“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.”
“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.”
Hotel Review
This impressive red-brick Victorian building – the former head office of Leeds City Tramways – sits in the buzzing regenerated riverside area and just a five-minute walk from the station. One of the early ‘Mal’ hotels, it has all the trademark features of the brand: sober colours of grey, blood-red and chocolate; quirky little messages on walls and notices; and airy, uncluttered bedrooms. Spread over four floors these rooms are masculine in tone due to their monochrome palette and fuss-free furnishings, but are softened with velvet headboards and jazzed up with pop-art posters and feature wallpapers. Some, although big, are rather dark – those overlooking the river have a lighter feel – but all have bold black-and-white bathrooms with both bath and Mal's trademark powerful showers.
The restaurant serves punchy, well-priced brasserie dishes such as pot-roast guinea fowl, and home-made fishcakes with poached egg and chive butter sauce. Do leave time before dinner for cocktails; the list is impressive.
As one of the older ‘Mals', it’s not as flashy as some of the others, but the convenient location, the friendly staff and the relaxed vibe make it one of the city's best-value boutique-style hotels.
Written by Helen Pickles
Recommended For
- 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
- Close to nightlife
- Leeds boasts a great live music scene; head to gigs at First Direct Arena, The O2 Academy, Domino Club & Brudenell Social Club
- Museums
- Art-lovers shouldn't miss Leeds City Art Gallery or The Henry Moore Institute
- Designer Shopping
- Restaurant
- With exposed brickwork & statement chandelier, Chez Mal brasserie offers a glam setting for classic contemporary all-day dining
- Downtown
- Conference facilities
- Lively
- Family Suites
- Wedding license
- Views
- Full of character
- Lively area
- Disabled access
- Artworks
- Boutique
- Pet friendly
- Quirky
- Contemporary
- Charming
Facilities
- Restaurant
- With exposed brickwork & statement chandelier, Chez Mal brasserie offers a glam setting for classic contemporary all-day dining
- Car not required
- Leed's main transport links are all within 5 minutes walk
- Conference facilities
- Bath robes
- Family Suites
- Bar
- Wedding license
- Fireplace
- Walking distance restaurants
- Meeting Room
- Cots available
- Views
- Laundry
- Suites
- Pet friendly
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- 24 Hour room service
- Disabled access
- Concierge
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Wifi
- Air conditioning
- Business Centre
Activities
- Sights nearby
- Fab location; walk to Call Lane, Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange, Trinity Centre & Victoria Gate
- Close to nightlife
- Leeds boasts a great live music scene; head to gigs at First Direct Arena, The O2 Academy, Domino Club & Brudenell Social Club
- Theatre
- There are plenty of cultural hotspots nearby including City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds Playhouse & Carriageworks Theatre
- Museums
- Art-lovers shouldn't miss Leeds City Art Gallery or The Henry Moore Institute
- Designer Shopping
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Malmaison Leeds
Malmaisons are dotted across the country but the Leeds outpost manages to feel like an independent boutique hotel. This plush, atmospheric establishment set in a Victorian office block is imposing and intimate at the same time. It makes a perfect overnight stay for anyone wanting a weekend in the city.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
