9 of the best budget hotels in York – for a well-priced weekend in the walled city
Whether you’re looking for a hostel, b&b or guesthouse, the choice of budget accommodation in this walled city is seemingly endless and cheap hotels in York don't have to mean chintz curtains and swirly patterned carpets. There are a handful of good hostels, while the number of great-value b&bs and guest houses, both in the city centre and on the outskirts, run into the hundreds. Time your visit right, and you can even find hotels at the luxury end of the scale for bargain prices, which means more cash to splash in the museums, shambles and lively restaurants. Here's our pick of the best budget hotels in York.
Middletons Hotel
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Middletons is a collection of Grade II-listed buildings in a leafy, residential street within York’s medieval walls, a short walk to the city centre and a few minutes from the River Ouse. The hotel is split over six buildings, the original and most attractive is Lady Anne House, built in 1829 in the Georgian style. There are 56 rooms, ranging from standard-level Comfy to Executive suites with heavy drapes, high ceilings and chandeliers. Décor is unfussy, with neutral walls and carpets. The two Arts and Craft-themed cottages have an open-plan lounge and bedroom. Read expert review From £69 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Safestay York
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Forget conventional notions of a hostel; this is bright and fun with zany colours, en-suite dorms, a few private rooms, a breakfast room and a snazzy bar. The purple front door is a clue that the red-brick Georgian house may not be all it seems. High-octane colours of pink, purple, lime and lemon in walls, velvet armchairs, striped carpets and wallpapers are set against decorative cornicing, large sash windows and a sweeping staircase. A blackboard alerts to discounts at attractions and hostel offers (e.g. happy hour) while reception sells travel 'essentials' such as ponchos, chargers and sweets. Read expert review From £44 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The Bar Convent
York, Yorkshire, England
9Telegraph expert rating
One of Britain’s more unusual guest houses, with buildings that are part of a still-working convent and some bedrooms carved out of the novices’ dormitories. It was rebuilt in the 18th century with a handsome brick-and-stone façade and neo-classical chapel. And with Victorian additions of a glass canopy and decorative floor tiling, there’s a palpable sense of history and well-honed hospitality. The 20 rooms are not the ascetic cells you might fear. Neat and fresh in shades of peppermint and cream, they don’t stint on comforts with modern bathrooms and fresh milk to make a cuppa. Breakfast is a charming and generous affair, taken in the convent's café. Read expert review From £76 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Bloomsbury
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This elegant yet relaxed Victorian terrace house in the suburb of Clifton skilfully mixes its period feel with a light, modern touch. Guests are welcomed with tea and Paul's delicious lemon drizzle cake; there's a fridge with help-yourself water and soft drinks, books and board games to borrow, and they'll store bikes and even do washing for no charge. As with the rest of the house, the eight rooms are in sympathy with the building's Victorian heritage but with a modern freshness. Nice touches include books, handmade chocolates, good reading lights and generous toiletries. Read expert review From £70 per night
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Tower Guest House
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
A classy b&b that belies its traditional Victorian red-brick exterior with themed rooms, luxury bathrooms and high-tech fittings. The well-travelled owners, Tony and Diana Brennan, have high standards, and it shows, combining a bold and shiny modern look with Victorian-style features (some original) such as cornicing, stained-glass and floor tiles. Plus a few Asian-inspired touches. For a bed and breakfast, the 'extras' are sophisticated: a smartphone app for check-in, controlling your room's heating, choosing a restaurant and ordering breakfast, among other things. They also offer a free, daily shuttle service to the city centre and place ice buckets and wine glasses in rooms. Read expert review From £88 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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23 St Mary's Guest House
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
An elegant Victorian townhouse situated in an upmarket residential area just outside York city centre and near the major sites. 23 St Mary’s offers nine comfortable rooms, which are individually decorated in pale pinks, lemons and blues, with ‘non-chintzy’ patterned or flowered wallpaper, draped curtains and tea and coffee-making facilities. The sumptuous guest lounge is open late into the evening and there is an ‘honesty corner’ on the first-floor which sells soft drinks, crisps and chocolate for 50p. Breakfast is a comprehensive buffet of fresh fruit, cereals, yogurts and freshly baked pastries, as well as cooked dishes served at the table – the full English uses locally sourced bacon and sausages. Read expert review From £52 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Guy Fawkes Inn
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
A pub-with-rooms, in a plum position by York Minster. Part of a tall, early-Georgian terrace in a narrow street, and with Guy Fawkes associations – he was born, it is believed, in the cottage to the rear – it has preserved its historic feel. Step straight into the small bar which, like the snug and dining-room, is darkly cosy with bitter-chocolate walls, well-worn tables and the odd suit of armour. Gas-lamps provide some of the low-level lighting. Wonky stairs lead up to the bedrooms where dark-wood floors, and Farrow & Ball Georgian colours of green or red give an elegantly simple background to cast-iron or four-poster beds and a careful scattering of well-worn antiques. Read expert review From £69 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Staymor in the City
York, Yorkshire, England
8Telegraph expert rating
An attractive b&b off York’s fashionable Bishopthorpe Road. This four-storey terraced house has big bay windows to the front and a colourful mosaic path leading to a raised front door. Inside, it’s quirky but stylish, with stairways and landings covered in carpeting made from recycled plastic bags and various bits and bobs picked up at auction and car boot sales. There are seven rooms decorated along individual themes – exposed brick walls in City Walls, black tricorn hats dotted round Dick Turpin, train memorabilia in Railway Room. Breakfast is delivered to your room on a tray each morning. Read expert review From £69 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Queens Hotel
York, Yorkshire, England
7Telegraph expert rating
Set on the quieter, western banks of the River Ouse, this hotel is one of only two central hotels with a prized riverside location. There is always something to watch on the Ouse, from the antics of ducks and geese to passing pleasure-cruisers. Being primarily a comfy and convenient base for people doing York’s sights, there are few frills here: an evening bar in the dining room, and a large lounge with excellent river views and a small balcony for sunny days. The 78 rooms, spread over four floors, are light, modestly furnished and designed to do the job rather than make a statement. Read expert review From £60 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Contributions by Tina Walsh and Helen Pickles
Prices cited on Booking.com are subject to change in high season and during popular holidays and events.
