Once written off as somewhere 'industrial' up north, Leeds has leisure and pleasure writ large. There's Harvey Nichols and designer boutiques spearheading the shopping scene, cultural offerings ranging from opera to contemporary British art, major outdoor events and reincarnated heritage buildings. 
Recommended place to stay: 42 The Calls
42 The Calls says
The only thing needed for a weekend break in Leeds has been a boutique hotel to match the city’s revamped sexy new look…
Step forward 42 The Calls. With its proximity to the city centre and first-class shops, the hotel (a member of The Eton Collection) is ideally positioned for a trip to the ‘Gateway of the North’.
The design-led interiors reflect the ‘groovy grand’ look that The Eton Collection is renowned for, with its eclectic mix of original mill features such as storeroom pulleys and exposed industrial girders. Handmade beds, lavish fabrics, flat screen televisions and original paintings complete the look.
With just 41 rooms and an acute attention to detail, it also has quirks a-plenty. Staff are courteous without being stuffy, knowledgeable without being over-bearing. And how many hotels have you stayed in with a personal fishing rod in your room? Handy given the hotel’s bang on the River Aire.
The family-owned Brasserie 44 next door offers sublime European cuisine combined with friendly staff and a buzzy atmosphere.
42 The Calls is an example of why the boutique hotel concept works – a home away from home with the highest standard of personal service. Double rooms start at £120 per night including breakfast.
Click here for more information about 42 The Calls and the latest special offers.
