York, United Kingdom

York is a remarkable city. Rich in history itself, it also boasts many hotels with histories of their own. When looking for somewhere to stay in York, visitors will discover individuality and a wide variety of accommodation on offer. Whether you require a simple B&B, or are looking for a superior hotel to celebrate a special occasion, there really is something for everyone. The majority of accommodation is within easy reach of the city centrer, with its many shops, restaurants, pubs and tourist attractions. Many of the hotels and B&B's are situated in clusters along the main roads leading into the city center.

Inexpensive:

Gillygate, Haxby, Bootham, Bishopthorpe, Fulford, Holgate Roads and Heworth village all offer a number of reasonably priced B&B's and hotels. Ideal for those on a budget, good basic accommodation is available with the added bonus of being within walking distance of the city centre. Try the Cornmill Lodge Vegetarian Guest House or Mowbray House, both on Haxby Road. Ascot House is situated in a delightful residential part of York, close to Heworth village with its parade of shops and gardens. The family run Heworth Court Hotel is popular with visitors and locals alike as it has a friendly atmosphere and also offers superior rooms in a Victorian house nearby. The Jorvik Hotel in Bootham has its own garden restaurant, and also overlooks the Museum Gardens, so is in a prime location for shopping and sightseeing. There are a number of hostels to choose from such as the York Backpackers Hostel in Micklegate and The York International Youth Hostel in Clifton. Both provide basic accommodation. Self catering accommodation is also available, for example try the Bootham Park View Holiday Apartments.

Moderate:

Bootham provides visitors with a selection of accommodation moderately priced, such as the Abbots Mews Hotel, formerly a coachman's cottage dating back to Victorian times, it is set in its own beautiful mature gardens and has a first class restaurant. The Newington on the Mount is another well-priced hotel, offering good accommodation, an indoor pool, morning papers and a theatre ticket booking service. The Posthouse York on Tadcaster Road, as part of a well known chain, is renowned for providing good accommodation and services. It also has a weekend play room for the children as well as a baby listening service. The Galtres Lodge Hotel could not be better placed, standing as it does in Low Petergate, one of York's best known medieval streets.

Expensive: The Mount and Tadcaster Road are host to some of York's finest hotels. With the city centre close by and the racecourse even closer, it is not only location that makes these superior hotels so special. The Mount Royale has many unique features such as garden rooms with semi-tropical plants and a heated open air pool. The Marriott Hotel has amazing views of the racecourse from its 'Grandstand Rooms' as well as its own leisure club. The Elmbank Hotel displays art nouveau style throughout and its elegant surroundings are ideal for wedding receptions, for which it provides comprehensive packages.

The Novotel is in a desirable location alongside the River Foss and is a popular hotel offering an indoor pool, a play area and a baby listening service. Most of the hotels in York welcome families and provide family rooms upon request. Also try The Churchill, which is a converted Georgian building set in its own grounds and has a pianist playing in the lounge most evenings. The York Moat House by Ouse bridge overlooks the river and has its own restaurant and gym, for race fans this is just one of many hotels which offer special packages for race meetings. For a touch of York history The Monkbar Hotel is located opposite one of the gateways into the ancient city center and has the added attraction of offering excellent conference facilities. But for something a little different, Lady Anne Middleton's Hotel in Skeldergate consists of a former organ factory, a former sawmill and three distinct houses, one named after a well known visitor—Charlie Chaplin. Ultimately, for the most spectacular of locations, look no further than the Dean Court Hotel. With an award-winning restaurant, this hotel stands literally in the shadow of the city's crowning glory—the breathtaking York Minster.

