Home/Where to stay/York/3-star hotels
3-star hotels in York
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in and around York, drawn from guest ratings and reviews, for couples, families, business travellers and anyone planning a short break in the city.
Staying in York
York is a compact, historic city where the Minster, the Shambles, the city walls, the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum sit within easy walking distance of each other. Visitors can also browse independent shops and cafes, take a boat trip on the River Ouse, or use the city as a base for the surrounding countryside. Several hotels on this list stand in the centre itself, on Bootham Terrace, Toft Green, Piccadilly, Black Horse Lane and Bootham, a short walk from the Museum Gardens and the Minster, which suits couples, families and business guests who want to be on foot.
Most other listings sit well outside the centre, in villages and small towns such as Gillamoor, Easingwold, Raskelf, Thirsk Bank, Kilburn, Wass, Kirkbymoorside and Hawkhills Drive, between 15.3 km and 38.8 km away. These are country inns with free car parking and restaurants, better for travellers with a car who want a quiet rural base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Royal Oak Inn
Main Street Gillamoor North Yorkshire, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereTravellers wanting a countryside base in Gillamoor choose this inn, where pets are welcome and free parking sits right outside. The bar and restaurant cover lunch and dinner, so guests can eat without driving back into York. A guest rating of 4.7 from 382 reviews reflects steady satisfaction. It suits couples and walkers who value quiet over city proximity, since it lies 38.8 km from the centre.
See The Royal Oak InnOld Black Bull Inn
North End Easingwold Raskelf Nr. Easingwoldnorth Yorkshire Yo61 3Lf, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay hereFor an easy-going stop in Raskelf near Easingwold, the Old Black Bull Inn pairs a bar and lounge with a restaurant and breakfast each morning, all with free wifi and free parking on site. Its 4.7 rating from 218 reviews marks it as a reliable choice. Drivers and couples touring North Yorkshire will find it convenient, though at 22.2 km from York it is not a city-centre stay.
See Old Black Bull InnThe Fauconberg
Thirsk Bank, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereFamilies and active guests gravitate to The Fauconberg, which lays on family rooms and a restaurant alongside tennis and squash courts, plus fishing and horse riding nearby. Free parking and free wifi are included. With 757 reviews producing a 4.6 rating, it has a broad following. Its 26.3 km distance from York suits those exploring the countryside around Thirsk Bank.
See The FauconbergHedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa
3 Bootham Terrace, York, United Kingdom
Why stay hereHedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa sits closest to the action, just 0.2 km from York's centre, which makes it the obvious pick for sightseers who want to walk everywhere. The 4.6 rating comes from 515 reviews. Guests seeking a spa and wellness break in the city will appreciate the concept, and the central address means attractions, shops and restaurants are within easy reach on foot.
See Hedley House Hotel Wellness and SpaThe Hawkhills Adults Only
Hawkhills Drive, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAdults seeking a calm, car-friendly retreat look to The Hawkhills, where the adults-only policy keeps things quiet. A restaurant, bar and lounge provide meals and drinks, free parking is available, and accessible features include lifts and wheelchair access. It draws a 4.6 rating from 493 reviews. At 17.2 km from York, it works best for guests with a vehicle.
See The Hawkhills Adults OnlyThe Forresters Arms Kilburn
The Square, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereIn Kilburn's village square, The Forresters Arms gives guests a bar, a restaurant and a terrace, with free internet in the lounge and free parking. Fishing and horse riding are on offer for outdoor days. A 4.5 rating from 608 reviews speaks to consistent service. Couples and walkers wanting a rural bolthole, 29.2 km from York, are the natural fit.
See The Forresters Arms KilburnThe Stapylton Arms
Wass, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Stapylton Arms in Wass combines a bar and restaurant with free wifi and free parking, and fishing and horse riding are available for guests who want to spend the day outside. Its 4.5 rating from 608 reviews suggests dependable hospitality. This one suits travellers touring the moors by car, since it stands 27.8 km from York's centre.
See The Stapylton ArmsThe Bay Horse Inn
York Road, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Bay Horse Inn offers a bar, restaurant and garden, plus free parking and free wifi, and wheelchair access for guests with mobility needs. Fishing is available nearby. It holds a 4.5 rating from 485 reviews. With a York Road address 15.3 km from the city, it appeals to drivers and couples who prefer a village setting with easy road links.
