The Principal York

We booked The Principal Hotel because it was advertised as a luxury 5 star hotel in the centre of York. We were unable to secure one of their premium rooms and so booked a standard room online. On arrival we were given a room in an annex building some distance from the main area called The Sidings. The annex seemed to have been neglected and many areas seemed quite tired and dirty. For example the lifts were grimy and appeared not to have been properly cleaned for months. The corridors smelt unpleasant and musty and the carpets were old, tatty and in some places quite dirty. There were signs of water damage in the corridor area near the atrium. The room was very basic. The bathroom was reasonably clean but the room itself in general felt grubby. The carpets, fixtures and decorations all looked quite old and tired. The room had a tiny and basic tv. It also felt claustrophobic and hot. The windows wouldn’t close and it was difficult to sleep because of the noise from outside - not helped by industrial repairs being completed between 11pm until midnight on the night of our stay. The bathroom extractor also did not work, so the bathroom just steamed up after a few minutes. This was a last minute booking and we only stayed a night. The main areas of the hotel were better and in some places looked quite grand. Yet this was again let down by the dirty main toilets close by to the reception. These were again tired, dirty and some of the paint was peeling from the walls. We shared our thoughts with reception on departure. Based on our experience on this trip we would not return to this hotel. It is over priced and reminded me too much of a dirty 2* holiday hotel we stayed in on a last minute booking to Portugal 25 years ago.

Brilliant location and service. Excellent facilities. The food at breakfast time was a little bit cold. However, it wouldn't put me off staying again in the future.

The doorway corner has no light, very dim. There are stains everywhere, on the chair, the carpet and the bed blanket. Only the washroom looks newly renovated but not well maintained. The best point is the York Minster view outside the small window and grand decoration on the lobby floor.

The hotel exceeded our expectation for under door voyeurism. I could watch my girlfriend get changed by looking under the hotel room door, from the public hallway. The curtains were mouldy, and wet. Room was large. Bed was comfortable. Was told that the hotel management would look after us on our next visit but I don’t know why we weren’t looked after in the first place. Why would we come again? 🤷🏽♂️

We came by train. , so close to station , lovely hotel . Reception staff helpful and welcoming, storage for case both when arriving and leaving Short walk inro York , beautiful room with a bath We had dinner and breakfast , food all lovely , no complaints at all.

Great experience at Principal York，exceptional hotel with great garden view rooms. Spectacular restaurant and bar. Perfect location, nearby railway station. Enjoyed staying in the old town and would definitely return.

We stayed at the principal York for one night. We booked an urban room (rm 111). Upon arrive to York we are early and we were able to leave our baggage secure at the hotel until we checked in at 3.pm. The staff were very friendly and helpful. After a walk into to York, down the shabbiest etc. we returned to the hotel and booked in. The room was small but just right for one nights stay. Thank goodness for the fan as it was very warm and stuffy. We ate out in York, but had breakfast the next day. It was both cooked and continental. Very nice too! We enjoyed our stay. The hotel was tasteful decorated and although they had a wedding it was peaceful.

very colse to the train station. We can walk to the any views. lobby is georgours

There was plenty of on-site parking cost about£17.00 a night. 2 helpful receptionist, our room was upgraded at no extra cost. Good hearty breakfast which was open till 10:00. Nice large relaxing area.