Leeds Hotels

Best places to stay in Leeds to be near the popular attractions

Luckily, Leeds city centre is very compact and walkable, so you can’t go wrong with a hotel tucked between the canal and the ring road. It’s a very pedestrian-friendly city, too, so you can hop off the train, walk a few steps to your hotel, and easily walk to all the shops, bars and restaurants you could wish for, with no need for additional transport. There is a good collection of hotels right in front of the station area and spread into a part of town called The Calls.

Hotels at the ‘top of town’ near Albion Street and Merrion Street are perfectly located for gigs at the Leeds Arena but still a short walk from fabulous shopping. Leeds Dock is another popular hub of hotels, slightly further from the heart of the action and pleasantly peaceful, but still an easy walk along the canal from the city centre. It’s a good choice for summer when you’ll appreciate the waterside ambience.

Where to stay with your family in Leeds

Leeds city centre is fairly family-friendly throughout, so you can’t go too wrong with your hotel in Leeds, wherever you pick. You may prefer to avoid the famous student area of Headingley (slightly out of town), as this has a popular party atmosphere, and opt for a hotel near the arena, The Calls (to be near Leeds Minster), or in the Leeds Docks area.

Leeds Docks and the waterfront area are particularly good for families with children as they are pedestrianised, have a nice outdoor-focused atmosphere, have restaurants right by the hotels, and are quieter than some of the city centre locales. Plus you’re close to two of the best museums in the city too. The Holiday Inn Express at the Armouries with a great budget-friendly and family-friendly choice, with spacious rooms usually for less than £100/night.

Where to find cheap hotels in Leeds

Budget and cheap hotels in Leeds city centre are plentiful. For under £50/night you could stay at the simple, three-star easyHotel in Leeds city centre, which is compact but very modern, or at the Russell Scott Backpackers Hostel in a basic dormitory.

For something slightly classier and more refined but still often under £100/night, try the Leeds Marriott hotel. It couldn’t be closer to the station and the shopping centre, and is sleek and modern, with good dining too. Over in Leeds’ beloved student area of Headingly, there’s plenty of budget accommodation too. The Premier Inn is usually under £50/night with all the facilities and comfort you know and expect from the brand.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

As a solo traveller to the bustling city, there are plenty of great options to treat yourself if the budget stays mentioned above aren’t quite what you’re looking for. The city centre, near the shopping centre and the train station, and the Docks area, are the two key places to look for accommodation. Malmaison Leeds is the perfect balance of luxury feel and decor, with a solo traveller-friendly budget of less than £100/night, while the Crown Plaza is a step up again, promising four-star luxury, spacious rooms and a spa on site.

Nice hotels in Leeds city centre

Leeds city centre, a bustling hub in the heart of Yorkshire, is home to a range of exquisite hotels that cater to every preference and budget. From the luxurious opulence of The Queens Hotel, with its art deco elegance, to the contemporary chic of Dakota Leeds, known for its sophisticated ambience and exceptional service, the options are abundant.

For those seeking a blend of historical charm and modern comfort, The Met Hotel offers a unique Victorian experience, while the Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena provides affordable yet stylish accommodation, perfect for budget-conscious travellers. These hotels, each with their distinct character, ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in the vibrant heart of Leeds.

Leeds Hotels: Essential Insights for Your Stay

Leeds, a dynamic city in West Yorkshire, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's needs. Understanding the city's unique character and offerings can significantly enhance your stay in Leeds hotels.

Location Matters: City Centre vs Suburbs

When booking Leeds hotels, consider the location. The city centre is ideal for those wanting to be close to major attractions, shopping, and nightlife. Suburban areas offer quieter surroundings and often more spacious accommodation, suitable for families or those seeking a relaxed environment.

Transport Links: Navigating Around Leeds

Leeds boasts an efficient public transport system, including buses and trains, making it easy to explore. Many Leeds hotels are conveniently located near major transport links, providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Consider proximity to these services when choosing your hotel.