Deluxe:

York has a number of exquisite deluxe hotels for those wishing to be truly spoiled. The Mount boasts The Ambassador Hotel, which offers elegantly furnished, individually designed rooms as well as an excellent restaurant. Set in its own grounds, this Georgian town house is the perfect setting for weddings and conferences. The Judges Lodging Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city center. This Grade 1 listed Georgian town house is bursting with historical interest. Tastefully furnished, it provides excellent accommodation and displays many original features. The Hilton York, close to Clifford's Tower and the Castle Museum, is a modern hotel offering first class business and leisure facilities. It also boasts the popular Henry J. Bean's restaurant. The Royal York is adjacent to York railway station. This large Victorian hotel has 158 rooms and a state-of-the-art business center. Many of the other larger hotels in York, offer impressive conference facilities, some with purpose built business centers, most with individual packages to suit all requirements. The Middlethorpe Hall on Bishopthorpe Road is a truly special place to stay. Built in 1699 it is a very stylish and grand country house offering the very best of facilities including a health and fitness spa and beautiful mature gardens.

Wherever you end up you are bound to have a comfortable stay in this most welcoming of cities.

York is not only a place of infinite historical interest but also a bustling metropolitan city. This is a duality reflected in the many and varied places to eat and drink in the city. By day there are a multitude of cafés and old fashioned tea rooms which shoppers and tourists flock to and by night there are bars and pubs galore. Dining in York is a particularly rich experience due to the sheer variety of restaurants on offer. The majority of York's pubs and restaurants are located in the winding Snickelways and lanes of the ancient city centre, although such places as Frankie & Benny's Italian/American diner and The Flying Legends pub can be found at the out of town Clifton Moor Retail Park.

Probably the most vibrant part of York is its ever growing coffee shop culture. In the city centre there are such places as the colorful Cappuccinos, popular amongst students and young people, as is Victor J's with its notably laid back, trendy atmosphere. Close to York's most famous landmark, The Minster, is Coffee Culture, another fashionably small café with an excellent range of baguettes and light snacks for those on the go. Harking back to more traditional times are the splendid tea rooms found throughout the city, such as the Earl Grey Tea Rooms, James' Tea Rooms or the ever popular Betty's Tea Rooms. This elegant establishment offers a wide range of teas from around the world, all served up in 1920s style. For those who prefer a more European flavour, there is Café Rouge, which serves continental food as well as fine tea and coffee, all within easy reach of the city centre.

Ask any local and they will tell you that there are 365 pubs in York, one for every day of the year. Although in reality the actual number may vary from year to year, this figure is never far from the truth. From traditional English-style pubs like The Five Lions, The Golden Ball and The Three Tuns, to the more modern, clubber-orientated bars like McMillan's and Harry's Bar. For the real ale aficionado, York has a wealth of watering holes, such as The Ackhorne, The Bluebell and The Maltings.

The city is also host to several annual beer festivals, which as well as showcasing the nation's lesser known breweries, often gives beer drinkers a chance to sample international ales. The most popular pubs in York are found along the famous student pub-crawl known as the Micklegate Run, which runs down the middle of the city center; local favorites like The Windmill and The Punch Bowl are joined by popular chain pubs like The Phalanx & Firkin. Although many have attempted to drink a pint in every pub on "The Run," few have succeeded. In fact as the chain has grown over the years, most tend to skip a couple along the way. Having run the gauntlet of Micklegate, some people may manage to venture in to one of York's nightclubs while others may find they've built up a hearty appetite.

Those who enjoy international cuisine will be well suited in York. For the Italian food lover, there are places like, Bella Pasta, La Piazza and La Romantica. South American and Mexican meals are served in establishments such as El Piano, Fiesta Mehicana and Plunketts. As curry is one of Britain's most popular dishes, it is only fitting that York should have plenty of top class Indian restaurants for those that like their food with a little spice. The Jinnah Balti House and Akash Tandoori both serve authentic Indian meals which will satisfy newcomers and old hands alike. The Jade Garden, The Phoenix and The Willow will satisfy those with a taste for Cantonese. As well as all this, people who like more traditional English fare will be well catered for and the likes of 19 Grape Lane, The Patio and Oscar's have varied menus that will have plenty to satiate most tastes. Some of the finest seafood can be found at The Blue Bicycle and the fish and chips specialists at The Wetherby Whaler serve the old favorite par excellence.

It's fair to say that York has something to offer for just about every taste and has enough places to eat and drink to satisfy the most diverse of appetites. Though its roots may be in the distant past, its eyes are set on the future, ensuring an enjoyable gastronomic experience for anyone visiting York.