ROOMS at York's major city centre hotels were still available to book for Royal Ascot - but running out fast.

At the Monkbar Hotel, in St Maurice's Road, there were 24 rooms still up for grabs today, 17 tomorrow, seven on Thursday, 23 on Friday and 24 on Saturday. Rates varied between £140 and £200 per room per night.

At the Hilton Hotel, in Tower Street, 14 rooms were still available today, but only five were left tomorrow, Thursday and Friday. The tariff was £206 per room per night.

At the Dean Court Hotel, in Duncombe Place, six rooms were still available today, with six tomorrow, one on Thursday, 18 on Friday and 27 on Saturday. Rates varied between £150 and £300.

At the Novotel, in Fishergate, 34 rooms were still available today.

The Travelodge, in Piccadilly, was fully booked every day of the race festival. Rates were £80 per room per night.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, June 14, 2005