Lovely Leeds

Advantages: Lots to see and do
Disadvantages: The weather can be disappointing

...I have lived in Leeds all my life, studied here, and have now settled here post uni. I have lived in more rural areas, out of town suburbs, studentville, and even dabbled in some almost city living. It's one of those cities that has been experiencing a boom over the last twenty or so years, overtaking the other cities of West Yorkshire to become the largest, and arguably most successful. Traditionally it really began to develop as a municipality from the beginnings of the industrial revolution, being at the centre of the woollen industry, and has a long history with textiles. Just look at how Marks and Spencer began! Nowadays, it has hard to class Leeds as one thing in particular - different areas all function as independent towns whilst being part of the larger Leeds - and with most cities has it's share of division. It's not...

nicolap 22.10.2009 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Leeds in general

When is Leeds found in Kent?

Advantages: A truly lovely castle
Disadvantages: Pricey entrance fee for one visit

...Leeds Castle Leeds Castle is not in Leeds, which may come as a surprise to some people, but is near Maidstone in Kent. It is known as Leeds castle because way back in Saxon times it was The Manor house of Esledes which became a fortified castle in about 1119. The name Esledes became shortened in speech to Ledes which in turn became Leeds. This castle has had a long and interesting history from this time forward. How to get there: By road: Junction 8 of the M20 between London and the Channel ports. Combined coach and castle entrance tickets with National express www.nationalexpress.com By rail: Trains daily from London Victoria to Bearsted Station. Then a coach shuttle service operates by Spot Hire from Bearsted Station. £5 return trip adults and £3 for children. See www.spothire.co.uk A Potted History: In Tudor times Henry VIII...

catsholiday 08.01.2009 (05.07.2009) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Leeds Castle

Jurys inn - Cheap hotel in Leeds

Advantages: Cheap, presentable hotel, good location
Disadvantages: Soulless, very noisy from outside

...Jurys Inn, Leeds is a reasonably priced hotel that is a 10 minute walk both from the train station and shopping centre of Leeds. We stayed here one weekend in August 09 and it cost us £60 per night for a room with a double bed and a sofa bed (though it would have been squashed with 3 of us). We found the hotel clean and presentable, with reasonable facilities, but very soulless. The staff were polite, although reserved rather than warm. It is part of a chain of hotels, and I got the impression that probably every other hotel in this chain is exactly like this one. Checkout was at 12, though you could extend this (at a price). The facilities in the room were fairly standard for a budget hotel chain - there was a fair selection of tea and coffee, a desk with internet connection point, a television with more channels than we could hope to...

beckyXX 14.10.2009 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Jurys Inn Leeds, Leeds

Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth

Advantages: Excellent food, friendly staff, convenient location
Disadvantages: Small rooms

...We stayed at the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth for one night on Saturday 30th March 2008 as an overnight stopover on the way up to Darlington for my friend's wedding the next day. We chose this hotel because of its location, the late check-out time and because it looked alright from the website. Hotel Information The Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth is a 4 star hotel located in a quiet rural location on the outskirts of Leeds. It has 144 rooms situated over 2 floors, the majority of which are non-smoking. It has plenty of parking spaces in a well lit car park and parking is free, we had no problem finding a space. It has a health centre with swimming pool which we didn't have time to use, a business center, bar and restaurant, and 24 hour room service. Check in is from 3pm and check out is at 12 noon. Rooms start from £53 but are more...

rd52169 08.08.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Holiday Inn Leeds, Garforth

LEEDS CASTLE

Advantages: Wonderful - not to be missed
Disadvantages: none

...For a wonderful day or evening out go to Leeds Castle. It is not in Leeds as one would suppose but in Maidstone, Kent. During the Saxon times the area was called Esledes and the name Leeds came from that original name. It is not just a castle for you to wander around and look at the antiquities; it is a castle that is - once seen never forgotten, whether that is for the Norman architecture, the surroundings or the wonderful event/s you may experience there. I have now visited this castle twice in my life, the first time with a boyfriend and it makes a wonderful romantic day out and the second time with my husband and in laws, this made a fantastic family day out. A little bit of history. The castle was built during the reign of Henry 1st by a Norman baron, it is built on stone on an island, and it has been a royal home...

teacherofhooch 01.08.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Leeds Castle

