The Ultimate Leeds Accommodation Guide

Where to stay in Leeds

Leeds City Centre

Staying in Leeds city centre is the perfect option for first-time travellers. Not only will you have main attractions in your footsteps, but it’ll be easier for you to access other areas of the city, especially if you rely on public transport.

Although you normally find out that accommodation in the city centre is more expensive, you’ll be happy to hear that you can also find budget-friendly options in Leeds city centre.

These are some of the best hotels in the city centre:

Hotel Ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point Road

⭐2-star hotel

If you’re looking for a bargain, the Ibis budget in Crown Point Road is the one for you. It’s located at the bottom of the city centre, close to Leeds Minster and the coach station. 

The hotel is great for short stays and for those who don’t mind getting a unique hotel experience, but want a neat, simple place to sleep.

The rooms include TV, air conditioning and WiFi. The hotel also offers breakfast, snack vending machines and a 24-hour reception.

If you want a budget-friendly hotel that offers a bit more than Hotel ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point Road, check Hotel ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena.

easyHotel Leeds City Centre

⭐ 3-star hotel

Are you looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Leeds? Then EasyHotel is your best option.

The hotel is located in the middle of the city centre, a minute walk from Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre, coffee shops and arcades, and very close to Leeds museums and galleries.

All the rooms include air conditioning, heating, and an en-suite bathroom. You can request a hairdryer or an iron, so you don’t need to bring them from home.

The Met Hotel Leeds

⭐ 4-star hotel

This late 1800s hotel was designed by local architects, and it’s always been considered a true gem. Its Victorian terracotta facade and stone cupola make it a beautiful building in which you’ll want to stay.

The rooms are beautifully decorated and include Wifi, a tea and coffee maker and a TV. You can also enjoy free access to the gym or have dinner at their Tempus bar and restaurant, which uses locally sourced ingredients.

Another reason to stay in this hotel is the fact that you’re a stone’s throw from Leeds’ main attractions, as the hotel is situated at the heart of the city, next to the train station.

Malmaison Leeds

⭐ 4-star hotel

This boutique hotel is located in the city centre, within a short distance of Leeds Train Station.

The hotel has over 90 rooms that offer spacious beds, free WiFi, a hairdryer, and a tea and coffee maker. Inside Malmaison, you can also enjoy a meal at Chez Mal Brasserie, which serves delicious modern dishes.

Malmaison is also a good choice if you enjoy nightlife, as it’s a three-minute walk from Call Lane, the best street to enjoy a few drinks in Leeds.

The Queens Hotel

⭐ 4-star hotel

The Queens Hotel is the most reputable hotel in Leeds, not only because of its beautiful facade but great service. Located in the heart of the city and next to the train station, it makes it an even better place to stay.

The hotel includes recently refurbished rooms that are beautifully decorated and include all the amenities you need. In addition to this, you cannot miss out on the opportunity to have a delicious meal at their restaurant or a cheeky drink in the bar.

The Queens Hotel is considered one of the best hotels in Leeds!

Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre

⭐ 4-star hotel

Situated in The Light, a leisure and retail centre in The Headrow, the hotel is a perfect stay for any leisure or business travel. 

The hotel has over 140 stylish rooms that offer comfortable beds, a rain shower, an in-room safe, free WiFi, and coffee and tea facilities, among other amenities that will make you feel at home.

It also has an on-site restaurant that serves American dishes with a Yorkshire influence.

The best thing about staying at Radisson Blu is definitely the location. All the main attractions, such as Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, First Direct Arena, etc., are in your footsteps.

Service apartments

If you are looking for a longer stay, service apartments are a great option because they offer all the amenities you need to feel at home. 

Also, if you don’t mind cooking, you’ll definitely save a lot of money. You can grab local ingredients from Leeds City Market or any of the supermarkets to make your own meals.

The following service apartments are fully equipped, comfortable and in a great location.

• Quebecs Luxury Apartments
• Roomzzz Aparthotel Leeds
• Aire Apartments

Granary Wharf – Leeds Canal

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Centre

⭐ 4-star hotel

Just beside the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll find the incredible DoubleTree by Hilton. 

This is one of my favourite hotels because it’s located in a relaxing area, but at the same time, it’s just a 10 minute walk from the city centre and main attractions in Leeds.

The rooms are beautifully decorated in a modern style and include a king-sized bed, complimentary WiFi, TV, ensuite shower and complimentary water, tea and coffee-making facilities.

Why should you stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds? Well, you don’t want to miss Leeds’ best rooftop setting with incredible panoramic views of the city. Sky Longue offers incredible breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and dinner!

Hilton Leeds City

⭐ 4-star hotel

The Hilton Leeds is just a stone’s throw from the city centre and the Leeds Canal. 

This hotel is a great place for you if you’re looking for more than a room, as it includes a good range of facilities: an indoor pool, fitness centre, on-site restaurant, a business centre and parking.

The rooms have a modern decoration, a spacious double bed, a TV, a desk, complimentary WiFi and free luxurious bath amenities, as well as tea and coffee making facilities.

