A Storied Heritage

The Royal Station Hotel, York officially opened on 20th May 1878. The architect was William Peachey and the hotel was designed as an integral part of the new station and the flagship hotel of the North Eastern Railway Company.

The hotel’s story is deeply entwined with the ‘Railway Age’ - a period of rapid expansion when railways reshaped the landscape of Britain. Founded in 1853, the North Eastern Railway Company chose to build a new station outside York’s historic city walls, as the original station within the walls had become too small for the growing demand. The new station and The Royal Station Hotel were designed as a unified project, with the hotel embodying the grandeur and innovation of this transformative era in transportation. 

In 1896, a new 27-bedroom west wing was added to the hotel. It was known as ‘The Klondyke’ in tribute to the Klondike Gold Rush that captured the public’s imagination that same year. This wing was built taller than the original structure, adding a striking feature to the hotel’s silhouette.

The Oak Room within the west wing, which was once a reading room, today still retains its original carved oak panelling, creating a rich, club-like atmosphere. The wooden reading racks, a charming reminder of its past, are still in place today, preserving the room’s historic character.

In 1923, the ownership and management of the hotel transferred to the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). At this time, Art Deco lighting and furnishings replaced many Victorian features throughout the hotel.

In 1948, with the nationalisation of British Railways, ownership of the hotel passed to British Transport Hotels Ltd., the esteemed organisation responsible for managing a prestigious portfolio of 28 hotels across the United Kingdom.

In 1981, the hotel saw the unveiling of a new annexe, The Friars Garden Hotel, which added 23 rooms to the existing 135, marking the final investment under the ownership of the nationalised British Transport Hotels Ltd.

In 1983, under the governance of Margaret Thatcher, the ancillary operations of British Railways were privatised and the hotel was sold to the private firm Batchshire Limited. With its new ownership, the historic hotel was rebranded ‘The Royal York’.

After a series of ownership changes, the hotel was acquired in July 1991 by Principal Hotels, a Yorkshire-based company, and a comprehensive refurbishment commenced.

In 2000, a state-of-the-art leisure club was unveiled, complete with a 13-metre swimming pool and a fully equipped gymnasium. Shortly thereafter, a spacious conference and events centre was added, further enhancing the hotel’s exceptional array of amenities.

In January 2002, the hotel joined Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts group, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Renamed Le Méridien York, it became part of an esteemed global portfolio known for its luxury and excellence.

In 2016, once again under the ownership of Principal Hotels, a remarkable £27 million was invested to restore the hotel to its former grandeur. Renamed ‘The Principal York’, it was reborn as a true architectural masterpiece.

In 2018, Principal Hotels made a significant business move by selling its entire portfolio of UK properties to a leading French equity company. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of the hotel.

In 2022, the management agreement with IHG came to a close, and by October of that year, the hotel proudly embarked on a new chapter as an independent operator.

October 2024 marked a significant new chapter in the hotel’s history. As part of a complete rebrand, the hotel was renamed ‘The Milner York’ in honour of William Milner, a heroic York station foreman during World War II. William Milner is remembered for his extraordinary bravery. Amid an air raid, he selflessly risked and ultimately sacrificed his life to secure vital medical supplies, earning him posthumously the prestigious King’s Commendation for Gallantry. The hotel’s name pays homage to his bravery and dedication. A curated collection of William Milner’s memorabilia, generously gifted by his daughter, Brenda Milner, is proudly showcased in the hotel lobby. In further celebration of York’s rich railway heritage, the hotel’s food and beverage outlets have been thoughtfully reimagined. Peachey’s Bar and Grill is named after William Peachey, the visionary architect behind the North Eastern Railway’s design of the hotel. The Swollen Gambler, pays homage to George Hudson, the influential railway pioneer whose ambitious vision and extravagant lifestyle helped transform York into a key railway hub during the 19th century.