Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre

This upscale hotel is housed in a grand nationally listed historic building that was once a bank. The hotel's entrance is shared with The Light shopping complex, but once you're inside the lobby, it feels worlds away from the crowds outside. The small lobby is sleek, modern, and dimly lit, with glossy marble floors and sleek silver-paneled front desks. There's a small seating area with black leather armchairs, though most guests tend to congregate in the FireLake Grill House and Bar, which is located right next to the lobby. The period-style restaurant is impressive, blending contemporary industrial design elements with traditional Art Deco touches. As the restaurant is open to the public, it has a lively atmosphere and can be busy in the evenings, especially on the weekends. On weekdays, most hotel guests are business travelers, having casual meetings on the mezzanine during the day or business breakfasts in the restaurant in the mornings. Couples and families frequently stay here as well, but mostly on weekend getaways. 

The Radisson Blue Hotel has a convenient location in the heart of Leeds. It sits on the corner of two busy roads, The Headrow and Cockridge Street, and shares its building with The Light shopping complex. The mall is home to numerous clothing stores and restaurants, plus a cinema and gym with a swimming pool and spa. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the immediate area, and Trinity Shopping Center is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Many attractions are within easy walking distance, including Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds Library, Leeds Town Hall, and The Henry Moore Institute, which are all within a block or two. The First Direct Arena is around a 10-minute walk from the hotel and the O2 Academy is a five-minute walk away. St. George's Conference Center is 10 minutes away on foot, making this Radisson a popular choice for business travelers. Leeds Railway Station is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, while Leeds Bradford International Airport is around a 30-minute drive. 

All 147 guest rooms and suites each have a different layout owing the building's unique history. Most rooms sleep two adults, though junior suites can accommodate families of four. Decor is similar throughout, with soft gray tones, carpeted floors, contemporary furnishings, and Art Deco and Italian touches that add a little glitz. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, empty mini-fridges, air-conditioning, irons, safes, phones, and free Wi-Fi. Business Class Rooms add Nespresso coffeemakers and minibars, while Junior Suites add Bose sound systems. All rooms aside from Standard Rooms include free fluffy robes and slippers. Bathrooms are modern and well-finished, with neutral tiles, shower/tub combos, spacious countertops, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Some bathrooms add separate walk-in showers. Certain rooms overlook Cockridge Street or The Headrow, with higher floors adding great city views. Other rooms face the inside of the hotel or the adjoining shopping complex, with no outdoor views. Despite being located on a busy road next to a shopping complex, guest rooms are surprisingly quiet.

The Radisson Blu Hotel has a decent number of features for a city-center hotel, but its excellent restaurant and cocktail bar is a highlight. The FireLake Grill House and Bar is located next to the lobby, serving contemporary cuisine and high-quality cocktails in a sophisticated setting. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee, consisting of generous continental and American options, though it's quite pricey. For early risers checking out before breakfast hours, there are free Grab & Run breakfast bags in the lobby that include hot tea and coffee, milk, seasonal fruits, and granola bars. Afternoon tea is available for a fee, and there's a separate lunch and dinner menu for children, with kids under 12 staying and eating for free.

The hotel has a modern business center plus 10 modern meeting rooms and events spaces. Some meeting rooms have a high-tech PA systems plus audio-visual equipment. There's no fitness center or spa facilities, but there's a gym in the adjoining shopping complex which has a swimming pool and full-service spa. Keep in mind that there's an extra fee to use the gym and pool. Parking is also available at the shopping complex, with discounted rates for guests. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, 24-hour room service, express laundry, and free Wi-Fi.