RECENTLY we received a telephone call from an acquaintance in Florida. She and her husband visit Britain in July and planned to spend a Friday night in York to see us and a little more of the city itself.

To book accommodation she rang several bed and breakfasts without success and then the Queen's Hotel, where she was told it was city policy not to book stays of one night on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and she would have no success.

She was distressed when she rang me because they fly home from Manchester the next day. I invited them to stay with us, but I wish to bring this information to light to help others who may find themselves in a similar situation. We must encourage tourists.

Damaris M Harris,

Hamilton Drive West,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 10:21 Thursday, March 21, 2002