When comparing York city centre hotels, the Novotel York Centre often emerges as a well-known midrange option on Fishergate, roughly 0.3–0.4 miles from the historic core (Booking.com). Its riverside setting, indoor pool, and on-site parking make it a practical alternative to more central boutique properties. This guide draws on official Accor listings, Visit York’s tourism directory, TripAdvisor reviews, and editorial round-ups from The Times to compare Novotel against top-ranked city-centre hotels so you can weigh location, amenities, and value.

Last checked: 2026-09-16

Top rated hotel: The Grand, York – 5-star, luxury spa · Lowest price found: From €38 on trivago · Popular chain option: Novotel York Centre – near station, city walls · Best area to stay: Within York city walls – city centre core

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-16.

Sources reviewed: Official hotel website (Accor), tourism board listing (Visit York), neutral review platforms (TripAdvisor, Booking.com), hotel comparison site (Trip.com), travel editorial (The Times, Yorkshire Food Guide).

Riverside on Fishergate
  • Riverside on Fishergate, within York’s historic city walls (Accor)
4-star rating
  • 4-star hotel confirmed by official tourism board (Visit York)
Pool and sauna
  • Indoor pool and sauna opened / reopened 20 June 2024 (Accor)
Parking on-site
  • On-site parking from £16–£19 per night; EV charging available (Visit York)

How Novotel York Centre compares with top-ranked city-centre hotels

Editorial round-ups and user reviews consistently point to several standouts. The Grand, York earns the luxury crown as the only 5-star hotel in the city centre, offering a spa and fine-dining experience (The Times). At the midrange level, Novotel York Centre balances practicality with modern amenities, while budget-conscious travellers often choose Travelodge York Central for its low rates and central location.

What this means: If you prioritise proximity to the Shambles and Minster, choose a boutique hotel inside the walls. For more space and parking, Novotel’s Fishergate location is a smart compromise.

Location and accessibility

Novotel York Centre is located on Fishergate, roughly 0.3–0.4 miles (about 750–800 yards) from the centre of York (Booking.com). The hotel sits beside the River Foss and is within York’s historic city walls, offering a riverside walking route into the core. York railway station is approximately 0.5 miles away, and the hotel is a 10–15 minute walk from the Minster and Shambles. For those arriving by car, the on-site parking is a significant advantage compared with many central properties that lack dedicated parking (Expedia).

Why this matters: Novotel’s pool, parking, and pet policy make it one of the most practical York city centre hotels for families and groups, but these amenities come with extra charges.

Amenities and trade-offs

The trade-off: The Grand offers luxury and heritage, boutique hotels offer charm, and Novotel offers practical facilities at a lower price point.

Pros

  • Indoor swimming pool and sauna (Accor)
  • On-site parking with EV charging (Visit York)
  • Pet-friendly policy
  • Family rooms and conference facilities for up to 120 people (Visit York)
  • Riverside location within city walls

Cons

  • Not as centrally located as boutique properties inside the core
  • Parking fees (£16–£19 per night)
  • Pool access may incur additional charges
  • Chain-hotel ambience compared with character-led alternatives

Who should stay at Novotel York Centre?

Families: Novotel York Centre is a top pick thanks to its pool, family rooms, and pet-friendly policy.

Couples: Boutique hotels inside the walls (e.g., Hotel du Vin, The Grand) offer more romance and historic ambience.

Business travellers: Novotel’s conference facilities for up to 120 people, free Wi-Fi, and proximity to the station make it a practical choice for work trips (Visit York).

Top-ranked York city centre hotel alternatives

The Grand, York – the only 5-star hotel in the city centre, featuring a spa and fine dining. Ideal for those who want fine dining and a central location with heritage character (The Times).

Hotel du Vin York – often featured in editorial lists for its intimate, stylish atmosphere.

Travelodge York Central – a budget option on Piccadilly, inside the walls.

Our verdict

Yes, on-site parking is available for £16–£19 per night, with an electric vehicle charging station (Visit York). Novotel York Centre is a reliable midrange choice for families and business travellers who value practical amenities. Other city centre boutique hotels rarely have pool or spa facilities.

Sources and further reading