‘I discovered the friendliest hotel in Leeds where Grace Kelly and Nelson Mandela have stayed’
The Queens Hotel is a huge, impressive building in the centre of Leeds, right next to the train station, which opened in 1937. The hotel recently underwent a £16 million renovation, updating all 232 rooms while preserving the art deco charm that has been savoured by guests such as Grace Kelly and Nelson Mandela.
While it’s a clearly sophisticated venue, it also has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There’s no standing awkwardly in the elevator – this is a place where friendly chats are pretty much compulsory. For the ultimate experience, guests are advised to book a City View room, which offers fantastic views of City Square.
Where to eat in Leeds
You don’t have to stroll far from your room to find a delightful High Tea in the hotel’s Grand Pacific restaurant. Our friendly, attentive
waiter Pete really added to the enjoyment of the experience and providing one platter for a vegetarian and one for a meat-eater was a fuss-free process. Topped off with a few glasses of prosecco, this really is a wonderful way to set your early evening off on the right track.
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Later, we wound down our evening at Mowgli Indian restaurant, which is a great place to go for a light bite. Since we’d indulged in an afternoon tea, we didn’t want much more to eat so we shared a delicious selection of vegetarian street food dishes. Mowgli is a beautifully lit, laid-back kind of place and although we didn’t get to sit in their swing-style seats (it was a Saturday night and we hadn’t booked), they looked absolutely charming – maybe next time. Mowgli also has branches in Liverpool and Manchester that may be worth sampling too.
What to do in Leeds
Roundhay Park is a large urban park full of beautiful scenery, lakes and woodland. There is a Parkrun held each Saturday morning, which is a great way to explore the park while enjoying the motivating camaraderie of a group run or walk. Situated on the north-east edge of the city, the park is the perfect place to indulge in some tranquillity while enjoying city life.
In terms of Leeds nightlife, The Decanter wine bar down the road from The Queens Hotel is a vibrant little place where we were lucky enough to find a corner table and share a bottle of wine. There’s a buzzing atmosphere and wonderfully efficient staff, but on a Saturday night the atmosphere may be a bit too effervescent for some.
How much does it cost to stay at The Queens Hotel?
Prices at The Queens start from £125 on Sundays for a double room, with weekend rates typically from £185.
