Hotel du Vin York

This 19th-century Grade II-listed hotel has a boutique feel and classic Georgian-inspired decor. It has plenty of Old-World charm and was once used as an orphanage. The hotel is set back from a main road, nestled behind black wrought-iron railings. Interiors are cozy and homey, with creaky wooden floors, dark tones, and a sweeping period staircase leading up to the rooms. A wine theme runs throughout the hotel, reflected in quirky chandeliers constructed from wine glasses and wine-themed artworks adorning the walls. 

The communal areas buzz during the day, with many guests relaxing at the bar, grabbing a bite to eat at the bistro, or sitting outside on the terrace in the summer. The bar and bistro are also open to the public and can feel busy in the evenings or during events. The cozy lounge provides a quiet spot for guests to unwind, decorated with checked carpets, old leather armchairs, and a fireplace for cold winter evenings. Owing the romantic atmosphere, the hotel mostly attracts couples, though business travelers also stay here on occasion.  

Hotel Du Vin is a solid option for anyone exploring the city by foot. Located in The Mount area of York, it's five-minute walk from Micklegate Bar, an impressive medieval gateway that was once the main entrance to the city. It's around a 10-minute walk to attractions, monuments, and museums, including the famous York Minster Cathedral and York Castle. Other attractions include the Museum Gardens, JORVIK Viking Center, and York Dungeons, which are all within easy walking distance. 

There are plenty of shopping and dining options to be found in the city center, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and traditional pubs lining the streets. The Shambles is a popular market selling handicrafts and fresh produce, including an old 14th-century street with traditional bakeries, sweet shops, and a popular Harry Potter-themed shop. The banks of the River Ouse are around a 10-minute walk from the hotel, with plenty of nice walks that are lovely in the summer. York Racecourse is a 15-minute walk away, while York University is a 20-minute walk. York's main railway station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while Leeds Bradford International Airport is a 55-minute drive away.

The hotel has a total of 44 rooms, all of which are decorated in a blend of modern and traditional Georgian styles. Details include dark tones, rich wallpaper, carpeted floors, sash windows, wooden furniture, and leather armchairs. Each room is named after a famous wine or vineyard, with wine-themed artwork on the walls and empty wine bottles lining the windowsills. Huge double beds take center-stage, with chunky wooden bed-frames and soft Egyptian cotton linens. The only downside is noise -- due to creaky floorboards and a busy main road outside -- so light sleepers might prefer quieter rear-facing rooms. 

Amenities are plentiful and include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles and/or Nespresso machines, minibars, air-conditioning, phones, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the air-conditioning units can be noisy. Suites add extra living space, and some also feature iPod docks, Bose sound systems, and luxurious free-standing roll top bath tubs. Bathrooms are modern and beautifully designed, and all include walk-in rainfall showers and free Ren toiletries. Some rooms adds dual sinks and separate walk-in showers. 

The Hotel Du Vin has a elegant French Bistro set in a bright conservatory with hardwood floors, leather-topped chairs, and patio seating. The kitchen uses freshly-sourced ingredients and serves a traditional Sunday Lunch, but the food gets mixed reviews from guests. A full English breakfast with hot and cold options is served daily, but the fee is a tad expensive. There's a traditional bar with an impressive selection of fine wines, as well as a variety of beers and spirits. A small cigar shack is located in the garden, and there's a wine cellar and tasting room attached to the bar. Room service is available around the clock. 

The hotel is business-friendly and has several elegant meeting rooms with classic decor and bold murals painted on the walls, but there's no spa and fitness facilities. A concierge is available, and laundry services, wedding services, and free Wi-Fi are all offered. On-site parking is available for a reasonable fee, but spaces are limited -- on-street parking is available nearby for free. Pets are welcome at Hotel Du Vin, but for an additional fee.