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About Leeds

Leeds is a city with plenty of buzz around it. It has been at the forefront of the post-industrialisation rebirth, replacing its industrial backbone with a new reputation for culture, nightlife and retail, and many of the best places to stay in Leeds reflect this shift, with some super stylish industrial reimaginings popping up.

The grand Victorian architecture that dominates the city centre has really been polished up, and now these dramatic covered arches, arcades, and pedestrianised streets are populated with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. For retail therapy, you'll find plenty of shops to pique your interest especially in Kirkgate Market, and the rather glorious Victorian Quarter, known for its luxury brands and vast expanse of stained glass.

Those here for the culture should not miss the Leeds Art Gallery. Packed with Turners, Constables, Wyndham Lewis, Stanley Spencers and Antony Gormleys, it's is a big hitter when it comes to showcasing British Art. The Royal Armouries Museum has an impressive collection of weapons, and demonstrations showing how to use them; while the Leeds Industrial Museum is a wonderful place to uncover the rich history of this town, and the Leeds City Museum is also worth checking out. Leeds Cathedral and Minster will impress too.

Busy at all times of year, the best places to stay in Leeds fill up fast. So do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Leeds

For a City Break

  • The Queens Hotel is a landmark building in central Leeds, with Art Deco grandeur and scale, and plenty of old fashioned glamour. The location, right next to the city square and opposite the station, couldn’t be more convenient — you’re only about a ten minute walk from the majority of Leeds’ highlights. There are two large restaurants, plus a cafe bar, and a fancy, New-York-in-the-1930s style, cocktail bar.
  • Malmaison Leeds occupies a distinctly grand Victorian building close to the river, done up in Malmaison’s customary arty and uncluttered style. There are 100 rooms and suites, in an excellent range of sizes that includes both family suites and the option to join up interconnecting rooms. There’s a good range of decor too, from arty rooms, complete with features like yellow hippos, to more classically dressed monochrome rooms. The brasserie restaurant won’t disappoint, and the atmosphere certainly suggests pre-dinner cocktails.
  • The Dakota is a city centre hotel, with a plush luxury to it reminiscent of a private members club, that runs to a very intimate lounge bar, muted lighting, and an excellent collection of black and white photos of Hollywood legends. There are 85 rooms and suites, in a rather masculine style of geometric edges and monochrome colours. On the weekends there’s a cocktail bar, as well as the lounge bar and restaurant.

For Romantics

  • Quebecs is a rather grand and property in the heart of Leeds. Spacious rooms and suites boast huge sash windows and are done in a classic traditional style, in a palette of greens, yellows and greys. The dining room is lined with wood-panelling, as are some of the grander rooms, and there’s both a cocktail bar and a lounge serving afternoon tea.

For Families

  • The Bells has converted a Victorian red-brick building close to the river into a collection of just eight luxurious loft-style apartments. Original features have been augmented with original art and impressive contemporary detailing; sleek kitchens come standard, and six of the rooms have an outdoor hot tub with a view too. One has a private cinema.

For Great Value

  • The Mercure Leeds Centre is a city centre pick with 59 rooms and suites (the best come with a private balcony). The decor reflects Leeds’ past as a centre for tailoring, with the odd bit of sewing pattern sketched into the fabrics used in the contemporary rooms, armchairs that look as if they’re wearing suits, and half-made jackets as ornaments in the chic The Loom brasserie. Great value too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Leeds Bradford Airport is just outside the city, under 20 minutes by car or taxi, or around 40 minutes by public transport (bus). If you’re travelling some distance, it may also be useful to consider Manchester Airport which is about an hour away by car, or an hour and a half by train. If you’re coming from London, direct trains leave from Kings Cross and take about two and a quarter hours.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • The Pennines protect Leeds from the westerly gales that sweep rain over Manchester and the Lake District, but it does rain year round, so pack your wet weather gear whenever you choose to visit. The busiest time to visit Leeds is during the summer, although the Leeds cultural calendar always offers an impressive array of pleasures, from music and entertainment, to food and drink, and art and history.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Leeds

