Outstanding service, mouthwatering food and views for days – these five star hotels are worth every penny.
Want to experience the height of luxury? Look no further. We’ve scoured the county, and indulged to an almost indecent extent, to bring you our tried and tested guide to the best five star hotels in Yorkshire. You can snuggle up in a former Georgian manor, enjoy Michelin-stared dining or treat yourself to a tranquil spa break – the choice is yours. There’s only one rule – it has to be five star, and it has to be in Yorkshire. Here are the incredible hotels you need to know about.
The Grand, York
Proudly overlooking York city walls, The Grand, York is the biggest five star hotel in Yorkshire. The magnificent hotel occupies an old railway headquarters and still maintains many of the Edwardian features of its former guise. You’ll receive a warm welcome on arrival thanks to the wonderful doorman, and this rich Yorkshire hospitality extends to every aspect of your stay. When it comes to lodgings, you’ll find 207 bedrooms, split across the hotel’s two wings. Go for the original wing and you’ll enjoy spacious layouts, tall ceilings and architectural quirks, while the modern Roman house is finished with contemporary decor.
The hotel has plenty of five star facilities, like the gorgeous spa that’s nestled away underground. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the sauna or enjoy a beauty treatment – the choice is yours. Elsewhere, the on-site cookery school is a must for budding foodies, but if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, there are two wonderful restaurants to choose from. When night falls, be sure to visit the intimate 1906 bar and whisky lounge, where the expert bartenders will mix you up something special. If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, take a 10-minute amble into the city centre to discover the joys of the medieval city.
Why we love it: We had the best sleep of our lives.
Where it is: York – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £233 for a Saturday night in a double room.
Book it here: thegrandyork.co.uk
Grantley Hall
A Grade II-listed Palladian mansion set within 30 acres of grounds on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall is not only one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in Yorkshire, it’s also one of the best in the UK. Every inch of AA’s Hotel of the Year 2022 exudes luxury, from the magnificent gardens to the incredible Three Graces Spa. Each of the 47 bedrooms have been designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation, ranging from deluxe doubles up to the presidential suite with its self-playing baby grand piano. You can even pick your pillow and your robe from a menu, fine-tuning your nighttime routine.
Your complimentary spa access unlocks a haven of tranquility. Dip in the pool, sweat it out in the outdoor sauna, then plunge into an ice bath. There are also free classes in the state-of-the-art ELITE gym, home to a cryo chamber, underwater treadmill and expert personal trainers. Hungry? Take your pick from five eateries, including the Asian-Yorkshire fusion restaurant EightyEight, set against the stunning backdrop of the hotel’s Japanese gardens, and the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, which serves a tasting menu made up of ingredients sourced within a 30m radius of the hotel.
Why we love it: Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall offers an unforgettable dining experience.
Where it is: Ripon – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £727 per night on a weekend in a double room including breakfast.
Book it here: grantleyhall.co.uk
Manor House Lindley
Situated in a former mill owner’s residence, Manor House Lindley is one of the most charming boutique hotels in Yorkshire. The Grade II-listed property was bought and lovingly restored by interior designer Sara Presley in 2016, who worked her magic to create a truly stunning hotel. Step inside and you’ll find a series of wonderfully unique spaces, including 11 individually-designed bedrooms, each with its own distinct personality. We love the opulent Georgian suite, which delights with its striking classical architecture and grand four-poster bed, while the spacious apartment offers a cosy home from home.
A residents-only fitness studio is a luxurious touch, with free personal training available for all guests. When it comes to food and drink, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with two restaurants and three bars to explore. The star of the show is the triple AA Rosette Lantern Room, all exposed brick with a statement floral ceiling, where you’ll enjoy inventive dishes served with flair. After dinner, will it be the elegant Clock Tower Bar, the scenic roof garden, or the prohibition-style cellar bar? Slink down the stairs to the latter and you’ll enjoy live music and heady cocktails until the early hours.
Why we love it: The meticulous detail that’s gone into the interior design.
Where it is: Huddersfield – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £249 for a Saturday night in a double room including breakfast.
Book it here: manorhouselindley.co.uk
Yorebridge House
Award-winning Yorebridge House isn’t just one of the best luxury hotels in Yorkshire, it’s also ranked in the top 1% of hotels worldwide on Tripadvisor. The commitment to customer service is evident during every minute of your stay, with the staff happy to go the extra mile to offer that personal touch. Each of the 12 individually-designed bedrooms are themed around places the hotel’s owners have visited, whisking you away to the likes of France, Italy and New York. Six of the rooms even have their own outdoor terraces with hot tubs, so you can relax and soak up the views of the Yorkshire Dales.