Leonardo Hotel Leeds

⭐ 4-star hotel

Leonardo Hotel Leeds is situated in Brewery Wharf, a tranquil area next to the city centre, which makes it a great place to stay during your city break.

The hotel has spacious rooms that can accommodate children too, free WiFi, a fabulous restaurant and an on-site Costa Coffee bar for those who need that caffeine intake.

On top of this, Jurys Inn is only a 15-minute walk from Leeds City Centre!

Leeds Bradford Airport

Travelodge Leeds Bradford Airport

⭐ 1-star hotel

If you’re stopping by after a long flight or you’re planning a quick visit, you may want to stay closest to the airport.

Travelodge Leeds is located less than 5 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport.

The rooms include simple and essential amenities such as comfy king-size beds, an ensuite bathroom and a desk, just what you’d expect at a Travelodge in the UK.

The downside of staying in this hotel is the fact that it doesn’t have an on-site restaurant or bar, and there aren’t any restaurants or coffee shops nearby unless you drive.

Best areas to live in Leeds 

Best places to live in Leeds for students

Burley

Burley is a popular option for students. Although it’s further from the universities, the advantage is that it offers cheaper accommodation.

The area is surrounded by many student accommodation buildings, restaurants, bars, takeaways, convenience stores, etc.

Living in Burley means living close to the city centre too. There are regular buses to the city, but you can also walk if you live at the very beginning of Burley Road.

Headingley 

Headingley is one of the most popular areas for students because of its proximity to Leeds Beckett University and safe atmosphere.

It’s a lively area that includes plenty of bars, pubs and restaurants perfect for socialising with other students. Many of these places also offer student discounts, which makes them even more attractive.

But there’s even more to this area: a good selection of supermarkets, independent boutique shops, and incredible green areas to relax on a sunny day.

Last but not least, Headingley is very well connected to other areas. You can take several buses that drive to the city centre, order a taxi or even get the train from Headingley train station.

TIP: Although you can find many properties in the area, you’re better off renting a place 6 months in advance before moving to Headingley, as the best accommodation is taken very quickly.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is another popular neighbourhood for students. This area is situated in the northwest of Leeds and between the University of Leeds and Headingley.

Personally, I prefer Headingley to Hyde Park because it’s prettier, cleaner and safer. There are plenty of accommodations, but the demand is high, so make sure you look to rent in advance.

Hyde Park is also home to many bars and pubs as well as Woodhouse Moor, a 26-hectare park that is often referred to as Hyde Park.

Best places to live in Leeds for expats

If you’re going to live in Leeds as an expat, here is a list of the best places to live.

Burley

Burley, a neighbourhood located on the northwest side of Leeds city centre, is home to many students and expats. 

The main advantages of living in this area are being close to the city and saving money on rent. Also, it’s a quieter and safer place to live than other areas in Leeds. 

This area has Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park, which includes a range of shops, a big Asda supermarket, Aldi and many convenience stores across Burley, which saves you from having to shop in Leeds city centre.

In addition to this, you can also find entertainment venues like a Vue Cinema, football pitches, jumping arenas, and last but not least, some international cafes, bars and takeaways to choose from.

Leeds Waterfront

Leeds Waterfront, also known as Leeds Dock, is the perfect place to be; it’s a friendly and calm area to live in. Not only is it a ten-minute walk from the city centre, but it has everything you need. 

In the area, you can find great cafes, restaurants, small convenience supermarkets, as well as the Royal Armouries Museum. 

Accommodation in this area is more pricey than in areas such as Burley or Meanwood, but on the other hand, you’ll save on public transport.

Best places to live in Leeds for families

Horsforth

It’s considered the best place to live in Leeds for families and young professionals. It’s your perfect place if you want to be away from the city centre and settle down in a nice but well-connected area.

The area has excellent schools and universities – Leeds Trinity University – as well as lovely pubs and restaurants to socialise, parks and a mixture of shops where you can get your weekly shopping.

In addition, Horsforth has a train station that will allow you to travel easily to the city centre or other nearby towns such as Harrogate.

Meanwood

Meanwood is a great area to live in Leeds for young professionals and families, as it offers a peaceful and charming atmosphere. 

The neighbourhood has two good primary schools, Cardinal Heenan and St Urban’s Primary School, great shopping options such as Aldi and Waitrose, and local activities for families.

Among those local activities for families is spending a half-day at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, a city farm that has plenty of animals such as alpacas, chickens, cows and small animals, and a shop and cafe where you can enjoy delicious local produce.

Finally, the area is very accessible to the city centre. If you rely on public transport, take the First 51 or 52 buses into town, which will take you about 10 minutes.

Roundhay

Roundhay is a well-known area for having one of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park. If you love living near green spaces but still find all you need in one place, this neighbourhood is for you.

It’s a lively area that has a bit of everything – some of the best independent restaurants, pubs and cafes in Leeds, fun family attractions such as Tropical World, and it’s close to Oakwood and Chapel Allerton centres that have supermarkets, banks, post offices, salons, etc.

The downside of living in Roundhay is the cost of renting or buying a property, as it’s much higher than in other areas in Leeds.