Hi Dot....what a lovely idea. I wouldn't go for a posh hotel as they tend to be on the outskirts of York so you would need transport...and parking in York is terrible.
My boss used to stay here....
http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-queens-yor k.html?aid=303948;label=york-a7j6LgwT0FZQiq9mP Y1OOgS2378533611;sid=10b33ef46778302c94ddbdf03 892e4cd
It is within 10 minutes walk of the station and easy walking distance of the National Railway Museum, the Jorvik Centre (Viking museum), the York Dungeon, York Castle and Museum, the Minster, in fact everything. Also if you come out of the hotel, turn right and then left it is 5 minutes walk to Silks favourite restaurant Del Rios which I would definitely recommend.