Leeds' Culinary Scene: A Foodie's Paradise

Leeds offers a vibrant culinary scene, from street food markets to fine dining restaurants. Hotels in Leeds often feature in-house dining options, but exploring local eateries is a must. The city is known for its diverse range of cuisines, catering to all tastes.

Cultural Hotspots: Enhance Your Visit

Leeds is rich in culture, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theatres. Hotels in the city centre are typically within walking distance of these cultural hotspots. Make sure to check out the Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds Art Gallery.

Shopping in Leeds: A Retail Haven

For those who love shopping, Leeds is a dream destination. From the historic Kirkgate Market to the high-end Victoria Leeds, the city offers a range of shopping experiences. Many Leeds hotels are just a stone's throw from these shopping paradises.

Staying in Leeds hotels offers more than just a place to rest; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant life. Whether you're here for business, leisure, or a bit of both, these insights will help you make the most of your Leeds experience.

The 10 must-sees of Leeds

• Go shopping: Leeds was made for shoppers.

• Royal Armouries Museum: displaying war history, artefacts and Henry VIII’s armour.

• Leeds Discovery Centre: museum and discovery centre featuring intriguing exhibitions from many eras.

• Leeds City Museum: local and global history and archaeology.

• Leeds Art Gallery: modern and classical art in a historic building.

• Leeds Playhouse: for modern and classic plays.

• The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds: for operas, ballets and more.

• First Direct Arena: for concerts, gigs and events.

• Kirkstall Abbey & Abbey House museum: 12th century abbey ruins with parkland.

• Tropical World & Roundhay Park: large park with tropical, botanic gardens.

Going shopping in Leeds

• Trinity Leeds: huge, modern mall with shops, bars, restaurants and cinema.

• Victoria Centre: glass-roofed Victorian arcades housing fashion and high-end department stores.

• Leeds Corn Exchange: traditional shopping arcade with smaller, quirkier shops.

• Leeds Kirkgate Market: a traditional covered market for food, fashion and gifts.

• The Light & Merrion Centre: smaller, high-street shopping centres.

• Crown Point: retail park with some outlets and home stores.

Hotels in Leeds with rooftop bars

The DoubleTree by Hilton on a pretty canalside in Leeds city centre is not only a comfortable and classy place for a stay, it also boasts one of the best rooftop views in the city. Sky Lounge is the highest cocktail bar in the city, perched atop the four-star hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering you a glorious panorama from a comfy indoor seat. Bottomless brunches and afternoon tea are Sky Lounge’s speciality. You can also dine at the Lock Kitchen or al fresco on its waterfront terrace.

Hotels in Leeds with gourmet restaurants

Recently refurbished The Queens Hotel couldn’t be more centrally located or more handy for the main train station in Leeds. The four-star location has reinvented itself with an extra dash of luxury, especially when it comes to dining. The Grand Pacific restaurant promises wanderlust in every sip and bite, with picture-perfect travel-inspired cocktails and dishes and an opulent art deco interior to set the scene. The food – exquisitely presented – is a delightful blend of British and Asian cuisine, think Szechuan sea bass, Asian-spiced duck cottage pie and tuna tataki, as well as a classic roast on a Sunday.

Spa hotels in Leeds

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa is a four-star establishment just 15 minutes from Leeds city centre. It’s surrounded by greenery, walks, golf courses, and even a Go Ape, but just a short hop from the city’s exceptional shopping – so you can shop ‘til you drop (into a spa). There’s a full-sized pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, detoxifying Himalayan salt sauna, and a full treatment menu.

Luxury Hotels in Leeds

The Dakota Deluxe Hotel has an unassuming front in Leeds city centre, concealing the five-star luxury interior from all but the discerning traveller. The inside is stylish, sleek and modern; the spacious rooms are understated and luxurious, with sumptuous bedding and carpets, minimalist decor and rainfall showers. The Dakota Grills promises elegant dining – its speciality is steak – and you can sip cocktails in the bar or book into the private, gusts-only Champagne room to soak up the exclusive ambience.