I would be staying at The Principal York just a few steps from the train station, the perfect base from which to explore the city. The Hotel opened in 1878 as the Royal Station Hotel, the North Eastern Railway Company’s flagship hotel designed as an integral part of the station. Blending the grandeur of late-Victorian architecture, Award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair have refurbished and restored the hotel’s rooms and public spaces to create 155 elegant, comfortable bedrooms & suites in balanced, neutral tones. 

From the exterior, The Principal looks like a palace of Scarborough brick and on the interior, it has a luxurious and sophisticated style. As you step into the Hotel you will feel like royalty and very comfortable with the warm reception you will receive at the reception desk. My luxurious room had the best view of York Minster I could have wished for! York does architecture really well and the Principal Hotel is no exception. Despite the extensive renovations there are still many original details to savour such as the stunning Victorian staircase. All of the public areas, such as the garden room and reception were elegant & sophisticated and my bedroom was vast with a very tall ceiling, showing off its unique history & exceptional heritage.

They really don’t build hotels like this anymore, so the Principal Hotel, York is a rare gem indeed!