A weekend at the Principal York Hotel
I recently had the opportunity to visit the historic city of York, a place I always love coming back to, for the first time in almost two years (the last time being in that weird semi-covid restricted time!) This time around, I was lucky enough to be visiting as part of a PR visit, staying at the Principal York Hotel.
The Principal York is a timeless retreat in the heart of the city. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the hotel’s stunning décor, elegant atmosphere, and prime location just a stone’s throw away from some of York’s most famous landmarks.
Throughout my stay, I was able to experience the hotel’s luxurious rooms, as well as delicious dining at hotel’s on-site restaurant, The Refectory Kitchen.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing all of my experiences of the Principal York and also highlighting some of the best things to do in York for a weekend trip. So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a longer stay, keep reading to find out why the Principal York Hotel is an exceptional choice for a luxurious, stylish, and elegant stay in the heart of this historic city.
Disclaimer: Although I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Stoke for a PR trip, all experiences and opinions expressed in this blog are unbiased and 100% my own.
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Where is the Principal York Hotel?
The Principal York Hotel is truly in an exceptional location, right in the heart of the historic city of York. You’re just a short walk away from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like the breathtaking York Minster and the charming Shambles. Being in such a prime location, the hotel offers the perfect base for exploring all the rich heritage and history that York has to offer.
The famous city walls, numerous museums, and fascinating galleries are all within easy reach, making it effortless for you to delve into the city’s past and soak up its unique atmosphere.
How to get to the Principal York Hotel
Despite it’s city centre location, getting to the hotel is actually really easy, whether you’re coming by train or by car.
If you’re taking the train, the hotel is just a short walk away from York train station, making it accessible from all over the country.
If you’re driving, which is how we travelled, the hotel does have limited on-site parking available for guests, although it’s worth noting that parking is chargeable and spaces are limited so can be subject to availability.
It is also possible to park off-site, there are several public car parks located nearby, which offer a convenient and affordable option for guests.
Additionally, the city’s public transport system is well-connected, with bus and taxi services readily available for those who prefer not to walk or drive. Whether you’re traveling by train, car, or bus, getting to The Principal York Hotel is simple and stress-free.
Room with a view – Junior suite at the Principal York
We stayed in one of the Junior Suites during our stay at the Principal York Hotel. The room offered a stunning view of the famous York Minster from a large bay window, which was so lovely to wake up to!
The room itself was spacious and elegantly furnished, providing a luxurious and comfortable retreat from the bustling city. The comfortable bedding ensured a great night’s sleep, and the comfy sofas and large TV made for a great space to sit back and unwind in front of a movie. You also have all of the expected tea and coffee making facilities along with a complimentary bottle of water to help make you feel at home.
Little extras
The tuck box in the room was a nice touch and contained a selection of complementary drinks and snacks to welcome us – especially liked the mini bottles of local York Gin. It was great to know that the bottled sparkling water is produced on site at the hotel, adding to their sustainability commitments. The inclusion of a tuck box in the room made us feel even more at home and was a lovely surprise.
Bathroom space to unwind in
The en-suite bathroom was a real highlight of the room for me, complete with a roll-top bath for a luxurious soak.
The toiletries (from Antipodes) were provided in refillable bottles, which was a thoughtful touch and a nod to the hotel’s commitment to eco-friendliness. This attention to detail, along with the luxurious furnishings, made our stay at the Principal York Hotel truly special. And I can testify that the lovely roll top bath was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring the city!
Dining at the Principal York Hotel
As part of my stay at the Principal York Hotel, I had the pleasure of dining at their on-site restaurant, the Refectory Kitchen and Terrace.
Upon stepping inside, I was struck by the restaurant’s relaxing atmosphere and modern design. The clean and sleek aesthetic featured beautiful glass accents and botanical elements, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere that was perfect for a leisurely evening meal. The atmosphere was ideal for a quiet, intimate dining experience, and I was excited to see what culinary delights the Refectory had in store.
Dinner at The Refectory Kitchen
The menu at the Refectory restaurant focuses on using the best locally available ingredients and changes seasonally to reflect this. There was something to suit every taste on the menu, whether you were in the mood for something light or a hearty meal, making choosing what I wanted that bit more difficult.
The service was impeccable, with the waitstaff being knowledgeable and friendly, always happy to make recommendations and ensure that our dining experience was a truly memorable one. I was a little torn between the duck and the lamb for instance, but the waiter was able to give me a good description of each dish, which helped steer me towards the lamb in the end!
