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, and a handful with parking too.

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?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Yorkshire
• Consider one of Leeds’ neighbours: the best places to stay in York, Harrogate or even the best places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.