Leeds hotels

Standing commandingly in City Square next to the railway station, the Queens Hotel is one of the best hotels in Leeds. Befitting this location, it’s a strikingly luminous art deco building with a starry historic guest list including Princess Grace of Monaco, Cary Grant, and Nelson Mandela.
Recently refurbished, it has a contemporary glamor that combines original features like mirrored panels, parquet flooring with modern art deco designs, such as geometric-patterned carpets. It’s big – 232 bedrooms – but somehow feels like a private club; I loved sitting on a stool in the cocktail bar and watching the bartender mix me a Martini.
Food in the restaurant is a mix of Pan-Asian and British staples that suits the colonial-style décor. Bedrooms are sleek, monochrome affairs with black-and-white art deco-influenced bathrooms. Go for City Square-facing rooms for the best views.

Overlooking the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that runs behind the railway station, and close to the bars and restaurants that have sprung up in this regenerated area, this modern mid-rise hotel is a handy choice for short city breaks. I met up here with a bunch of old school friends for a fun weekend.
A few minutes’ walk from the station, in the area known as Granary Wharf, and within easy reach of bars and shops – plus canal-side strolls – it’s easily one of the best hotels in Leeds. The open-plan ground-floor bar and restaurant are pleasantly relaxed with an all-day casual menu plus heated outdoor terrace.
The top-floor Sky Lounge cocktail bar gives a stunning panorama over the city. Bedrooms are light and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows.

For one of the best hotels in Leeds, it’s worth moving outside the city center to Thorpe Park Hotel. True, it’s not in an immediately obvious location – a business and retail park – but it’s easy to reach and the city center is just a 15-minute drive away.
The modern, low-rise building’s spa includes a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room and whirlpool, plus a swimming pool. Treatments use the French, natural-product-based Caudalie range and luxury British brand, Templespa. This is one of the best hotels in Leeds for active travelers, with a hi-tech gym plus exercise studio with a full range of classes.
Afterwards, chill out in the light and colorful atrium with its all-day dining or eat more classily from the Modern British menu in the restaurant. Bedrooms are large, sleek, and understated – the top-tier rooms even have complimentary stocked mini-bars – while children are made welcome with family rooms, mini-robes, and their own room service menus.

For convenience, flexibility, and a cracking location, it’s hard to beat these sleek one- and two-bedroom apartments. The Roomzzz (you either like or loathe the name) ‘aparthotel’ chain has made a name for itself with its contemporary mini apartments, fully serviced, and in prime city locations.
The Leeds City branch is no exception, just a five-minute walk from the station and within 10 to 15 minutes of shops, restaurants, galleries, and concert venues. Slick, neat and modern – wooden flooring, clean-cut furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows – each has a fully fitted kitchen, sofa, and bathroom with walk-in shower and nice White Company toiletries, too.
Larger apartments have space for additional beds or a second bedroom with bunk beds, which makes them an affordable family or group-of-friends option. Simple breakfasts are also available if you need a lazy start to the day.