, making for a very comfortable stay. What’s really special is its view – it overlooks the famous City Walls. It’s the perfect spot for a couple wanting to be moments from the city centre attractions without sacrificing peace and quiet. As guest Elizabeth put it, “The apartment is in a perfect location with allocated parking so we were able to easily walk everywhere. The apartment was very clean, warm and comfortable.”