It’s still renovation hell at home – I know, I know, what is taking so long? It really is hard to relax there, which is why I’m writing this from my new co-working space at Duke Studios instead of my home office! The idea of a little holiday from DIY hell was just too much to resist and who came to our rescue, but Ibis Styles who asked us to review their new hotel concept in Leeds for a little staycation.
I was chatting to a friend who always goes to stay at Rudding Park for a staycation. She told me she feels silly staying away from home when she’s so close to it, until I told her about our little jaunt to the Ibis Styles Leeds, a mere 4/5 miles away from where we live! There’s something about staying over in a hotel in your own city and we’ve done it a few times; it takes you away into holiday mode. Instead of thinking we needed to get back for the dog, we stayed out for another drink. We got up in the morning and popped into some shops after breakfast, where as if I was staying at home I would have decided I didn’t have time to go out for breakfast and do some window shopping, instead spending that time refreshing Instagram on my phone in my pyjamas… I just know you guys do that too, right?
The Ibis Styles Leeds is Yorkshire themed, too, which made the whole decision to stay a no brainer! When we walked in we were greeted by the most incredible lighting installation, welcoming you to the hotel in Yorkshire’s best way – with language that doesn’t make any sense unless you were brought up here! Haha. Walking up to reception I said hello in my broadest Yorkshire, I don’t know, the place just brought it out in me. We were checked in and even showed around the reception area – the complimentary coffee machines (the hot chocolate was so good!), tonnes of seating areas with classic board games and then shown to the lifts to find our room.
Inside the room the little Yorkshire details didn’t stop, with a welcoming ‘Ay Up’ emblazoned on the carpet as you stepped in and fun Yorkshire slang hanging proudly on the walls. The headboard was incredible, with striking artwork spelling out a bunch of the streets in Leeds. I loved the colour choices too with gorgeous teal and lovely mustard touches and amazing furniture – the bedside tables were so cool! The bathroom was small, but well designed and there was a delightful print on the shower wall, making those early morning showers a bit more fun. The bed was comfortable with plenty of fluffy pillows!
There was a small issue with the layout as the desk area and edge of the bed were really close together and I was severely disappointed that they weren’t serving Yorkshire Tea!! It was Twinings though, which is at least a (not even close!) second to the best tea in the world!
The location of the Ibis Styles Leeds might seem a little far out if you’re new to the city as it’s a good 15 minute walk from the train station, but it’s absolutely ideal for Leeds Arena and there are some great bars (North Bar, The Social, Belgrave Music Hall) and restaurants (Zaap Thai and The Cat’s Pyjamas) within a couple of minutes walk, including Marco’s New York Italian which is attached to the hotel itself. Leeds is a compact city, so as long as you’re somewhere in the centre you won’t struggle to get around.
Breakfast is included with your stay at the Ibis Styles, which is definitely a rarity these days as hotels try to charge you for anything and everything that they can deem as extra, so I was impressed with that. It was only a small continental breakfast selection with toast, muffins and pastries, but enough to put you on or soak up your hangover for first thing in a morning!
I have already recommended the Ibis Styles Leeds to someone coming over for a stay in our city. I think it’s a great little hotel with bags of personality and lovely staff. I would definitely stay there again.
You’ll find Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre on Wade Lane in Leeds
A double room, with breakfast, starts from £64 a night
Loves x xx