  • Mercure Leeds Centre Leeds 59 rooms from £90

    Short break  -  Well positioned to access the O2 Academy Leeds making this a great base for those visiting for a show
    Local exploring  -  With its city centre location the Mercure is an ideal base for exploring Leeds
    Value chic  -  A great value options with chic modern design and a vert central stay
    Sights nearby  -  You're within a short walk of all of Leeds' highlights
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    Conviently located four star hotel in the centre of Leeds. Contemporary classic rooms, designed with a nod to Leeds' heritage as a centre for tailoring, with all the mod cons, plus The Loom brasserie for food and drink. A stylish city spot for the business or leisure traveller. See More

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  • The Queens Hotel Leeds Leeds 232 rooms from £93

    City Style  -  A slice of history in the heart of the city returned to its former glory thanks to a multi-million pound refurbishment
    Business meetings  -  13 event spaces — some of them gigantic — make this a special setting for conferences, meetings, events & weddings
    Historic  -  Dating from 1937, the grand building was built for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway
    Bar  -  Glamorous Golden Age-inspired bar is popular throughout the day with a local crowd
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    This landmark central-Leeds building with its art deco flourishes has been refurbished to restore its 1930s glamour but with a sleek contemporary edge. Bedrooms are light and airy while the restaurant has a Pan-Asian vibe. A glam spot to stay for work or play. See More

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  • Malmaison Leeds Leeds 100 rooms from £125

    Historic  -  Dating from Victorian times, the building has been sensitively converted from a former Leeds City Tramways Office
    Business meetings  -  As well as meeting rooms, the hotel's open-plan pods make this is great spot for short meetings or remote working
    Local exploring  -  Centrally-located with all of Leeds on the doorstep; whether you're in town for nightlife, shopping or culture
    Sights nearby  -  Fab location; walk to Call Lane, Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange, Trinity Centre & Victoria Gate
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    A distinctive Victorian commercial building, close to the river, converted with Malmaison’s customary style into chic uncluttered bedrooms, a clubby style brasserie and a bar with cocktail flair. A great-value downtown base. See More

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  • Quebecs Leeds 44 rooms from £129

    Local exploring  -  Set in the Financial and Legal Quarter just off City Square - locations don't get more convenient than this
    City Style  -  An elegant hotel offering all the sophistication of a grand country house, right in the heart of the city
    Short break  -  Walking distance from the train station, this is an easy option for those coming for a quick trip
    Great walks  -  Get out of the city and take long walks through the rugged and picturesque Dales
    Air conditioningDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A majestic property in the heart of the city. Spacious suites and rooms benefit from enormous sash windows, tasteful antiques and traditional fabrics. Sip a cocktail at the atmospheric bar, dine in the restaurant or indulge in high-tea in the lounge. The height of luxury. See More

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  • Dakota Leeds 85 rooms from £158

    Local exploring  -  In the heart of the city’s fashionable shopping and restaurant districts - this is perfect for enjoying the city
    City Style  -  Dark, moody and romantic with a slick bar and restaurant - this is an undeniably chic city stay
    Value chic  -  A luxurious feeling hotel in a very central location offered at reasonable rates
    Restaurant  -  The Grill restaurant serves brasserie style dishes
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessNo pets

    A city-centre hotel with luxury and class, the Dakota Deluxe lives up to its glamorous name with smooth grey-on-grey colours, a clubby style and lounge-bars that work well whether for intimacy or business meetings. Rooms feature sink-into beds, black and white photos and indulgent modern bathrooms. See More

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  • The Bells Leeds 8 rooms from £285

    Self catering to rent  -  Feel right at home. Kitchens boast ovens, hobs, kettles, toasters & coffee machines as well as a dishwashers & washing machines
    Local exploring  -  Fab location from which to base yourself when exploring Leed's buzzing nightlife, great shopping & endless restaurants
    Romantic Break  -  Private hot tubs, fireplaces & striking city views make this well-suited to adult-only weekends away 'a deux'
    Groups  -  Five apartments come with two bedrooms & sleep up to four very comfortably with plenty of living space
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Spacious and spoiling luxury apartments in a converted historic building close to the river with a mix of original features and glamorous contemporary furnishings, pampering bathrooms, sleek kitchens and most with hot tubs. Unique art work & impressive modern amenities make this a spoiling choice. See More

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