A spate of new hotels have opened in the Yorkshire city, many housed in stunning original Victorian buildings
Leeds is much more than a university city (students make up around a tenth of the West Yorkshire city’s population). Its majestic, newly restored Victorian architecture, buzzy food, nightlife scenes and easy connections to the surrounding Yorkshire countryside make for an easy, exhilarating minibreak.
Hop on the train (25 minutes) to visit The Hepworth in Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Bretton (one hour) and enjoy admiring works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Damian Hirst sitting peacefully among the sheep in 500 acres of rolling hills.
In recent years the “unofficial capital of Yorkshire” has seen a spate of new hotel openings, from modern chains to multi-million pound restorations of historical buildings. Here are the ones to book into.
Best for old meets new: Malmaison
The Leeds branch of the Malmaison hotel chain is in a grand red-brick Victorian building that was once the City Tramways’ head office.
Inside it’s slick and modern, with a basement bar and cosy wood-panelled brasserie lit by giant chandeliers where a lively crowd gathers at night. The rooms are spotless and in muted greys with loud, vibrant walls and huge windows, a nod to the original building’s design and allowing for views of the streets below.
It’s close to the River Aire – some rooms have views – and a short walk to the best of Leeds’ shops and eateries, including Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange, Trinity Centre and Victoria Gate.
Double rooms from £110 a night, malmaison.com/locations/leeds
The Malmaison building, on Swinegate, dates back to 1915 and was once a ticketing officeBest for history: Quebecs
This elegant Grade II listed hotel in the financial quarter dates to 1891 when it was the Leeds and County Liberal Club. It was renovated in 2000.
Independently owned, it’s beautiful to look at from the outside and inside and has retained some impressive original features such as a grand oak staircase and stained glass windows.
Enjoy drinks or tea in The Gallery, a lounge area overlooking the hotel’s grand oak staircase and five two-storey high stained glass windows, displaying the coats of arms of five Yorkshire towns (the building was originally the headquarters of the Leeds and County Liberal Club).
There are 44 rooms decorated handsomely around the Edwardian architecture with sash windows and marble bathrooms. There’s no restaurant, but you’re just a short walk from a multitude of dining options.
From £99 a night, quebecshotel.co.uk
Best for cool glamour: The Queens
The iconic Queens Hotel has been restored to grand effect
Stepping out of Leeds station, you’re immediately greeted by the imposing Queens building, the city’s most famous hotel. Built for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway, it reopened in 2021 after a £16m refurbishment, retaining its own private entranceway from the station.
Inside, it’s a celebration of old glamour with art deco features, including the original windows and lifts, tastefully combined with contemporary touches.
A boutique hotel this isn’t – there are 232 rooms, a gym and a fabulous Indian fusion cocktail bar and restaurant.
From £95 a night, thequeensleeds.co.uk
Best for a budget: easyHotel
A popular choice for a low cost base from which to explore Leeds, the city’s easyHotel is in the central Victoria district, an eight-minute walk from the train station.
It’s a popular option for those going to gigs at the nearby 02 Academy, but it is equally convenient for the Victorian shopping arcades, and restaurants (Stuzzi is a cool spot serving Italian small plates and excellent wine and cocktails).
The rooms are clean but compact as you’d expect, but there is a friendly 24 hour reception, fast Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs.
From £45 a night, easyhotel.com
Best for views: Double Tree by Hilton
This is in the lively Granary Wharf, a historic waterfront area now considered one of Leeds’ trendiest neighbourhoods (and just behind the railway station).
It’s also a good spot to catch one of the city’s water taxis, a favourite among locals and visitors, which run to Leeds dock (£1, under 5s free).
Hilton Double Tree hotel sits beside the peaceful Leeds and Liverpool Canal and has a rooftop bar (Getty)
Don’t miss its rooftop bar Sky Lounge – the city’s highest, on the 13th floor – which has a heated terrace, unbeatable views and excellent Yorkshire-inspired cocktails.
Its rooms are spacious and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable beds, 42 inch flat screen TVs and access to the 24-hour fitness centre.
From £99 a night, hilton.com
Best for spa: Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Oulton Hall’s 300-acre estate is a 30-minute taxi ride from the city centre, and offers a peaceful retreat with an Elemis spa, 27 hole golf course and landscaped garden to explore.
An 18th-century manor house-turned-four star hotel, it has an impressive entrance hall and lounge, with plush sofas, statues and chandeliers, and an elegant champagne bar.
Locals visit for afternoon tea, which can be taken on the terrace overlooking the hills. The hotel has its own blend of tea and there is a special children’s tea option that comes with an activity pack. The spa offers an indoor pool, steam room and Jacuzzi.
All the bedrooms are in a modern wing and were refurbished in 2022. If you’re celebrating, treat yourself to a suite in the Old Hall with views of the countryside. Rates are around £150 to £200 a night, but are lower if you book in advance or stay on a Sunday night.
From £133 a night, oultonhallhotel.co.uk
Best for the city: The Met
Another Victorian beauty, the Met opened in 1899 as the Hotel Metropole and is a Leeds landmark thanks to its distinctive terracotta facade.
In November, it is set to unveil the results of a major refurbishment, including a new-look restaurant and bar. It has a black and white tiled entrance hall and Thirties-influenced bedroom decor.
The Met is ideally located for Leeds Art Gallery – a must visit if only to take in the grand Tiled Cafe – and the cathedral and City Museum.
The hotel is a popular choice for business meetings and corporate events – it’s also pet friendly.
From £80 a night, leedsmet-hotel.com