Originally a British railway hotel, the Principal York has been restored to its former grandeur, and exudes a sense of old-fashioned elegance. The opulence of the late-Victorian architecture is highlighted in the hotel’s high ceilings, open layout and grand staircases that look down onto the main hall. Brass and oak elements adorn the neutral-hued 155 guest rooms and suites, which have been designed in a similarly elegant fashion.
For classic British cuisine, you can dine at the on-site Refectory Kitchen & Terrace, or for more informal dishes, you can choose from the bar menu at the Chapter House. Afternoon tea with a view of the Minster can also be enjoyed in the Garden Room.
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Photos of The Principal York
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OUR OPINION:
A beautiful property whose contemporary touches highlight its classic grandeur.
Rooms
Designed by award-winning interior architects, the modern rooms at this hotel are sleek, elegant and refined. They are beautifully decorated in balanced and neutral tones with oak and brass features and offer complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee makers and smart TVs. In keeping with the theme of comfort, the hotel provides guests with a welcome basket filled with local gifts so you can feel at home while you are away. Higher category rooms feature views of the Minster or the York Museum Gardens. The majority of the rooms have walk-in showers, but a number have roll-top baths and showers in the bath.
Location
The Principal York is conveniently situated just steps from the train station and can be accessed from Platform 3. The hotel’s location provides a great base for exploring York and the surrounding area.
Food and drink
The modern dining room at the Refectory Kitchen & Terrace serves classic British cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients. If you prefer to dine outdoors, you can be seated on the terrace decorated with fairy lights. The Chapter House offers more informal dining, or you can enjoy afternoon tea in the Garden Room, complete with views of the Minster.
Tour ideas in York
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Principal York as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
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Ancient York walking tour ![York Minster]()
Ancient York walking tour
Ancient York walking tour
Discover the pivotal role that York has played in English history over the past 2,000 years. Your private guide will lead a walking tour to visit the city’s gates, walls and medieval churches, as well as the tiny, crooked alleys called snickleways.
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Castle Howard and Rievaulx Abbey ![Castle Howard]()
Castle Howard and Rievaulx Abbey
Castle Howard and Rievaulx Abbey
Take a private guided driving tour of the windswept North York Moors. Visit the house and gardens of the stately Castle Howard, continue on to the pretty market town of Helmsley, and end at the haunting ruins of nearby Rievaulx Abbey.
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Nearby places
- Liverpool 139 kilometers away
- The Lake District 142 kilometers away
- Stratford-upon-Avon 201 kilometers away
- Cambridge 212 kilometers away
- The Cotswolds 230 kilometers away