Elmbank Hotel and Lodge, York: An Honest Review
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Lauren Allen
Trying to figure out where to stay whilst planning a trip can be difficult. You need to consider a number of things. Those things include location, facilities, cleanliness, customer service and value for money. That’s where hotel reviews come in. They allow us to make an informed decision before booking and parting with our hard-earned cash. This review of Elmbank Hotel and Lodge shares an honest account of my experience at this beautiful York hotel. That way, you can decide if you would like to stay there or not!
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Elmbank Hotel and Lodge, York: AN HONEST REVIEW
Location
Situated a twenty-minute walk from the centre of the city, Elmbank Hotel and Lodge is a beautiful boutique hotel. If you’re trying to decide where to stay in York, this place should be at the top of your list.
Whilst it is definitely possible to stay closer to the city’s main attractions, the location really isn’t bad at all. The train station is a 15-minute (ish) walk away. Additionally, you can get to attractions such as Clifford’s Tower and York Minster in 25 minutes. If you are fit and healthy, the location of the hotel shouldn’t be a problem for you. Furthermore, the surrounding area is super quiet which makes for a peaceful stay with no disturbances.
Room and facilities
If you’re looking for a spot that boasts incredible decor, Elmbank Hotel and Lodge definitely exceed expectations. After eight years of travel, I can strongly state that my room at this hotel was the most impressive I’ve ever come across. Each room is decorated to a high standard with stunning tiles, furniture and finishes.
The size of the room depends on whether you book a classic, deluxe or superior deluxe room. I treated myself to the house superior deluxe room and I was pleasantly surprised. There was more than enough space for me to store my belongings, spread out and relax whilst I wasn’t exploring. The house superior deluxe rooms come with a lounge area, desk, wardrobe, large bed and lots of floor space.
Furthermore, the bathrooms are absolutely beautiful with tastefully decorated tiles and waterfall showers. Some bathrooms even come with a roll-top bath which is ideal after a busy day!
Cleanliness
Honestly, the rooms could have been cleaner. I found some surfaces particularly dusty, but it was nothing a quick wipedown couldn’t solve. However, I personally felt like they should have made more of an effort considering I stayed in the midst of a pandemic.
The bedding was clean, the room was tidy and I didn’t come across any other issues. However, for the price of the room, I expected it to be spotless.
Customer service
The staff at Elmbank Hotel and Lodge offer great customer service. They were happy to answer any questions and nothing was too much trouble. Furthermore, they happily secured me a room with a bath as requested at the time of booking. Due to this, I rate their customer service a solid 10 out of 10.
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Leethams Brasserie and Peacocks Bar
The hotel’s bar and restaurant offer dining and drinks in a sophisticated setting. Enjoy traditional Yorkshire dishes and some great cocktails whilst surrounded by beautiful decor. Leethams Brasserie serves breakfast, afternoon tea, Sunday dinner and evening meals. Furthermore, private dining is also an option.
Additionally, Peacocks bar is a great place to wind down after a long day of visiting York’s attractions. The drinks menu boasts a large variety of cocktails, wines, champagnes, spirits, beers and ciders.
Value for money
For two nights in the house superior deluxe room, I paid £212. Whilst that is pretty pricey for a solo traveller, it was a one-off treat after months of lockdown and cancelled overseas adventures. In terms of value, the prices at Elmbank Hotel and Lodge seem just right. Despite the hefty price tag, the overall experience was simply stunning and well worth it!
The overall experience at Elmbank Hotel and Lodge
From a personal perspective, I was blown away. As someone who typically stays in hostels, a little bit of luxury made me feel like royalty. If you are looking to treat yourself after a tough few months or fancy celebrating a special occasion, I highly recommend Elmbank Hotel and Lodge, York.
The only thing that could have been better during my stay was the cleanliness of the room itself. Beyond that, everything else was just perfect.
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Book a stay at one of the best hotels in York:
If this post has convinced you, click here to book a stay at Elmbank Hotel and Lodge, York. Furthermore, feel free to get in touch with the hotel directly to make any additional enquiries:
By phone: 01904 610653
Via Email: reservations@elmbankhotel.com
Have you ever stayed at Elmbank Hotel and Lodge, York? Let me know your experience in the comments below!
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