Queens Hotel Leeds

Advantages: Location, location, location
Disadvantages: Popular if Leeds United are at home on a Saturday

...The Queens Hotel Leeds is ideally located for anyone visiting the city centre ... no more than 10 minutes off the M62 in the heart of the city centre, situated outside and to the front of Leeds mainline railway station. There are ample car parks nearby, with only a short distance to walk with your luggage. Alternatviely, you can request that the conceirge, of this full service 4-star hotel, provide a valet service (at a charge of £5-£10). The hotel is simply the most famous landmark hotel in Leeds, standing proudly in the city's centre since it ws built in the 1930's. It is a traditional hotel in so much as it is very spacious inside, but has recently undergone a major refurbsihment, bringing a very fresh and modern feel to the grand old lady. I don't really like to give an indication of what you would be expected to pay per...

newty1977 22.01.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of The Queens, Leeds

Luxury in Leeds

Advantages: Luxury at a relatively reasonable price
Disadvantages: Limited Parking

...I stayed at this 5* hotel on new years eve 2003/2004 and have to say that this is probably the nicest hotel I've ever been fortunate to stay in - so much so, I did not want to leave the room the next day!! The hotel is located in the centre of Leeds almost opposite the train station and just a few minutes walk from Harvey Nicks and the other major shopping, eating and drinking establishments! From the outside it's nothing special, in fact you?d walk right past it and probably not even notice that it was there, as it?s just a doorway off a little side street on a large Victorian redbrick building. But once inside reception you quickly become aware that this isn?t your average hotel. The grand sweeping staircase that lies behind the reception desk draws your eye up to the huge stained glass windows beyond, each of which depicts...

richardsonjones 08.04.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Quebecs, Leeds

West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

Advantages: bright and airy inside, very good view of stage from seats, good shows, friendly staff
Disadvantages: not right in the centre of town -across a very busy main road, lots of bushes for muggers to hide bahind at night , expensive bar

...the signs to the city centre and you will arrive on Regent Street. Landmarks to look out for include a Renault Garage, a Pratt's furniture store and Floors-to-Go. You will also see signs for West Yorkshire Playhouse and Quarry Hill and a red and blue bridge directly ahead of you. As you approach the bridge, bear left off the carriageway, into the Quarry Hill site. Go straight ahead and then turn left into the car park or go straight on for the drop off point and disabled parking. If you are coming by car from the south (London, Wakefield, Sheffield you come up the M1) Coming off the M1 and then the M621, come off at Junction 3 and when the road splits get in the right hand lane towards Leeds City Centre and stay in lane. Follow the road past MSF Peugeot and Halfords on your left, again staying in the right hand lane. Follow the road round...

ginger59 18.06.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of WY Playhouse (Leeds)

Loving Leeds Life

Advantages: Great shops, restaurants, bars, friendly people
Disadvantages: None

...As a students of the University of Leeds for the last three years, I feel I am more than qualified to give you a good insight into the Leeds experience. Leeds is a great city with many exciting things to do. Situated in the county of Yorkshire, Leeds is regarded as one of the major and most glamourous cities in the UK. Firstly, the people in Leeds are so friendly. There is a really nice atmosphere when you walk round Leeds city centre and this is a definite plus. Also with the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University - the city is very student friendly. Most students I know have had a fantastic university experience in Leeds. SHOPPING. Leeds has great shopping, situated in a fairly compact shopping centre. *Harvey Nichols With doormen in hats to open the door for you and with a great range of designer goodies...

VerySpecialOne 05.03.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Leeds in general

The latest on Leeds

Advantages: Excellent Atmosphere
Disadvantages: Too many students and not enough facilities

...As a current second year student at Leeds University i thought i would share my opinions and experiences of this university with you. Leeds is now the most popular choice for undergraduates and has the largest number of undergraduate applications in the UK. With over 23,000 undergraduates alone, Leeds is an excellent place to study. When deciding on which university to attend I had certain things I was looking for and so I thought I?d write this opinion based on these areas. ACCOMODATION Leeds university has a wide range of halls of residence including catered and self catered. I stayed in self catered accommodation for my first year in Devonshire Flats which is part of Devonshire Hall. The flats are very modern and clean and each flat has 6 private bedrooms and a kitchen and bathroom (some are en-suite). They are located...

kazzle 16.05.2003 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Leeds University