Affordable luxury: hotels in Leeds perfect for a getaway that won’t break the bank

A mainstay on Leeds’ burgeoning hotel scene is the Radisson Blu that definitely scores well for its location. It’s not only found inside a gorgeous Art Deco building within The Light cinema and restaurant complex but it’s also walking distance from the city’s best art and performance venues, including the Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds Grand Theatre and the O2 Academy.

Position aside, the interiors of the Radisson Blu should be enough to convince guests of its charms. Settle down for the night in one of its spacious and sophisticated rooms that come decorated in relaxing neutral colours complimented by jewel-toned velvet soft furnishings and plush beds.

Downstairs is where you’ll find Radisson Blu Leeds’ FireLake Grill House and Bar with its supremely stylish décor and open kitchen. Take your pick of steaks, burgers and other rich cuts prepared over the fire, and watch mixologists create divine dessert cocktails like the Bakewell — a heavenly blend of Disaronno, cherry liqueur, gomme and prosecco.

If you’re keen to exercise off all that decadence the following morning, the Radisson Blu is neighbours with a Nuffield Health Fitness Centre (complete with indoor pool) which offers discounted rates to hotel guests.

This small hotel chain has a reputation for boutique luxury — and the Leeds branch is no exception. Found just off Swinegate on the riverside, Malmaison Leeds is as bright and exciting as its lively neighbourhood.

All the rooms feature the chain’s typically bold interiors and practical luxuries like minibars stocked with comfort food, huge TVs and gorgeously fragrant toiletries. At the cheaper end of the scale are the Cosy Doubles which pretty much do what they say on the tin. For a bit more space, you can upgrade to a standard room with a larger bathroom and cityscape views.

Shopaholics will be glad to know that Malmaison Leeds is located just five minutes from the spectacular Corn Exchange building; the go-to spot for independent shops and quirky cafés. If history is more your cup of tea, take a stroll down to Leeds Docks to admire the magnificent Tudor-era armour and weaponry in the Royal Armouries Museum.

When it comes to after-dark attractions, Malmaison Leeds is a stone’s throw from the city’s most popular bars on Briggate and Call Lane. For something a bit fancier, though, head to The Ivy — set in a beautiful period building in the Victoria Quarter — for an expertly crafted feast of modern British dishes.

A hotel with ‘deluxe’ in its name promises a certain level of comfort, doesn’t it? Dakota Deluxe Leeds certainly doesn’t disappoint with its lush décor that makes it a popular choice for romantic city jaunts.

A dramatic colour palette and blend of monochrome photography and vibrant paintings help set the mood in the reception and corridors, while huge beds laden with cushions and blankets and vintage-style wall art make its rooms difficult to leave. Even the most affordable Classic Rooms boast 300 thread count sheets, black-out blinds, complimentary slippers, bespoke Dakota Deluxe toiletries and luxe rainfall showers.

Dakota Deluxe Leeds performs well in the hospitality department, too, thanks to its effortlessly cool restaurant that specialises in grilled dishes (plus, it has a tempting vegan menu). If you’re in the city for an anniversary or birthday, take advantage of the glamorous Champagne Room — with its mirrored walls and sensual mood lighting — that wouldn’t look out of place in a film.

If you’re in need of a cosy café for great coffee and fresh pastries for breakfast, family-owned Mrs Atha’s is a welcoming pick not far from Dakota Deluxe that boasts stylish exposed brick interiors and a range of locally sourced goodies. We challenge you to resist a slice of one of their decadent homemade cakes!

Despite its title, this hotel doesn’t have a French-Canadian theme but is actually just named after the street it’s found on. Nevertheless, it’s one of Leeds’ most atmospheric accommodation options thanks to its fascinating heritage and classic décor. It’s housed in what was once the Leeds and County Liberal Club and has admirably managed to retain several features from its heyday, not least its balcony that was once the stage of many rousing speeches.