See The Bay Horse InnKings Head Hotel
5 High Market Place Kirkbymoorside, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereKings Head Hotel in Kirkbymoorside provides a bar, restaurant and garden, along with free parking and free wifi, and a meeting room for those travelling on business. Wheelchair access is available. The 4.5 rating is based on 303 reviews. It suits guests exploring the North York Moors, positioned 35.8 km from York's centre.
See Kings Head HotelHampton by Hilton York
Toft Green, York, United Kingdom
Why stay hereHampton by Hilton York places guests 0.2 km from the centre, making it a practical choice for anyone planning to spend their days on foot around the city. Its 4.4 rating is drawn from a large pool of 1957 reviews, so expectations are well tested. City-break travellers and business visitors who want to be central will find the location the main draw.
See Hampton by Hilton YorkHampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
46 50 Piccadilly, York, United Kingdom
Why stay hereA second Hampton by Hilton option sits on Piccadilly, also 0.2 km from the centre, so guests are within a short walk of the city's core. The 4.4 rating reflects 1136 reviews. It suits visitors who want a familiar brand and a central address for shopping, dining and sightseeing without needing a car during their stay.
See Hampton by Hilton York PiccadillyMoxy York
Black Horse Lane, York, United Kingdom
Why stay hereMoxy York on Black Horse Lane puts guests 0.2 km from the centre, ideal for a lively city break where everything is walkable. A 4.4 rating across 845 reviews gives a clear picture of what to expect. Younger travellers and weekend visitors who want a modern base close to York's bars, shops and attractions are the best match.
See Moxy YorkThe Exhibition
19 Bootham, York, United Kingdom
Why stay hereThe Exhibition on Bootham is another central option at 0.2 km from the centre, so guests can leave the car behind and explore York on foot. It has earned a 4.4 rating from 758 reviews. Couples and solo travellers looking for a straightforward city stay near the museum gardens and the old streets will find it well placed.
See The ExhibitionThe Oak Tree Inn
Raskelf Road, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThe Oak Tree Inn near Raskelf stands out for its spa, alongside a restaurant, bar and garden, with room service, breakfast in the room and a picnic area. Pets are welcome and parking is free. A 4.4 rating from 348 reviews backs it up. Couples wanting a relaxed countryside stay 24.6 km from York are the target guest.
See The Oak Tree InnWorsley Arms Hotel
High Street, York, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereWorsley Arms Hotel in Hovingham pairs a restaurant, bar and garden with free parking and free wifi, and golfers have a course to hand. Room service, laundry and babysitting services add convenience for families. The 4.4 rating comes from 323 reviews. Guests touring the Howardian Hills, 24.4 km from York, will appreciate the setting.
See Worsley Arms Hotel
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Royal Oak Inn | ★★★ | 4.7 | 382 | 38.8 km |
| Old Black Bull Inn | ★★★ | 4.7 | 218 | 22.2 km |
| The Fauconberg | ★★★ | 4.6 | 757 | 26.3 km |
| Hedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa | ★★★ | 4.6 | 515 | 0.2 km |
| The Hawkhills Adults Only | ★★★ | 4.6 | 493 | 17.2 km |
| The Forresters Arms Kilburn | ★★★ | 4.5 | 608 | 29.2 km |
| The Stapylton Arms | ★★★ | 4.5 | 608 | 27.8 km |
| The Bay Horse Inn | ★★★ | 4.5 | 485 | 15.3 km |
| Kings Head Hotel | ★★★ | 4.5 | 303 | 35.8 km |
| Hampton by Hilton York | ★★★ | 4.4 | 1,957 | 0.2 km |
| Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly | ★★★ | 4.4 | 1,136 | 0.2 km |
| Moxy York | ★★★ | 4.4 | 845 | 0.2 km |
| The Exhibition | ★★★ | 4.4 | 758 | 0.2 km |
| The Oak Tree Inn | ★★★ | 4.4 | 348 | 24.6 km |
| Worsley Arms Hotel | ★★★ | 4.4 | 323 | 24.4 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples
The Royal Oak Inn, The Fauconberg and The Hawkhills Adults Only all score 4.6 or 4.7 from guests, and the last is adults only for a quieter stay. The Exhibition and Moxy York are central options 0.2 km from the centre, with guest ratings of 4.4.
