Hotel The Principal York

The Royal York Hotel is located in the heart of this beautiful historic city and is the leading luxury hotel in York. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and adjacent to the train station, with a spectacular view of York Minster, The Royal York Hotel elegantly combines the historic and the modern to deliver an unforgettable stay.

Whether you're looking to organise a large scale conference in the purpose built Events Centre, (newly refurbished in April 2012), the leading business venue in York; a gala dinner in one of the spectacular banqueting suites, plan a fabulous wedding in the Oak Room, indulge in a delicious dinner at the Tempus Restaurant or simply enjoy a relaxing break, The Royal York Hotel is the first choice for luxury hotels in York.

Opened in 1878, The Royal York Hotel is a magnificent five-storey building of yellow Scarborough brick, with Tadcaster stone dressings. Built to accommodate the aristocracy of the North, as well as the wealthy Yorkshire industrialists, it featured elegant, high-ceilinged banqueting rooms for social functions and a hundred large, well appointed bedrooms for anyone who could afford 14 shillings a night.

Guests waiting to enter the hotel can still use the original electric doorbell system. A panel fitted with buzzers and moving discs, set into the wall by the porters' desk, remains in full working order. The splendid ironwork construction of the main staircase is a much-admired feature of the hotel. Supported on one side only, it forms three upper galleries and provides a fascinating perspective of the stairwell viewed from above or below.

The coffee-room had a magnificent view of York Minster and the hotel grounds which, in those days, extended right down to the River Ouse. The room has since been enlarged and is now the main restaurant.

Whether you choose a standard or modern contemporary room in the hotel or our garden wing, we'll ensure your stay will be a memorable one.

Let your cares melt away in the sauna, steam room or heated indoor pool at our onsite leisure club. Or book a fitness assessment and then a personal training session, working on the cardiovascular equipment at our fully-equipped gym.