The Principal, York

You can walk off the platform straight into the hotel without going outside. And a train, undoubtedly, is the best way to journey to York; you don't need a car once here. The city's major sites are all walkable - the famous walls are across the road while the Minster and most other attractions are 15 minutes - or there's a bus stop outside. Rooms overlooking the station may get some noise from tannoy announcements. Cross the road and you're onto the medieval walls, or walk five minutes in the other direction for the National Railway Museum.

By car: the hotel is 40 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 30 mins from Manchester and 4 hours 10 mins from London. There is private parking on-site costing £15 per day.

By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The station is a one-minute walk from the hotel. Book trains to York.

Despite the heavyweight Victorian facades, interiors are elegant and airy in soft shades of grey and mocha with panelled walls, mirrors and racehorse paintings, velvet-covered sofas and acres of soft carpets. The grand staircase, wide corridors, pillars and high ceilings remind us of its age. By contrast, the Refectory restaurant, with its brick and exposed light bulbs, have an industrial feel reflecting the nearby station.

As well as the large and elegant Garden Room, with views over its namesake, there's a traditional-style bar - lots of brass and red leather - and a cosy snug. In warmer months, guests can sit in the garden on the other side of the car park. The basement leisure centre includes a small pool and gym, though the area is a little dated.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Spa
• Indoor pool
• Pet-friendly
• Parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All rooms, whether a suite overlooking the gardens in the main building or a more compact standard room in the Sidings (the new wing, a five-minute undercover walk away), share the same soft greys and coffees and smooth, uncluttered style with large headboards, pale-wood furniture, woollen throws and velvet or linen-covered armchairs.

Room types: Guest Room, Single, Urban Double, Standard, Double, Superior, Deluxe, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with rainfall shower, Elemis toiletries

Unlike the elegance of the afternoon teas, evening meals in the Refectory are a more casual affair with crowd-pleasing staples including prawn cocktail, steaks, fish and chips and pasta dishes, though served with flair. Breakfast is a triumph with wide-ranging hot and cold buffets plus cooked-to-order dishes including omelettes, and smashed avocado and poached eggs.

The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace: Yorkshire produce, traditional British dishes, steaks, pizzas, small plates, sandwiches. Open every day for breakfast and dinner. Mains from £11.50.