When it’s time for dinner, prepare to be blown away. You’ll find innovative menus at the triple AA Rosette-winning restaurant – the six-course tasting menu with paired wines is the perfect choice for foodies, while the open kitchen provides the theatrics. Afterwards, enjoy a drink in the gorgeous oak-floored bar area while cosying up besides the open fire – bliss. Situated in the heart of Wensleydales, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the countryside, so be sure to bring your walking boots. Fancy taking to the water? Head to Lake Semerwater for sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Why we love it: The customer service is second to none.
Where it is: Bainbridge – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £400 for a Saturday night in a double room including dinner and breakfast.
Book it here: yorebridgehouse.co.uk
The Burgoyne
Nestled in Yorkshire’s Swaledale Valley, The Burgoyne is a charming boutique-style five star hotel situated within a late Georgian country manor. Step inside the recently-refurbished property and you’ll find a bold and eye-catching decor, with wallpapers from Liberty London and House of Hackney. Rooms come in the form of 11 individually-designed bedrooms, each named after local villages and possessing their own qualities and quirks. We love the Ivelet, which comes with its own stunning living room and kitchenette, sleeping up to four guests. It’s also perfectly positioned for you to take in the panoramic views of Reeth village green and the hills beyond.
The hotel’s restaurant, Brasserie on the Green, offers award-winning fine dining with a view. Menus change by the seasons, but you can expect noteworthy dishes like Skrei cod with cauliflower, pear and chervil, and a commitment to using quality local ingredients – some of which are even grown outside in the hotel’s own kitchen garden. Nearby market towns like Richmond, Masham and Leyburn provide ample shopping opportunities, but our tip would be to pack your hiking boots and get exploring – the hotel’s dog-friendly too, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged friends behind.
Why we love it: For the breathtaking views across the Swaledale Valley.
Where it is: Richmond – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £162 for a Saturday night in a double room.
Book it here: theburgoyne.co.uk
Crab Manor
Wonderfully unique Crab Manor has a soul of its own. From the moment you first make an enquiry to right through to after your visit, you’ll be treated to an impeccable and personal service, every step of the way – it’s one reason why people return to the hotel time after time. Another reason is the rooms – each one of their 20 bedrooms is themed around luxury hotels from around the world, taking you from The Ritz in Paris to the tropics of Bora Bora, all without leaving North Yorkshire. The best bit? 12 of the rooms have their own private hot tub or sauna, perfect for your next romantic break.
The double AA Rosette-winning Crab & Lobster restaurant is just as charming. It’s a foodie paradise – quirky and unpretentious, serving super-fresh, locally-sourced fare with a focus on seafood. The lunch set menu offers great value, but visit during the evening for a candle-lit meal to remember, feasting on everything from oysters and scallops to crab, stone bass and – of course – lobster. The hotel’s gorgeous grounds provide the perfect place to walk it off, while nearby Sutton Bank is ideal for walking and cycling – keep an eye out for the historic Kilburn White Horse!
Why we love it: See if you can find the secret beer pump for pour-your-own-pints.
Where it is: Thirsk – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £220 for a Saturday night in a double room.
Book it here: crabandlobster.co.uk
The Black Swan at Oldstead
When it comes to five star hotels in Yorkshire for foodies, The Black Swan at Oldstead is undoubtedly top of the list. Owned by the Banks family who have farmed on the land for decades, you’ll find the Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms perched on the edge of the dramatic North York Moors. Its nine bedrooms are reserved for diners, each one individually styled with antiques and character, featuring luxury touches like roll-top copper baths and wet rooms. There’s even a cosy room hidden away in the attic, reachable by spiral staircase.
But the food is the main event. The Black Swan’s tasting menus are famous far and wide. Designed by Tommy Banks and delivered by Head Chef Alice Power, menus are inspired by the land and created using ingredients grown, foraged and preserved in and around Oldstead. Take the birch sap treacle, tapped from local trees, or strawberries that retain the warmth of the day’s sun when they reach the plate. It’s farm to fork stuff, taken to dizzy heights. Drinks are just as creative – think cocktails made from wonderful preserves. Be sure to grab a seat at the teeny-tiny bar before you head up to dinner – even better when the open fire is roaring.
Why we love it: It’s top of the Yorkshire foodie bucket list.
Where it is: Oldstead – find it on Google Maps.
How much it costs: From £495 for a Saturday night in a double room, including dinner and breakfast.
Book it here: blackswanoldstead.co.uk