The Royal Oak Inn · The Fauconberg · The Hawkhills Adults Only · The Exhibition · Moxy York
For families
The Fauconberg lists family rooms and offers tennis, squash and fishing nearby. Hampton by Hilton York and Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly are both 0.2 km from the centre, and The Stapylton Arms adds fishing and horse riding in the surrounding area.
The Fauconberg · Hampton by Hilton York · Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly · The Stapylton Arms
For drivers
The Forresters Arms Kilburn, The Bay Horse Inn, Kings Head Hotel, Worsley Arms Hotel and The Oak Tree Inn all provide free car parking, and all sit outside the centre between 15.3 km and 35.8 km, making them practical bases for exploring the countryside by road.
The Forresters Arms Kilburn · The Bay Horse Inn · Kings Head Hotel · Worsley Arms Hotel · The Oak Tree Inn
Top-rated picks
The Royal Oak Inn and Old Black Bull Inn share the highest guest rating at 4.7 from 382 and 218 reviews. The Fauconberg follows at 4.6 from 757 reviews, and Hedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa, also 4.6, is just 0.2 km from the centre.
The Royal Oak Inn · Old Black Bull Inn · The Fauconberg · Hedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
York is served by York Railway Station, with direct trains from London King's Cross, Edinburgh and Manchester; the station is about a 10-minute walk from the city centre. By road, the city is reached via the A1(M) and the M62, and park-and-ride services run from the outskirts. Leeds Bradford Airport is the nearest airport at about 30 miles, while Manchester Airport is around 70 miles away. Within the city, most attractions are within walking distance, and local buses connect areas outside the centre.
When to go
The best time to visit York is during spring and summer, from May to September, when the weather is mild and many outdoor events take place, though this is also the busiest period. For fewer crowds, consider late spring or early autumn. Winter can be cold and damp, but the city's attractions remain open and the Christmas markets are popular.
Things to do near York
- A Car-Free Haunted Weekend in York: Trains, Walks and Sleeps
- A Couples' Weekend in York and Harrogate: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore in October
- A Haunted York Weekend by Train from Leeds: Where to Stay
- A Rainy November Weekend in York: Ghost Walks and Indoor Cover
- Accessible Ghost Walks in York: Routes and Places to Sleep
- An Evening Ghost Walk in York or Whitby: A Solo Traveller's Guide
- Autumn 2026: Romantic Hotels in York and Harrogate for Two
- Autumn Walks in the North York Moors: Routes and Places to Stay
Questions, answered
Which hotels are closest to the centre of York?
Hedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa, Hampton by Hilton York, Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly, Moxy York and The Exhibition are all 0.2 km from the centre. The next nearest is The Bay Horse Inn at 15.3 km.
Do these hotels have free parking?
Free car parking is listed at The Royal Oak Inn, Old Black Bull Inn, The Fauconberg, The Hawkhills Adults Only, The Forresters Arms Kilburn, The Stapylton Arms, The Bay Horse Inn, Kings Head Hotel, The Oak Tree Inn and Worsley Arms Hotel.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at The Royal Oak Inn, The Fauconberg, The Oak Tree Inn and Worsley Arms Hotel. The other hotels on this shortlist do not list pets among their facilities.
Is there a pool or spa?
The Oak Tree Inn lists a spa among its facilities, and The Hawkhills Adults Only has a pool bar. Hedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa is named for its wellness and spa offering. No other hotel here lists a pool or spa.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Fauconberg lists family rooms and offers tennis, squash and fishing. Hampton by Hilton York and Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly sit 0.2 km from the centre, and The Stapylton Arms adds fishing and horse riding nearby.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
The Royal Oak Inn and Old Black Bull Inn share the top guest rating of 4.7 out of 5, from 382 and 218 reviews. They are followed by The Fauconberg and Hedley House Hotel Wellness and Spa at 4.6.
Do any hotels offer breakfast?
Old Black Bull Inn, The Hawkhills Adults Only and The Oak Tree Inn list breakfast among their facilities. The Oak Tree Inn also offers breakfast in room.
Are these hotels in the city centre or in the countryside?
Five hotels stand in the centre, on Bootham Terrace, Toft Green, Piccadilly, Black Horse Lane and Bootham, all 0.2 km from the middle. The rest are country inns in villages and small towns between 15.3 km and 38.8 km away.