We stayed at the York Premier Travel Inn City Centre for two nights to celebrate my birthday this past weekend.

After a less than great stay last time the hotel responded directly regarding my comments and kindly offered us a 2 for 1 stay, which we decided to take advantage of.

After an early train from Peterborough we arrived just before midday and as expected were unable to check in. Fortunately the hotel does offer a luggage storage facility, so with bags safely away, we headed off to see York vs Salisbury football.

On return around tea time we checked in with ease and were allocated a room across the courtyard. Please note there is a lot of construction going on at the moment around the hotel and the car park is currently out of operation, which is one of the huge benefits of staying at this particular hotel. On this occasion we had arrived by train so it didn't bother us, but it is worth bearing in mind.

The room was excellent, very large (perhaps the biggest we have ever had in 20+ stays) with a very comfortable new bed. As ever the shower is perhaps the best in any budget hotel.

I am once again pleased to recommend the Premier Travel Inn after an indifferent experience last time. It really is the best budget option in York, with normally free parking (ring the hotel to see when the car park will be open again) and large rooms with very comfortable beds and good quality bathrooms.

York itself was once again very nice, but very wet. If you fancy a cheap pub lunch then O'Neills just over the bridge going into the city is worth a stop. They have a big menu but also a flyer with 6 dishes priced at just £3.50 each. The Chicken and Mushroom Crock Pot was particularly nice and well worth the money.

For breakfast I still think the Wetherspoons almost opposite the hotel is the best option. £3.69 for a big fry up is great value, you certainly won't get it that cheap in the city centre. In comparison the hotel breakfast @ £7.50 is rather expensive but it is all you can eat.

My two concerns about this particular Premier Travel Inn is the rates and the free parking. The rate of £70 is bordering on non budget if you ask me, but is more than made up by the fact the car parking is free. I wonder how much longer the car park is going to be free though?

Have fun in York, one of the UK's great cities.