Stayed in a family room with views of Leeds City Square (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
The Queen's Hotel has been part of the city since the 1930s, but has now become the latest following recent renovations and additions to the Cinnamon Kitchen.
Highlights
Queen's Hotel Leeds Review
Considering that Leeds is one of the UK's fastest growing cities, it appears that a new, glossy hotel is appearing at every turn, but the Queen's Hotel has been a part of the city's furniture since the 1930s. The historic hotel was once the crown jewel of a train station and still enjoys its perfect location. When you leave the station, you are basically already there.
Queens proudly wears an Art Deco heritage. Although it was renovated during the pandemic (and opened a brand new restaurant in recent months), the hotel retains a nod to its golden age past. Lift the Pillbox-Red with star-shaped glass windows, faint chandeliers and antique style artwork. Carrie Grant and Nelson Mandela have remained here in the past, but the moment they step on the rotating door still has a sense of that old world charm.
The lobby is a softly lit space where Chesterfield and a bent corner booth invite you to prolong. The gorgeous sofa, sparkling orb chandelier and rich dark tones create a slump atmosphere. On weekends, spaces collide with guests enjoying coffee and drinks from the quaint bar area, but they are far less busy. For quiet moments, the hidden corners provide just the right amount of privacy.
The Queens check-in area is different from the main lobby, so there are no lines to congested space. A thoughtful touch like fruit-infused water adds a sense of luxury, but the gold fixtures and artwork continue the hotel's elegant theme.
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The lobby is a softly lit space (Image: Queen's Hotel)
Queen's Hotel Leeds Classic King Room (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
The lobby is modern, but holds Art Deco roots (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
Deluxe Family Rooms at Queen's Hotel Leeds (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
Ham with guests enjoying coffee and drinks over the weekend (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
King Junior Suite at Queen's Hotel Leeds (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
Hotel overlooks the city plaza in Leeds (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
Excellent King City View Room at Queen's Hotel Leeds (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
The check-in itself is quick and easy, handled by friendly staff. During our stay, the staff were there without doing too much and helpful.
The hotel is not just a one-night stay. There are also 15 meeting rooms. We were there for leisure and not for work, but we couldn't help but notice the charming Yorkshire-inspired name.
In addition to being in the 8th floor bedroom house, the hotel also has a meeting room for 15 people and a meeting room for 2 to 15 people. We were there for joy, not business, but with former Leeds United football player John Charles, we found that it was named in some of the rooms, named after much beloved destinations throughout Yorkshire.
There is also a newly renovated fitness area for guests. This can be a slit during busy times, but it looks modern and recently renovated.
room
Rating: 4/5
The room is given a fresh update with a crisp white and grey palette and stylish parquet flooring. The walls feature subtle, timeless panels, and the artwork nods to the hotel's Art Deco roots. One notable piece is the building itself and the statue just outside. Still, the design is sophisticated and modern, but some of the charms found in the lobby do not make it upstairs.
We stayed in a family town room with stunning views of the bustling city square. For the best panoramas, aim for one of the high floors. Despite looking down at the lively parts of Leeds, the rooms were extremely quiet and were not disturbed by the noise of the city throughout our stay.
Aiming for one of the high floors for the best panoramas of Leeds City Square
How does Queen's Hotel Leeds compare to other UK hotels?
The room itself was impressively large, with plenty of space around the king size bed (which was so cozy I had no choice but to round up for a pre-dinner nap), a small sofa area with a desk and a coffee table.
One unexpected yet highly regarded bonus was the stand-up mirror with integrated lighting. It is often forgotten in many hotels, but it is very convenient when preparing dinner.
There were also plenty of plug sockets, including some thoughtfully placed on the headboard for one night's charging.
With impressive black and white tiles and bold geometric designs, the bathroom was stylish and functional. The addition of a good size stand-up shower and Argentum Apothecary toiletry was great detail, but with minor hiccups. The shower gel was not filled.
Ambient lighting mirror prepares dinner (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
Food and drinking
Rating: 5/5
The latest addition to the Queen's Hotel, Cinnamon Kitchen took over from its former Grand Pacific Bar and restaurant in May 2025 and stands out as a gem through the door.
While Cinnamon Kitchen already has two successful London locations, this latest opening marks the brand's northern debut. It is led by chef Vivek Singh. Vivek Singh may be recognized from his appearances on Saturday Kitchen and MasterChef.
The restaurant is inspired by the elegant first-class waiting rooms of the historic Indian Railways and the rich heritage of the nearby Leeds train station. The seats are arranged around a central circular room beneath an impressive modern chandelier. The space features a mix of gorgeous curved booths, armchair-style chairs and rattan seats. The greenery adds a touch of nature throughout, while the mirrored walls enhance the sense of space and create a sophisticated yet charming atmosphere.
The bar area at Cinnamon Kitchen is growing and offers a sophisticated space for guests to enjoy a hand-picked selection of wines and crafted cocktails. There is also bar seating facing the front of the restaurant.
Cinnamon Kitchen is the first northern location of the chain restaurant (Image: Cinnamon Kitchen / Queen's Hotel Leeds)
The menu is a journey in itself, with outstanding dishes including old Delhi-style butter chicken and Tandoori Scottish venison rump. Inspired by the Hinsagar Express, a legendary train route that travels through 12 states in India, the plate combines local flavours with local produce.
As vegetarians, we were particularly impressed with Hakka Paneer stir-fry and Tandoori Mushroom. We were full to indulge in desserts, but the appealing menu includes treats like Yorkshire-style tofu and cardamom tarts. This reflects both Leeds and Indian culinary heritage.
For those visiting in the afternoon, the restaurant offers its own Eastern inspired take, as well as traditional tea service and lunch, named Hai Chai.
Breakfast is served in the hotel's cozy underground restaurant, offering a simple yet balanced spread. Guests can expect all the essentials with hot choices, including classic continental options such as eggs, sausages, mushrooms, hash browns, cheese, yogurt and cereals. It's a no-frills thing about the day, but it checks all the right boxes.
Emmenti
position
Rating: 5/5
The Queens Hotel could not be placed any further to arrive by train. It is literally next to Leeds Station (and even has its own private guest entrance within the station). From here you are a 2-minute walk to Trinity Shopping Centre, surrounded by high street favourites along Brigate. Colerane's lively bars and restaurants also round the corner.
If I had to recommend a must-see visit, the Bundbust is the thing. A relaxed place that combines bold Indian street food with a lively, modern atmosphere. If you want to absorb culture, the Royal Armory Museum offers a 22-minute walk along the canal side.
The hotel overlooks Leeds City Square (Image: Queen's Hotel Leeds)
The value of money
Rating: 4.5/5
Double rooms start at £140 per night, including breakfast, but prices may fluctuate prior to date or booking. Find a room on the Queen's Hotel website and book directly. Or compare the best deals and prices for stays at Queens Hotel Leeds at Booking.com or hotels.com.
Final Verdict
Queens hotels balance the past and present. Its Art Deco roots are still very unharmed, but they have enough look and feel to take root in 2025.
The lobby is calm and welcoming, the rooms are refined, clean and contemporary.
But what really stood out to us was the Cinnamon Kitchen. It is not just a hotel restaurant, it is a destination in itself, serving outstanding Indian cuisine in a relaxed, upscale setting.
The staff are warm and courteous throughout the hotel, with thoughtful nods to the railway heritage of the building.
The Queens hotel promises a stay that feels both classic and present, but it promises that you won't be forced to spend a premium for a good stay in a gorgeous northern city.
