Unbeatable location right next to Leeds Station's South Entrance
Granary Wharf's canal-side bars and dining are literally at the doorstep
A 14-meter heated indoor poolโa rarity for a city center hotel
Quick Take: A functional, well-located workhorse that's currently split between 'freshly renovated' and 'stuck in 2005'โchoose your room wisely.
Reviewed by @enf.eats: I stayed here for their launch event and it was such a fun weekend. The vibe was electric with live performers, but my favorite part was honestly the breakfast buffet the next morningโso many options and a dedicated gluten-free section which is rare!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Travelers love the location and the staff, but the disparity between renovated and unrenovated rooms is the main talking point.
Reality check
You're paying for the postcode and the pool; don't expect 5-star luxury in the standard rooms.
You're arriving by train and hate dragging luggage
You prioritize a morning swim over a trendy lobby
You want immediate access to the Granary Wharf waterfront scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed dust in older rooms.
Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but watch out for grout issues in unrenovated bathrooms and occasional drain odors.
Maintenance: The divide is clear: renovated rooms are pristine; older rooms show scuffs, peeling paint, and worn carpets.
Linens & towels: Standard Hilton qualityโclean and crisp, though towels can be on the smaller side.
Odors & scents: Lobby and some lower-floor areas struggle with a persistent drain/sewage smell.
Sleepabilityโข
7MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
In-room air conditioning units (rattling/loud)
Hallway noise from heavy doors slamming
Before you book
Good to know
There is NO Executive Lounge at this Hilton, even for Diamond members.
Luggage storage is free at the front desk if you arrive before check-in.
Breakfast is not automatically included; expect to pay ~ยฃ15-17.50 per person if you don't book a package.
What to pack
Swimsuit for the 14m indoor pool
Earplugs if you're a light sleeper (AC noise)
USB wall plug adapter (older rooms lack USB ports)
Room Genie
Best picks
Premium Rooms (recently renovated with 55-inch TVs and modern decor)
Canal-facing rooms on higher floors for better views and less street noise
Rooms to avoid
Standard Double rooms (often described as 'tired' and 'dated')
Rooms near the elevators (noise bleed is a common complaint)
Room Request Genie โ copy & paste
โI would appreciate a renovated Premium room on a high floor, ideally facing the canal/Granary Wharf side for a quieter stay. Please avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevator.โ
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking?
Yes, on-site multi-storey for ยฃ18/day, but spaces are extremely tight. Not recommended for large vehicles.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a heated 14-meter indoor pool, plus a sauna and steam room.
How close is the train station?
Incredibly close. Use the station's 'South Entrance' for a 2-minute walk to the hotel.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome for a ยฃ35 fee per stay.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Yes, but effectiveness varies and older units can be noisy.
Is there an Executive Lounge?
No, this property does not have an Executive Lounge.
Insider Tips
โจ
Don't walk out the main station exit! Look for the 'South Entrance' (near Platform 16) which drops you practically at the hotel's back door on Little Neville Street.
โจ
The 'City 3' restaurant is fine, but you are 2 minutes from Granary Wharfโeat there instead.
โจ
If the on-site parking is full or too tight, the station's long-stay car park is a viable (though pricier) backup.
5 things to know before you go
๐กThe 'drain smell' in the lobby is a recurring guest complaint that management struggles to permanently fix.
๐กThe elevators can be slow during peak morning checkout times.
๐กStandard rooms often lack fridges, which is a surprise for a 4-star brand.
๐กThe pool area can get crowded with families on weekends; go early morning for laps.
๐กYou can hear the trains if you open the window, but the glazing is actually quite good.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Leeds City is located and what's nearby.