The Judge's Lodging

03.03.2025

We have stayed at Judges Lodging three times now, but sadly, it feels like the quality is slipping. While the building remains beautiful and imposing, and the reception staff are very helpful, the reception area and cellar bar are in need of maintenance, as was the room we stayed in. Unfortunately, the breakfast service was very poor. We waited over ten minutes both mornings for someone to take our order and had to find staff ourselves. We were offered bed and breakfast, which included the "brunch" menu, but there was confusion about what constituted brunch versus breakfast—even the staff seemed unsure. We like Judges Lodging a lot, but the room we stayed in definitely needs a refurb. There were wires hanging down from the TV, paint peeling off the walls, and missing grout in the bathroom tiles. This, combined with the poor breakfast service, makes me think the hotel has lost its way somewhat.

25.02.2025

Absolutely amazing!!!

22.02.2025

The toilet didn't flush, the shower spewed water everywhere and the bed sheets were dirty. The advertised view was of a dirty, enclosed rooftop and a sliver of sky. Disappointed. We were moved to another room, but with no apology.

21.02.2025

We love York and go to York twice a year! We loved the Judges Lodgings and will be back! Such a beautiful place!

17.02.2025

Visited for lunch. Great pie.

16.02.2025

Not recommended

16.02.2025

Very noisy room delivery vans unloading crashing bottles into bins loud voices seemed to be coming from inside and outside the hotel choose a back room if staying not one overlooking the main street.

07.06.2019

Call in now and then for lunch with a friend. Service is good, staff are friendly and efficient, and food is very acceptable. In no Not used the hotel part, so unable to comment.

26.11.2019

Me and my friends go here once a month for a catch up and we always enjoy the JL. You always get a friendly welcome and the small, intimate areas make for a cosy feel. Yes, it's not the cheapest place, but you get what you pay for. I've never eaten here but the food always looks good.

04.02.2025

We had two nights recently here and we loved it! Perfect central location as along. To every where was simple! We had the terrace rooms which were cute and big enough for our stay Food and drinks were amazing and breakfast is definitely a must! Had a great time and all staff were brilliant , we will be back!

02.02.2025

Very comfortable room, hotel has historic value. Close to restaurants and shopping. Food there was ok, staff were pleasant. A little noisy in the evenings from the bar/restaurant and when they trashed the empty bottles (at least I think thats what the noise was).

31.01.2025

Stayed at Hotel at end of Jan 2025, it was very clean and comfortable. The breakfasts were well presented, freshly cooked and served warm, couldn't ask for better. The staff were all friendly and kind and nothing was a problem for any of them. Hotel is well situated in the centre of York but you wouldn't think you were in the City as it was so quiet I the rooms. Highly recommend this hotel 10/10

24.01.2025

Disappointing Customer Service & Unfair Cancellation Policy I booked a stay at Judges Lodging for a work trip, only to be caught in a difficult situation when severe weather conditions—Storm Isha—forced widespread closures and cancellations, making my trip impossible. Despite this being completely beyond my control, the hotel refused to issue a refund, citing policies that were neither clearly stated on their website nor in my booking confirmation email. According to their own website, cancellations made before 10 AM the day before arrival should not incur a charge—a condition I met. Yet, the hotel chose to disregard its own policy and kept my payment, showing zero flexibility or understanding in the face of extreme weather conditions. I find this approach to customer service unprofessional and unreasonable. A reputable business should recognise exceptional circumstances and prioritise fairness over rigid, inconsistent policies. Instead, Judges Lodging has demonstrated a complete lack of empathy and integrity, leaving me out of pocket for a trip that was quite literally impossible to take. I strongly caution future guests to be aware of this unreliable and inflexible cancellation policy, and I would not recommend this hotel to anyone who values fair treatment and ethical business practices.

22.01.2025

Great city centre location in a building with lots of character. The hotel is dominated by a cellar and courtyard bar. The rooms are spread around the building and are accessed via dining rooms, the bar's inner courtyard, and various staircases. I doubt any one room is the same as the other. Ours was very plain and apart from a nice bed and side lights was barely furnished, it certainly lacked any of the luxury suggested by the star rating and the website. The big downside here was the level of service. The staff were friendly and reactive, but beyond this, they seemed to have little idea of the customer experience. E.g. 45 minutes to produce a cooked breakfast, told a second cup of coffee would be charged (even though the menu promises a cafetiere of it), the poached egg that was overwhelmed by vinegar (the cook seems not to know what their food taste like), told off for not noticing there was a door hanger to put out if you wanted some milk to go with tea and coffee in the room, bathroom fan that did not turn off all night, strict 3pm checkin even when the rooms were evidently ready & bags kept after checkin in a deserted lobby open to being stolen. At £150 per night this was a poor value expereince and a bit sad when the environment could be so good.

20.01.2025

Excellent room (15) and facilities - a very high standard - and all staff were friendly, helpful and courteous too! Will definitely be returning.

20.01.2025

Worst Sunday lunch I’ve ever had. Came with a friend for Sunday lunch, we were expecting 5star standard as described. It was so disappointing, tasteless. The vegetables were rock hard, couldn’t even cut through the parsnips. The ‘roast potatoes’ were just boiled spuds! The beef was fatty and not enjoyable. I could have made a nicer Sunday roast at home, it was literally just a plate of meat with boiled veg and watery gravy, absolutely no flavour. It was shocking. We did tell the waitress it wasn’t very nice. Then our bill came and we weren’t asked how we would like to pay and nobody came back with a card machine so we made our way to the bar to pay and left, dissatisfied and annoyed. It was terrible, will not be going back.

19.01.2025

Lovely cosy bolthole on a wintery afternoon. A tad on the pricey side £15 for a pint and medium wine though

14.01.2025

Excellent service and great atmosphere

09.01.2025

Just back from another fabulous stay at Judges Lodging, the hotel, staff and location are absolutely spot on

01.01.2025

Went for a meal see food and drinks review

31.12.2024

Stopped for a drink. Range of seating inside and out. Good atmosphere