A major York 'hometel' is set to open in the city centre in early 2026.

The London-based Lamington Group has announced details of its 116 guest room ‘eco hometel’, which operates under the room2 brand.

The venue is set to be built on the site of the former tax office in Piccadilly, known as Swinson House.

The 35,000 sq ft building, erected in 1938, has already been demolished and work is to start on its  replacement this summer.

RECOMMENDED READING:

This will be rooms2’s first development in the north of England.

Previously, planning permission was given in 2020 for a hotel on the site that was expected to be a Marriott.

Then, York developer NorthStar picked up the scheme, with York architects Vincent and Partners redesigning the scheme for room2.

Originally, the hometel was planned to open in 2024, then 2026 and now early 2026.

(Image: pic supplied)

Located inside the city’s castle walls, room2 York, will offer 116 guest rooms, a meeting space, laundry room, gym, and new Winnie’s cafe and bar concept specialising in home cooked and locally grown food. 

Robert Godwin, CEO at Lamington Group said: “room2 York will be a fantastic development that we are delighted to be progressing despite challenging economic conditions.

“In line with our One Living Planet strategy, we are proud to continue the creation of long term environmental and social value for our partners, guests and community.”

The company is B-Corp certified, meaning it operates to the highest environmental standards. The York property will also be ‘net zero.’

(Image: pic supplied)

The new hometel is designed to achieve ultra-low energy standards. It will be fully electric, fitted with roof solar panels, showers with wastewater heat recovery and CO2 sensor-controlled ventilation.

Lamington says room2 York’s design is based around a concept of ‘modernising medieval’ inspired by the city’s history and architectural heritage.

The property’s design will feature reclaimed timber flooring, recycled textiles and restored joinery, evoking a warm and inviting space.

Guestrooms will feature bold colours and artistic wallpapers, a signature of room2 hometels, where "playful design is celebrated."

Stained glass lighting pendants inspired by York Cathedral’s Five Sisters window, will sit alongside carefully selected lighting, upholstery and artwork.

(Image: pic supplied)

As with the brand’s other properties, the room2 team will work with local artists and makers to bring the project to life and provide a platform for the local community.

The company added this development follows Lamington Group’s Net Zero pioneering roadmap, which commits it to building to whole life net zero standards, a world first in hotels, as well as the official verification of net zero in operation of room2 Chiswick by BSI in 2023. 

room2 currently has four operational locations, in Southampton, Hammersmith and Chiswick, along with the most recent property, room2 Belfast, which opened in October 2023.