So. You are in Leeds. A charismatic, cultured and (dare-say at the risk of being ridiculed by the edgy locals) cool city. Whether it be for business, pleasure or a happy accident, make the DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre one of your stops.
Nestled within the sun-trapped Granary Wharf, the Hotel is less than a stones throw away from a plethora of pizzerias and cocktail bars. Upon arrival, overnight guests receive a warm chocolate chip cookie and an equally warm greeting. The reception area has a modern yet relaxed feel, with copper lanterns and chesterfield-esque sofas alongside glass walls that allow sunlight to stream in from all angles. The back of the hotel is just as impressive if not more so, with The Lock Kitchen & Bar terrace area backing out on to the canals, you will feel more like you are in a quiet corner of Amsterdam than in the North of England. A full English breakfast buffet is served in this restaurant in the morning then tasty ‘deli’ items in the afternoon. On an evening, the space is transformed into a relaxed dining venue with a bustling bar. A quick coffee or a three-course meal are both appropriate in this versatile location.
The hotel itself is 13 floors, with onsite parking and 333 bedrooms suitable for a variety of needs (except for maybe those with a fear of lifts). The bedrooms can be compared to a pair of all-star converse: stylish yet comfortable. Floor to ceiling windows mean that the rooms are filled with natural light, and executive rooms boast their own espresso machines and mac computers. Staff bustle around corridors with smiles on their faces and are happy to assist with anything that you may need.
There are plenty of positives about the hotel that you may not know about, yet the real ‘hidden-gem’ of this property is the Sky Lounge. Unsurprisingly located on the top floor of the hotel, the Sky Lounge promises 360-degree views of Leeds city skyline. There is a full-service bar which serves sophisticated cocktails on an evening and elegant afternoon tea throughout the day. An outdoor terrace allows a space for mile-high barbeques and drinks receptions. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or just for a Friday night, the Sky Lounge is a versatile yet distinctive location.
Similarly, the meeting spaces on offer at DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds can cater to variety of needs. There are 18 meeting rooms in total, including the unique Sky Lounge which has private meeting spaces. A mezzanine area is dedicated to delegates who receive free flowing hot drinks, soft drinks and sweet treats here throughout the day. Lunch buffet options are constantly being updated to cater for any dietary requirements, and vegan options are as standard. All meeting rooms are flooded with natural daylight and most have pleasant views of either the skyline or the canal below.
To sum up, whether it’s an intimate wedding, a conference for 300, or a cheeky after-work drink, the DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds has something for everyone and is not to be missed.