Whenever I go to book a Novotel hotel I always forget this simple fact: it is what it is. A basic hotel room that won't blow you away, but provides a decent spot to sleep at a reasonable rate.
The Novotel in York is just that. The rooms are very basic, service is limited, but it has a comfy bed and we didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for the room. The biggest draw back may have been the lack of air conditioning (thankfully it wasn't too hot) - although it sounds like they are in the process of installing in (as of July 2015).
There is a restaurant with breakfast and dinner. We didn't try either as it seemed rather expensive compared to what you'd pay some place in York itself (to pre buy breakfast it was £12.50 I believe for a rather basic meal).
There is a back door to the hotel that has a beautiful patio over looking the river. A great place to sit and have a drink in the evening. And you can walk along the river to quickly get into the centre of York (a much nicer walk than along the busy road).
It's maybe a 5 minute walk to the city walls, Clifford's Tower, the castle museum, etc. About a 10 minute walk to the main shopping area and other sights of the city.
Overall don't go expecting to be wowed but it is a reasonable option to stay. read more