The Principal York

The Principal Hotel (formerly known as The Royal York Hotel) was built in 1878. An old Victorian station hotel, the architecture is impressive. The sprawling property is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, lined with perfectly manicured hedges and a huge wrought-iron gate at the entrance. There are lovely views of York Minster, and the property makes for a tranquil respite away from the busy city center. Inside, classic decor has been combined with modern touches. The grandeur of the late-Victorian architecture has been retained through recent renovations, with ornate white columns, grand hallways, and sweeping staircases, while soft gray tones and contemporary furnishings bring everything up-to-date. 

The hotel has a sophisticated atmosphere, with a steady flow of people passing through common areas during the day. The Garden Room is an ideal setting for afternoon tea, while the outdoor terrace is a lovely spot for evening drinks in the summer months. A good mix of business and leisure travelers stay at the hotel, with many couples attracted to its romantic setting. 

The Principal York has a prime location in the heart of York, just steps from the main train station. Sitting just beyond the city's ancient walls, it's roughly a five-minute walk to numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and historic attractions. York Minster, the city's famous Gothic cathedral, is a 10-minute walk away, while York Castle Museum is a 20-minute walk. Fans of the Harry Potter franchise should head to The Shambles, an old winding street with over-hanging 14th-century buildings that are said to have inspired author J.K. Rowling. 

The JORVIK Viking Center is around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, while the picturesque Museum Gardens are just a few minutes' walk away. York Racecourse is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and the York Maze is around a 15-minute drive. There are some nice walks down by the River Ouse, which are lovely in the summer months. It's easy to get around York by public transportation, and there's a bus station conveniently located outside the hotel. The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford International, which is around an hour's drive from the hotel.

The hotel's 159 rooms echo the same traditional, yet modern, style of the common areas. Think: soft gray tones, elegant furnishings, and period features. There are a variety of room types ranging from compact Standard Rooms to suites with additional living space. Views vary quite dramatically, with some rooms overlooking the famous York Minster and others facing the back of the hotel, so it's worth paying extra for church views. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-fridges with fresh milk, phones, safes, and free Wi-Fi. However, there's no air-conditioning so rooms can feel stuffy in the summer months. The welcome Tuck Box is a winning touch, filled with snacks and chocolate bars. 

Marble-clad bathrooms are clean, modern, and well-finished. Most have hardwood floors, walk-in rainfall showers, robes and slippers, and Neal's Yard or Elemis toiletries. As the hotel is tucked away from the streets outside, rooms are mostly quiet, with minimal external noise, although the floorboards in the hallways can be a tad creaky. 

Features live up to four-pearl expectations at this property, starting with the dining program. The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace serves traditional British fare in a bright, modern setting. An afternoon tea is available for a fee, served in an elegant Garden Room with gorgeous views. There's a full English breakfast with scrambled eggs and sausages for a fee, but this is expensive. The Chapter House Bar is decorated in a traditional style with leather armchairs and dark wood furniture, and serves a selection of wines, spirits, cask ales, and classic cocktails. The hotel has an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining, which is lovely in the summer months. 

The hotel has a tranquil spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments, plus an indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna. There's also a modern fitness center, with up-to-date cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel caters for corporate travelers with a business center and 15 spacious meeting rooms, all with period features and modern technology. There's a large parking lot to the front of the hotel where guests can park for a fee, though spaces are limited. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service, laundry, and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome to stay at the hotel, but this costs extra.