Best places to stay in Leeds City Centre

With Leeds International Festival of Ideas returning to the city from 27th-30th September this year, you might be wondering where the best places to stay in Leeds are. Whatever your budget, we’ve got a range of options for you to take a look at – all the way from Ibis Budget to the luxurious Dakota Leeds.

The festival is set to take place in Leeds Playhouse, which is opposite Leeds bus station and around 20 minutes away from Leeds train station. You’ll find all the hotels below are within easy walking distance of the venue, so you can focus on enjoying all the city has to offer whilst you’re there. 

Ibis Budget 

It’s exactly what it says on the tin. Prices start from just £50 a night, and you’ll have access to a 24/7 front desk, nearby parking for £8.70 a day and the city centre right on your doorstep. Add on extras like breakfast for a small fee to enjoy the full hotel experience. 

A short walk away from Leeds train station, the Ibis Budget is close to a range of bars and restaurants, giving you plenty of options for an evening drink or meal. Should you get peckish during the night, you can access the lobby’s snack bar or vending machine. 

Discovery Inn

With prices from around £75 a night, Leeds’ Discovery Inn comes with a cheap and cheerful price tag so you can save your money for travel and the festival itself. And if you’re staying with multiple people and looking to save some cash, they offer a triple and quadruple room. 

Each room includes a tea and coffee maker and a continental breakfast can be added on for just £5 per day. The hotel is just across the street from Leeds train station and, although there’s no on-site parking, guests can enjoy a 30% discount at the nearby Q-Park two minutes away on foot. 

Premier Inn

From approximately £100 per night, Premier Inn is a reliable option that provides a bit more luxury than its cheaper equivalents. Sleep soundly in a comfy bed, enjoy their morning breakfast buffet from £7.99 per person and take advantage of the hotel’s restaurant for an easy and delicious evening meal. 

You’ll find there are three different Premier Inns to choose between whilst staying in the city centre, so you can take your pick of your favourite location. It’s worth noting that there’s no parking available at Whitehall Road Premier Inn and that parking costs between £6-£10 a night at the other venues.   

Hampton Hotel by Hilton

This three-star hotel is just the place if you’re looking for somewhere with a touch of personality and luxuries such as a gym, shared lounge and bar. Prices start from a reasonable £114 a night, with certain rooms offering a city view from the window. You’ll also find a continental breakfast and your own tea/coffee maker included in the price.

When it comes to parking, Hampton Hotel provides on-site parking for a price of £15 per day; however, its short walking distance to Leeds Playhouse is certainly an advantage. 

Dakota Hotels

A hotel at the luxurious end of the scale, Dakota Leeds prides itself on providing an unforgettable experience for each of its guests. It’s just a five-minute walk from the train station, and less than 15 minutes on foot to the Playhouse.

Prices start from around £200 per night, with the most expensive options including your own private balcony, spacious living area and dining table. The hotel boasts its own restaurant and bar, which serve up a selection of luxurious dishes and beverages to suit every taste, and if you’re still in need of further entertainment after the festival, there’s unlimited Sky Sports and Sky Movies to enjoy in every room.