I WRITE in response to the letter from Damaris Harris ('Shame on York', March 21). As a rule we prefer to take a minimum two-night booking at weekends but, subject to availability, we do try to meet guests' needs when possible.

Regarding the statement that "it is not city policy to book stays of one night on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday", I can only assume there has been a misunderstanding because I am not aware that any such policy is in operation and my team would not take it upon themselves to speak for other hotels in the city centre.

I wonder whether the visitors concerned were looking for a one-night stay over the July race-weekend in which case we would not have been able to accommodate them.

We take many tour groups throughout the summer and this leads to a shortage of rooms at weekends.

Far from discouraging people to come and stay, not only The Queens Hotel but all city centre businesses are busy promoting the benefits of visiting this wonderful city.

Samatha Harding,

General Manager. Queens Hotel,

Queens Staith Road,

Skeldergate,

York.

Updated: 10:10 Friday, March 29, 2002