I WAS interested to read your article about members of the aristocracy attempting to rent accommodation for Royal Ascot 2005 to be held in York. (February 28)

Is this another example of there being little or no life north of Watford?

The Baron Clanmorris, according to your article, has indicted that it is unlikely that people would be willing to pay more than £50 per person per night for the accommodation they require.

My recent experiences in obtaining accommodation in London suggest that it is nigh-on impossible to get bed and breakfast accommodation for less than £50 per person per night except in very Spartan conditions.

Even as far north as Cambridge, I have recently been offered hotel accommodation at £60 per person per night for a single room (bed and breakfast) and at £98 per person per night in a twin room for bed and breakfast. I was assured that these charges were in line with the norm for accommodation nationwide.

I suggest that York has as much history as both London and Cambridge and is as attractive to tourists as both of its southern counterparts.

Surely, therefore, visitors to the historic city of York should be expected to pay for accommodation at a similar rate to visitors to London and Cambridge?

C Robinson,

Knapton Close,

Strensall,

York.

Updated: 10:39 Friday, March 05, 2004