York’s most loved historic hotel crowned Hotel of the Year

The Milner York, a Grade II-listed hotel situated on Station Road near the city’s railway station, has just been named RBH Hospitality Management’s Hotel of the Year, marking a “defining moment” in the hotel’s 150-year history.

The accolade celebrates excellence across RBH’s extensive portfolio and reflects The Milner York’s transformation following its £2 million rebrand in October 2024 (it was previously known as The Principle York).

Rooted in heritage and driven by a people-first culture, the four-star hotel has delivered “exceptional” results across commercial performance, guest experience, and team engagement.

These achievements reflect a wider transformation within the hotel, where their 200-strong team has undergone a successful “reculturing” programme, strengthening staff retention and fostering a renewed “sense of pride and purpose”.

This commitment to people is further evidenced by “consistently” strong guest feedback and “high levels” of satisfaction across multiple review platforms.

Looking ahead, The Milner York continues to invest in its future – a significant redevelopment is currently underway, which will further enhance the hotel’s existing offering of 155 bedrooms and 11 meeting and event spaces.

These developments will support continued growth while respecting the building’s historic character.

The Milner York says Hotel of the Year award ‘feels special’

Andy Barnsdale, general manager at The Milner York, commented: “This award feels particularly special because of the journey our team has been on, and it feels fantastic to be recognised by RBH Hospitality Management.

“Over the past year, we have reimagined not just the hotel, but the culture behind it, creating an environment where our people feel empowered, valued and inspired to deliver truly exceptional experiences.

“To be named Hotel of the Year is incredibly rewarding because it reflects every part of our business, from commercial performance and guest satisfaction to the passion and commitment shown by our team every single day.

“We are immensely proud of what has been achieved and excited for what comes next as we continue to build on this momentum.”

See all winners at the annual RBH awards online now.

On its website, The Milner York details: “The Grande Dame of York, situated in the heart of the city, offers picturesque views of the Minster.

“The Milner York, just steps from the historic York Railway Station, serves as the perfect base to discover the city of York’s splendour.

The hotel had a £2 million rebrand in October 2024 (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Opened in 1878, The Milner York is a stunning example of late-Victorian architecture, featuring sweeping central iron staircases, viewing galleries, and original high ceilings that showcase delicate craftsmanship, grandeur, and opulence.

“These historical features are seamlessly integrated with modern comforts, resulting in 155 elegant and inviting bedrooms and suites.

“Decorated in balanced, neutral tones, they provide more than just a place to sleep.”

Today, the hotel, which is also dog-friendly, welcomes over 75,000 guests annually and hosts more than 1,300 events each year – but what have recent visitors said about their stay?

Guests praise The Milner York for ‘delightful charm’ and ‘outstanding’ staff

Over on TripAdvisor, The Milner York currently boasts a “good” 4/5 rating based on 3,805 reviews – 1,893 of which are rated as “excellent”.

This person shared: “A delightful charm. Warm, comforting, relaxing.

“Excellent staff, particularly the evening bar crew. A guy n a gal. Made the experience memorable.

“The stunning architecture made one feel important. Definitely stay again.”

Another agreed: “A fabulous hotel, one of the outstanding things is the staff, they are very friendly, caring and efficient.

“The breakfast is excellent with plenty of choice.

“The hotel is ideally situated for travellers by rail and in walking distance of all the delights York has to offer.

“The architecture of the hotel is stunning, inside and out.”

This York hotel has 155 ‘elegant and inviting’ bedrooms and suites (Image: Tripadvisor)

Meanwhile, someone who stopped by for a special afternoon tea, wrote: “We visited today for afternoon tea to celebrate our Mum’s 75th birthday.

“We were thoroughly impressed with the beautiful building and very attentive staff.

“The food was delicious and the surroundings were extremely comfortable (we didn’t want to leave!).

“Thank you to James, Abdur, Martins and Carrie for looking after us.”

Have you stayed at The Milner York since its transformation in 2024? Let us know in the comments below.