Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre, Leeds

...I always book into the Holiday Inn Express, chiefly because it is the closest hotel to where I need to be. Within this review I refer to my last experience of staying there about 10 months ago.

Outside the building doesn't look too attractive, and the entrance is a bit basic with its blue doors and plants. However, when you make your way through the doors, the lobby is much more impressive. As I approached the counter to sign in, ...
...within a few seconds. I had already booked so it was just a matter of signing the piece of paper and taking my key card for my room. I was on the 6th of its 7 floors and being rather lazy, decided to take one of the 2 lifts they have. The corridor I travelled down to my room is rather luxurious, and lacks the certain cheap and tacky atmosphere that other hotels seem to adopt. The carpet and walls were of high quality and very clean. Bearing these ... more

On my trips to Leeds I always book into the Holiday Inn Express, chiefly because it is the closest hotel to where I need to be. Within this review I refer to my last experience of staying there about 10 months ago.

Outside the building doesn't look too attractive, and the entrance is a bit basic with its blue doors and plants. However, when you make your way through the doors, the lobby is much more impressive. As I approached the counter to sign in, I was greeted by a member of the staff politely within a few seconds. I had already booked so it was just a matter of signing the piece of paper and taking my key card for my room. I was on the 6th of its 7 floors and being rather lazy, decided to take one of the 2 lifts they have. The corridor I travelled down to my room is rather luxurious, and lacks the certain cheap and tacky atmosphere that other hotels seem to adopt. The carpet and walls were of high quality and very clean. Bearing these standards in mind, I was eager to go into my room, and I have to say I was not disappointed.

Although smallish, they are clean and tidy, and cater for all the needs of a resident. In my room there was small kettle, complete with a couple of sachets of tea and coffee, with the tiny milk pots you get in cafes. There's also a 14-inch TV (albeit with only basic terrestrial channels; others need to be requested specifically), and a writing desk. Other furniture includes a bed (obviously) and an open wardrobe for clothes. Besides all this is an en-suite bathroom, which again is rather small, and contains a toilet and shower, though is sufficient enough.

Their beds are quite comfortable, though I personally would've preferred mine to be just that little bit softer. I had a pleasant night's sleep, without any disturbances. The next morning I went downstairs to the main lounge area, which is conjoined with the dining area where you eat breakfast. Breakfast is purely on a self-service basis, and includes a variety of fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges etc), a seemingly endless supply of toast, tea and coffee (dispensed from a machine), yoghurt, ornge juice and mini-boxes of cereal (of which there are a wide range of varieties). I had a banana, a glass of orange juice, two slices of buttered toast and marmalade, a croissant, a bowl of Special K and a cup of tea (because I was rather hungry). I have to say that the quality of the breakfast was good, and the croissants and toast taste lovely and fresh. My only minor complaint is that their tea tasted a bit bland, and would perhaps not suit those who like their tea strong (like me). Nonetheless, for the money, an unlimited supply of breakfast is certainly impressive. Unfortunately there is no cooked items, so those who fancy a fry-up might be disappointed.

The staff service is good also, refreshing towels and sheets on a daily basis, whilst giving the whole room a wipe over whether necessary, and the staff are polite and friendly. In the evenings the bar is also open, serving a range of beverages until 1am every night. There is also a couple of computers that provide internet access.

So to summarise, if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Leeds, this is the place for you. It is also only a 5 minute walk from the city centre, so the local amenities are within reach. If you are driving, although they discourage this, there is ample parking space with a large car park at the front of the hotel (though this incurs a £5 charge). My only other criticism is that the prices are a bit steep, and there are other alternatives that leave a bit more money in your pocket, though with this money, you are paying for high quality. So overall, I would strongly recommend booking here for a pleasurable and welcoming stay.  

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