Additionally, the drinks menu was impressive, offering a variety of carefully selected wines and creative cocktails to accompany your meal. The Malbec we had to accompany our meal was fantastic, so if you like your reds I can definitely recommend that!
Starter
For my starter I chose the York ham hock terrine. The ham hock was produced from pork locally sourced in York and was served with a delicious mustard mayonnaise sauce and fig chutney. It’s not something I would usually order, but it caught my eye on the menu and I’m so glad I tried it.
The terrine was expertly prepared and had a rich, savory flavor that complemented the tangy sauce perfectly. I was impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the well balanced flavours.
Main
For the main course, I ordered the Wensleydale new season lamb. The dish consisted of roasted lamb loin, with a pea and broad bean tart, and a separate portion of shepherd’s pie on the side.
The lamb was perfectly cooked, slightly crispy on the outside but still nice and juicy. The pea and broad bean tart made for an interesting and refreshing side that added a pop of color and flavor, while the shepherd’s pie was a comforting classic that felt really indulgent and homely.
Dessert
For dessert, we both went for the white chocolate cheesecake (sometimes the classics are the best choice!) and it did not disappoint.
The cheesecake was light and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness to end the meal on a high note. The texture was smooth and the flavors complemented each other perfectly. Overall, it was the perfect dessert to finish off a wonderful dining experience at The Refectory.
Breakfast at the Principal York
Breakfast at The Principal York Hotel is also served in The Refectory restaurant, with the glass roof and large windows make for a lovely bright open space in the morning light.
The breakfast is a help-yourself buffet with plenty of options for both a hot and cold breakfast. Options included a selection of fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, and cereals. For those who prefer a hot breakfast, there is a hot buffet, which has all the elements to create a lovely full English, as you can see from my own plate! There was also a menu on the table with options for things such as eggs benedict and avocado on toast should you wish to order those instead.
More to explore – around the hotel
One of my favorite parts of my visit to the hotel, was taking a leisurely walk around the building and taking in the beautiful architecture and design elements. The hotel actually dates back to 1878, when it was originally known as The Royal Station Hotel. From the sweeping staircase in the lobby to the intricate moldings and original period features, the hotel is a true architectural gem! I would definitely recommend taking a little time to have a wonder around and explore for yourself.
But the beauty of the hotel isn’t just limited to the inside. The front gardens are a lovely spot to sit and relax, surrounded by greenery and with plenty of seating options. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few moments and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Plus it’s another place to enjoy that cracking view of York Minster too!
Alternatively, on the ground floor, you’ll find an elegant sitting room, perfect for relaxing with a coffee or a good book. Overlooking the gardens and York Minster the comfortable armchairs, and sofas are the perfect place to sink into and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Additionally, if you’re looking to stay in shape during your trip, the hotel also has a well-equipped fitness suite and swimming pool that you can use during your stay. Safe to say, walking around the city was enough activity for me in one weekend…
Principal York review – Final thoughts
To wrap things up, as you can probably guess if you’ve made it this far, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Principal York Hotel. From start to finish I was really impressed with everything, from the stunning room and architecture within the hotel to the impeccable service, I had all the amenities I could have asked for.
If I were to pick a highlight, I’d have to say that our meal at The Refectory really stood out. The menu was packed with delicious options, and every dish was beautifully presented. I was blown away by the high standard of cuisine, and I would choose to eat here again, even if I wasn’t staying at the hotel – and with the amount of choice for dining in York, that’s high praise indeed!
And last but not least, the hotel’s location was spot-on for exploring York. It was just a quick jaunt to many of the city’s must-see sights, making it the perfect base camp for a city break.
All in all, I’d highly recommend the Principal York Hotel to anyone looking for a cozy, luxurious, and convenient stay in this fantastic city. Book a room, wine and dine, and get ready to explore York in style!
How to book a stay at the Principal York Hotel
You can book a stay at The Principal York easily and directly online through their website here. Alternatively, you can pop your travel dates into the search below to book via Booking.com
Top things to do in York
York is a stunning city with a rich history and a wealth of cultural attractions. From its well-preserved medieval walls to its fascinating museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing weekend away, York has it all. In this list, I’ve rounded up some of the best things to see and do in York during a weekend trip, so you can make the most of your time in this amazing city. Enjoy!
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Explore the medieval walls of York: Take a stroll along the ancient city walls for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
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Visit York Minster: This magnificent cathedral is one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe and is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.
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Walk through the Shambles: This historic street is one of the oldest in York and is lined with charming, crooked buildings that have remained unchanged for centuries.
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Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre: Immerse yourself in the world of the Vikings and learn about their impact on York’s history at this interactive museum.
