Sat/Sun lodging in York

I see your comment re your father; if all else fails you could spend Saturday night in the country close to York and then move back into York for Sunday and Sunday night. We did that once staying near Castle Howard (Brideshead ), but there are a slew of other vilages. Easier if you have a car that night

Thanks for the idea. We were thinking to take the train in from London (we are actually flying in from the US that morning). And then taking the train again to Edinburgh 2 days later. So we wouldn't have a car. Was hoping for a leisurely first day w/o having to worry about driving anywhere. But may have to re-think the plan.

Amy, VisitYork seems a pretty inclusive site. I've used it. I suspect your alternative is to expand your search area. If you can find someplace that is still within rational can distance of the city center, I'd go for it, rather than rent a car. Much of the city center is closed to cars, and parking is sparse and costly. Since your dad is over 80, you need to know that many small hotels and b&b's do not have elevators. If you an get in, I've stayed at the Best Western Monkbar Hotel, which is just outside the Roman walls. Very convenient location and it has an elevator. Style and decor is nothing to get excite about. Very 1970's. But there is a restaurant and the staff is friendly and helpful.

We have stayed at the Royal York hotel several times. It is attached to the rail station! And it is just a short walk to the heart of the old part of town. However, I'm not sure about the family room and whether it would meet your budget- but do check it out. Oh- they also have a beautiful flower garden!!!

I have been using www.booking.com for looking for accommodations for my trip (also in July). It has been excellent for finding and booking rooms in London, Edinburgh, and for an overnight stop in Alnmouth. For whatever it's worth, I was originally planning on staying in York on a Friday night in July (the 22nd) and also had a very difficult time finding a place to stay that was within my budget, convenient to the train, and appropriate for a female solo traveler. I did a little more research and realized that there is a "Music Showcase Weekend" at the York Racecourse that Friday and Saturday night (apparently Blondie will be performing?!). It seems as if, while it is difficult to find accommodations in York during the summer in the first place, it is worse if there is a race going on that weekend. I ended up adjusting my itinerary and will be taking the train into York Saturday morning, touring around a bit, and continuing on my way without staying the night. It is not ideal and I'm sorry to not be able to spend more time there, but my hands are kind of tied as I have a conference to get to by a certain time during my visit.

I have just read that in 2011 York celebrates some ancient guy from about year 241- so iit does seem as if it will be busy this year- especially on weekends. Did not read it carefully enough to remember his name

I think I've resigned myself to paying $410 total/per night for 2 rooms at the Novotel. Although I am still waiting to hear back from Barrington House which looks pretty good and thru their on-line booking has both a family room and a single room ensuite available, but they haven't responded to any emails regarding the stair situation (for my father). Thanks for your help.

Hilton York Hotel at 1 Tower Street is available for 121 pounds per night. I just checked your Sat./Sun. last of July you mentioned. If you are a Hilton Honors member (easy to sign up) you get a better price. Go to Hilton Hotels to check this out. It's right in the center of town. Have a great trip!

Brian, It may have been the Roman Emperor Severus they'll be celebrating. He proclaimed York capital of northern Roman Britain (Britannia Inferior), and granted York the privileges of a colonia or city. He strengthened the city walls, and ran his military campaign against the Scots out of here, then called Eboracum. That's just a guess as to who you read about.

Yes, Brian, as Rebecca noted, it was Emperor Septimius Severus, who died in York (he got around) in 211, just 1800 years ago. That's a blink of an eye to the Brits! So there are posters and events about "Celebrating Severus," as we learned a few weeks ago when we visited. But, commendable as this historical awareness is, I don't think it's shared by enough people to make York a much more popular destination than it already is. Sorry I don't have ideas to help Amy with the summer weekend problem, but perhaps thinking of old Severus will put it in perspective.

Amy, If you are still looking, try tripadvisor.com; they have many, many York hotels and B&B's listed and rated. Also if you have the Rick Steves Great Britain book, look at his B&B suggestions in York.(I can post them here if you do not have the book. Let me know if you want their email addresses.) The Novotel you mentioned rates very highly on trip advisor (although it IS expensive) and many rave about the great breakfast they serve. So if that's the one you book, I think you will be happy with it. Have a great trip!

Amy, don't rely on email. Lots of places seem never to reply. Just call them. Won't cost that much.