Holiday Inn York City Centre – A Family-Friendly Stay in the Heart of York
During our Easter weekend trip to York, finding a reasonably priced hotel for a family of four was quite the challenge. Holiday rates soared with the combination of Easter + weekend, but we managed to book the Holiday Inn York City Centre, conveniently located within the city centre.
Hotel Overview
Holiday Inn York City Centre
53 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PL, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1904 559000 | Email: reservations@yorkhi.co.uk
Check-in: from 3 PM | Check-out: until 11 AM
On-site parking: None (Nearby Peel Street Car Park available)
We booked a family room via IHG’s Family Getaway rate, including breakfast, at £217 per night. Normally, weekend rates hover around £140, so the Easter premium was noticeable. Arriving around 1 PM, we couldn’t check in early, but the staff kindly stored our luggage while we explored York.
The Family Room
The room accommodated four with a double bed and a sofa bed. While slightly compact, it was perfectly adequate for a short stay. The space was clean and comfortable, with a decent desk for work or laptop use. Tea and coffee facilities were provided, although there was no fridge. The bathroom was small but well-equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash – classic Holiday Inn quality.
After a day of sightseeing, the kids dived straight into the beds, clearly worn out but happy!
Breakfast Experience
Breakfast hours: Weekdays 6:30–9:30 AM, Weekends 7–10 AM. During Easter weekend, service started at 7:30 AM, so arriving too early meant a brief wait. The buffet offered:
- Hot options: fried eggs, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, hash browns, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans
- Pastries, muffins, white and wholemeal bread with a toaster
- Cereals: three types plus muesli and granola
- Cold options: melon, canned fruit cocktail, cheese, salami, ham, yoghurt
- Drinks: cranberry, orange, apple juice, still water, hot/cold milk, oat milk, coffee machine for lattes and cappuccinos
The kids were in breakfast heaven — croissants, pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and fruit all made it to their plates, showing just how hungry little travellers can get after a day in York!
Parking
As the hotel has no on-site parking, we used the nearby Peel Street Car Park:
- 1 hour – £3 | 2 hours – £5 | 3 hours – £7.50 | 5 hours – £9 | 12 hours – £14 | 24 hours – £16
The pay-on-exit system worked smoothly, and its proximity to the hotel made transporting luggage hassle-free.
Final Thoughts
For families seeking a central York stay, the Holiday Inn York City Centre offers a practical solution. The rooms are comfortable, breakfast is generous, and the location is ideal for exploring the city. While not luxurious, it’s a solid choice for a city-centre family stay — not a “must-book” but definitely a realistic and convenient option.