We always go away at the beginning of December, and because it's only for one night, it's best if we go somewhere close to home (Newcastle). This time, we decided on Leeds because the last time we had visited, the shopping was good, and the bars and restaurants varied and plentiful.
I wanted a reasonably nice hotel because returning back foot weary7 after a day shopping can be a tad unpleasant if the awaiting room/hotel isn't very good.
A few searches found me this place which was just what we were looking for, it being not overly big, and not overtly part of a large chain; there are other hotels in the group but it doesn't appear in every city in the same format. The Eton Collection, which is the group Quebecs belongs to is described as "luxury boutique hotels and two restaurants" which are found in London, Leeds and Edinburgh.
~~Where is it?~~
Situated close to the station, this is very close to the city centre.
The journey to Leeds doesn't take long, but once in the city centre and following the loop road we became hopelessly lost. We had been told that the hotel car park was full, and were given directions to the car park recommended by the hotel, but it became such an arduous task that we just parked in the first car park which seemed relatively near to the hotel and which didn't cost the earth!
~~The Entrance and checking in ~~
The hotel itself opened in 2002, and was previously the "Leeds and County Liberal Club". The building itself is in the renaissance style and the bricks, which are terracotta colour and very warm looking were apparently sourced from wales. At the steps to the entrance door there is a round window where the porter would look out to see guests arriving but which is now a rather quirky feature of the restaurant.
It was absolutely pouring when we arrived and the first impression I got as we dragged our rain sodden selves through the doors was one of understated luxury and quiet. None of the hurly burly of some hotels here. The receptionist sits behind a large wooden table and guests are invited to sit on comfortable sofas whilst the checking in process is dealt with. Behind the desk is a beautiful ornate oak staircase, which is lit up by stained glass windows, and close to the comfy chairs, there was a fire crackling away nicely…it all meant I was less than impressed about braving the elements again!
~~Bedroom and Bathroom~~
We obviously saw only our bedroom, although there are 45 in total. These are apparently all individually designed, and if ours was anything to go by, I would imagine they are all comfortable and spacious.
Our room was on the ground floor, but slightly away from the main reception area and up a couple of steps. The room itself was large and spacious, with the main bedroom being down some steps and the bathroom being along a small corridor (in the room).
The bedroom definitely had that "wow" factor, with the large bed dominating the room. I say dominating because it is the kind of bed I would strive for at home- bolsters, throws, cushions, all beautifully arranged. Apparently the duvets are duck down, so this may prove a problem for people with allergies, but I loved the whole thing
There was a dressing table with large mirror, well stocked mini bar, plenty of cupboard space with the obligatory bath robes and slippers. Also in the room was a hair dryer (much better than those attached ones in the bathroom), iron and ironing board, tv, comfy chairs and table. There was also, as well as a cordless phone a business phone with 2 lines and voicemail.
One of the things I liked was the cd player, which meant no tv for me. We were able to borrow a cd from the collection of well over 100 cds; for this, we had to leave a deposit which was returned to us when we took the cd back.
Up some steps was the bathroom which was white, modern and airy. The sink was one of those which sits on a table, and there was a plentiful supply of soft towels.
~~Other bits of information~~
The hotel has a bar on the third floor and whilst it does not have a restaurant, there is 24 hour room service, and the option for breakfast in bed. The menu for in room dining is quite diverse and offers nibbles, sandwiches, savouries and pizzas, and a selection of main courses and desserts.
Check out is 12 noon, and guests can arrive at their rooms at 2pm
The hotel was oted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top 80 hotels in the world and by The Independent Newspaper as one of the 50 Best British Hotels (2007).
~~How much?~~
Our room cost £120 for the night, which didn't include breakfast. I think there are always deals to be had on the internet, and prices I was being quoted did vary.
~~Verdict~~
A lovely hotel with quite a fascinating history.
All of the areas which I saw were beautifully decorated and maintained, with the entrance area being welcoming and just the thing when you want to get out of the rain!
The bedroom was spacious, spotlessly clean and had everything you might need for your stay. The staff were helpful, and there were nice little touches such as umbrellas being given to guests when they went outside, and free newspaper on request.
The menu for in room eating was varied but it's here that I have my only grouch. We ordered some food and about an hour later it still hadn't arrived. When I phoned reception they informed me that the ovens were broken! No matter- we ate the food 5 hours later when we got back and not only did they bring the food which was ordered but also some extras little nibbles, and all at no charge. I don't think this will be true of the room service all of the time so I didn't let it spoil things. Throughout the experience the staff were helpful.
The hotel is very central to most of the shopping centres and restaurants, and being very close to the railway station, it's a good place to stay if travelling by train. We did actually think it would have been better to take the train than the car because as it was, there was no space in the (very small) car park.
For anyone going to Leeds, I would recommend the hotel- luxurious, close to all amenities and not too expensive. I would go back.
Thanks for reading.
Daniela x
More details
Cleanliness
Excellent
Family Friendly
Average
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main shopping district, this stunning boutique hotel is ideally situated for the cosmopolitan city.Lovingly restored Victorian oak furnishings, intricately handcr...
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