SEVERAL of York's top hotels are already fully booked during York's Tour De France weekend - with some guests planning to turn up on two wheels.

The Cedar Court Grand, Hilton, Park Inn By Radisson and Best Western Plus Dean Court Hotel all have no more rooms available on July 5/6, when the world's greatest cycle race comes to town.

A spokesman for the five star Cedar Court Grand said it had been fully booked for two months, and pedal-powered guests were being made especially welcome.

"From safe bike storage and cycle washing, to laundry facilities for clothes muddied by the country roads and cyclist-friendly lunches, crammed full of carb-laden snacks, Cedar Court Hotels has got it all covered," said a spokesman.

Dan Mullen, assistant manager at the Dean Court, said accommodation had been snapped up, with guests looking to enjoy a bird's eye view of the cyclists as they went by along Duncombe Place.

Kate McMullen, Head of Visit York, said demand for accommodation around the Tour de France had been fantastic, with a steady building up of interest throughout the year.

"As soon as the Tour de France was announced, inquiries started to come in," she said.

"Several hotels are full, with others at around 80 per cent occupancy. We still do have availability and urge anyone interested in Le Grand Depart to book now.

"Spectators are making a beeline for York with visitors interested in attractions, shops and restaurants as well the big race, of course.

"This is a superb opportunity for York and Yorkshire - the tour is also introducing new visitors to York who’ve never been here before."

Meanwhile, the Cedar Court Grand is also planning to position two exercise bikes in its reception area, with staff and guests taking turns in half hour slots to pedal a distance equivalent to the Tour De France 3,656 km while wearing yellow and making a donation to the hotel’s charity, York Hospital.

Head barman Jose Torres has also created a special cocktail to mark the Tour De France, Flamme Rouge, in recognition of the red flag which indicates just 1km to go to the finish line of a race.