The 4-star Principal York, formerly The Royal York Hotel, is set in quiet gardens, with views into the new Garden Room overlooking York Minster. Free WiFi is available through the hotel, and the leisure club includes a sauna, steam room and heated indoor pool. It has stylish and modern rooms featuring a flat-screen Smart TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and a work space area. Guests will find an iron, ironing board and hairdryer in the wardrobe and each bathroom has a rain shower. The Refectory Kitchen and Terrace, and Chapter House bar offer fresh, seasonal food with a local flavor, while traditional afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room. A full English buffet breakfast is available each morning. With a gym and indoor pool the hotel is next door to York Train Station, with fast and frequent connections to London, Scotland and across the north of England. The property offers parking for guests driving to the property. The historic city center and York Shambles are a 5-minute walk from the hotel and York Racecourse is 5 minutes' drive away.