The Queens Hotel
Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant
Lets say you just arrived into Leeds via train, what’s the first thing you see? The historic landmark and flagship for the station, The Queens Hotel. Constructed in 1937, this hotel quickly became an icon in the city. The white stone cladding wrapping around this grand Grade II listed building dominated the city square.
Inside the hotel – it can be argued – is even more grand than the outside. Using the art deco style to evoke decadence and idealism makes you feel like you have just stepped back in time. The focus on grandeur might be a reference to the explosion of art deco interior design in the US and the rest of Europe in the 1920s to early 1930s, when impressiveness and luxury in appearance and style was all the rage. After undergoing a nine-month long restoration process costing £16 million, the hotel kept its look intact. Thankfully.
With a touch of modernity and class, The Queens Hotel revamped their 232 guest rooms. There are nine room types to choose from, all decked out with the expected elegant features; large plush beds, floor to ceiling windows with blackout curtains, soft furnishings and plenty of space. From the Classic room type to the Presidential suite, you can be part of the experience that is The Queens Hotel. Or you can go all out with a suite and create your own experience. It has been said that everyone visiting Leeds should stay here at least once. It was after all the first Hotel in the north of England to have ensuites and air conditioning, fun fact.
The Queens Bar and Restaurant is the onsite dining lounge. The art deco theme which inspired the decor for the rest of the hotel can be found quite prominently here as well. Big brown curved leather seats, a huge chandelier, dark reflective tables and the stretched out bar – all of which might as well be a scene pulled right out of a film set in 1929. Bask in the ambience and enjoy small plates, timeless British classics and other internationally inspired creations.
