I was in York in 1994 and stayed at the Kismet Guest House at 147 Haxby Rd. As I recall, I found it through the York Tourist Office. It was not elegant but I remember it as clean, comfortable and quiet (my main criteria).

York has a fascinating history that includes the Romans, Norse, Normans and Anglo-Saxons. I took a free walking tour sponsored by the York Volunteers that told us the story of York and showed us some of the extant evidence of all of those cultures. I signed up for the tour at the York Tourist Office (a font of good information).

I also really enjoyed the traditional music at the Punch Bowl Inn on Stonegate (within the city walls). It is a pub that featured local musicians joining in for spontaneous shows every Monday night. Even if you are not a fan of English or Northumbrian music (or have no idea what it is), the evening is a great way to feel like a local rather than a tourist. All for the price of a pint.

Have a great trip.

Mark in brown, dry Los Angeles