Quebecs’ rich terracotta façade is additionally awash with ornate stone mouldings and wrought iron rails, while the wood-cladded reception area is largely taken up by a sweeping staircase that leads to several floors of bright and airy suites. On your way up, spare a moment to peek at the stained glass windows that are appropriately decorated with the crests of Yorkshire towns.

The hotel’s rooms themselves are subtly luxurious, with plenty of soft furnishings as well as attractive original features like high ceilings and huge windows dressed with sweeping floor length curtains. Those after a unique experience of Quebecs can pay a little more to stay in the Robinson suite that’s nestled in the building’s enchanting turret and boasts numerous round windows with panoramic views.

Once you’re settled in, order a drink in Quebecs’ cosy Porter’s Lodge bar – named so for its former use as the porter’s rooms — or take a stroll down to Whitelock’s Ale House at Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds’ oldest and most atmospheric pub.

If you’re opting to drive to Leeds, consider staying on the outskirts of the city at the stunning Woodlands Hotel. As its name suggests, it’s completely surrounded by the idyllic Yorkshire countryside, in addition to being housed in a handsome manor built by a Victorian mill owner.

A popular wedding venue, Woodlands Hotel is also the perfect pick for a romantic getaway thanks to its gorgeous grounds, impeccable service and elegant décor. Its selection of 20-something rooms all look straight out of an interiors magazine with their coordinated colour schemes, carefully selected furnishings and breathtaking rural views.

As well as day-tripping into Leeds, you’ll find both the huge White Rose Shopping Centre and several golf clubs less than twenty minutes away from the hotel. For those who don’t fancy driving into the city centre for their dinner, Woodlands also has its very own restaurant that makes the most of Yorkshire’s excellent regional produce on its wholesome menu.

There’s also an amazing afternoon tea spread — think scones with all the trimmings and jars of Eton Mess — which you can enjoy out on the terrace on warmer days. It’s worth noting that Woodlands is often booked for events so it’s best to ask about restaurant reservations in advance.

Positioned in Granary Wharf and with fabulous views of the River Aire, the Doubletree by Hilton is always a great choice for a city break in Leeds. As well as its convenient location next to Leeds Station, you’ll find it has everything you need for a luxurious stay, from contemporarily styled rooms to a pretty impressive fitness suite with an indoor running track.

After you’ve checked in, take a moment to sink down into your high-quality Sweet Dreams bed, flick through the dozens of channels on your flat screen TV and admire the city from your window. If you decide to splash out on a Deluxe Room, you’ll even get a free welcome drink in the top floor Sky Lounge.

For a light lunch with an atmospheric view, check out the Doubletree by Hilton’s ground floor Lock Kitchen whose glass walls make it appear as if you’re floating on the water as you dine. If you’re a fan of South American cuisine, Brazilian rodizio restaurant, Fazenda, sits directly opposite and serves up a mouth-watering buffet of slow-cooked meats as well as an extensive selection of wines.

Leeds is a little thin on the ground when it comes to spa hotels which is why you’re best off checking into the Marriott if you’re craving a little pampering. It’s tucked away on Trevelyan Square next to the Corn Exchange and opposite Trinity Shopping Centre; factors which also make it ideal for girlie shopping trips or a birthday retreat.

As you’d expect from the luxury Marriott brand, the accommodation is spacious and modern, whether you opt for a smaller Standard Room or upgrade to a suite with its own lounge area. Comfy beds, soft linen and sleek bathrooms are a given, plus you’ll find fast, free WiFi throughout.

A well-equipped leisure club with a gym and tranquil indoor pool is free for Marriott guests to use, while the aforementioned spa forms part of the Russell Eaton Lifestyle Salon next door. Those in need of some indulgence can take advantage of the sauna and solarium or book in for a choice of affordable massages, facials or luscious hair treatments.

Leeds Marriott is surrounded on all sides by great eateries and bars but if you fancy a quiet night in, on-site AM Kitchen and Bar cooks up aromatic Indian dishes — from spicy masalas to fragrant biryanis and various veggie curries.