The Gillygate Hotel

The Gillygate Inn calls itself a pub with rooms. We stayed for three nights in January 2026, with my husband and our family dog, in the annex/garden room. The location couldn’t have been better. It’s right by the city walls, and the Minster is a five-minute walk, or a seven-minute saunter, from the front doors. We booked on a B&B basis. The inn doesn’t serve food, but breakfast was provided, with as much tea, coffee and juice as we wanted. The staff were unbelievably helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. Our room was a little small but perfectly adequate and very clean. It was warm enough that we turned down the heating even though it was cold outside. The bathroom was tiny, with just enough room to turn around, but it was clean and warm too. That’s why I’d give the room four stars. We had a fabulous stay and have booked again for later in the year, knowing we’ll probably have the same or a similar room. I’d very much recommend it.

The staff were very accommodating, and everything was clean and nicely presented. The rooms are comfortable and have what you need for a short break. The pub serves breakfast but no other food, which isn’t a problem in York, with so many places to eat. You can hardly get closer to the cathedral without being inside the walls, it’s about 200 yards as the crow flies. We’ll definitely stay here again.

We’re having a fantastic stay and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The rooms are very clean, with plenty of amenities, and ours had both a lovely bath and a shower. The bathroom came with toiletries and towels. Breakfast is lovely, though the vegetarian choices were a little limited for my friend. The meat options were lovely for those who eat meat, so just a note for vegetarians thinking of staying. It’s a pub, so you can expect some noise from downstairs in the evening. The staff are all lovely and accommodating, and there’s a good selection of drinks at the bar. It’s been a genuinely lovely experience, and we’d happily stay again.

Road closures made for an awful start, but the barman gave me directions to find my way in, then met me in the car park and offered to carry my bag. The cook also agreed to make breakfast early for me, and it was five-star, perfect in every way. It’s a shame this was a work stay. If I come to York for pleasure, I wouldn’t think twice about booking here. Thank you so much.