Leicester hotels

This hotel is recommended especially for history buffs. Located adjacent to the King Richard III Visitor Centre and across the street from Leicester Cathedral, where Richard’s tomb lies, St Martins Lodge is a good choice if you’re looking to voyage back to 15th-century England. Inside this hotel’s handsome Georgian walls, you’ll find 28 plush rooms complete with high ceilings, winding mahogany staircases and beds fit for a king.

Plus, its Grade II-listed status only adds to the sense of history, a status reserved for buildings of historic interest as they are added to the National Heritage List for England. One curious thing to note for first-time visitors—when checking in, you’ll need to cross the street to St Martins House Conference Centre to pick up your room key. This quirky detail takes just a few extra minutes, and the kind staff are always happy to help.

Leicester’s historic allure continues at the Belmont Hotel, a 19th-century townhouse that was once a bed and breakfast in the 1930's but has since been transformed into a refined boutique stay. Grand stone columns flank the entrance, while a Union Jack flag hangs from whitewashed walls.

But inside, things get a little jazzier. The bedrooms' pillows, sofas and curtains are splashed with bright pops of orange and purple (look out for the quirky Richard III pillows in the family rooms, too).

The Belmont is located on the 1-kilometre-long New Walk, an unusual example of a Georgian pedestrian promenade, making the short walk into the city centre a car-free pleasure. It’s also conveniently close to Leicester train station and the superb Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. Jamie’s Bar and Restaurant, the onsite restaurant, serves food all day, though I recommend heading here between 2 and 5pm for their generously portioned afternoon tea.

​​​​​​​This is a city that loves its sport and the Leicester Tigers rugby team is a local—and very successful—institution. So, unsurprisingly, their popularity packs the city’s pubs and hotels, as does nearby football team Leicester City FC.

With its location next door to the Welford Road rugby stadium and a short stroll to City’s King Power Stadium, voco Leicester is easily the top hotel in Leicester for sports fans. All smart brick and glass from the outside, voco’s 191 bedrooms mean plenty of room options on "match days", while downstairs the aptly-named Lair restaurant serves up top-notch burgers (don’t miss their Luxe Burger) and quality craft beers.

When it comes to my favourite part of this hotel, that would have to be the rooftop terrace suites, which come complete with bubbling hot tubs. There’s no better spot to celebrate a win.

With its modern silhouette soaring high above the busy Vaughan Way Road, the Novotel is one of the best hotels in Leicester for business travellers—though it’s an equally great option if you’re here for leisure.

Located across the street from the Showcase Cinema’s space-age architecture, the Novotel’s spacious rooms—all cool grey tones centred on cozy double beds—are ideal for a weekend break. And with their breezy Nine B Restaurant and Bar sourcing artisan produce from local farms, including indulgent handmade pies, it’s also one of the top-rated hotels in Leicester for foodies.

I love sitting at the airy bar here with a glass of wine. Inspired by a Roman mosaic excavated from an ancient villa found underground, the curved counter area is decked out in cream tiles and columns, topped by exposed ventilation ducts snaking around above (as a reminder of which century we’re actually in).

​​​​​​​If you’re looking for easy access to Leicester’s countryside but still want to be near the city, the Marriott Hotel on Leicester’s outskirts could be an ideal option. While this is ostensibly a business hotel, it's also one of the best hotels in Leicester for visiting the region’s premier historic site, Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.

By beating the city’s sometimes gridlocked traffic, you’ll arrive much earlier to the rolling mist-shrouded fields where King Richard III met his maker and a mysterious legend was born. Back at the Marriott, I like that it goes all out for relaxation, with a swimming pool, sauna and steam room available. So, whether you’re a history buff or here for business, the Marriott is a top choice.

Flanked by Castle Gardens’ shaded paths and the ancient Jewry Wall and Roman baths, the Holiday Inn is set in one of Leicester’s most charming corners. With the flowing River Soar nearby too, it’s a nice spot to wander, especially in the balmy summer months.

The Holiday Inn is polished and clean inside, with some bold flourishes, including turquoise-splashed sofas and art depicting local icons. This is one of the best hotels in Leicester for families, as not only are the rooms spacious, kids eat for free at the downstairs lobby restaurant.

For me, the location is king here (pun very much intended). With the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Cathedral less than a five-minute walk away, this is one of the best hotels in Leicester for exploring the city’s vast historic appeal.

Few hotels in Leicester mix style and heritage quite like The Gresham. Rising up on the corner of Market Street and Belvoir Street, the Gresham’s elegant stone design dates back to the 19th century, while inside the mix of exposed brick and leafy plants brings a fresh, modern look.

121 studios and apartments fit into this former department store in Leicester’s commercial heart, but while shopping is a temptation, the city’s walkability means all of its other attractions are within a few minutes' stroll. £17 million (almost C$30 million) was spent on refurbishments in 2021 and, for me, it’s the shimmering bar area that impresses the most.

From its cool marble counters to the green palms and potted plants bringing an almost Mediterranean vibe, cocktails at the Gresham’s bar are a great way to start any evening.

​​​​​​​Graceful Winstanley House looks like the filming location of a period drama set in idyllic countryside, but it’s actually located in the western suburbs of Leicester (albeit within 160 acres of parkland). So, unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of heritage here. Originally known as Braunstone Hall, it was built in 1775 by Clement Winstanley, whose family occupied the hall over the next 150 years.

Following its sale after World War I, the house took on many guises, but these days it's a spectacular wedding venue that’s also one of the best hotels in Leicester. From the sparkling chandeliers hanging from high ceilings to the sizzling steaks cooked at the magnificent Black Iron Restaurant, there’s an element of grandeur in every corner of this place.

It’s a good 3 kilometres from the city centre, but impressive Winstanley House is worth the extra effort.

​​​​​​​Set within four acres of bucolic landscaped gardens, College Court is a campus-style hotel designed in the 1960's modernist aesthetic. With clean lines and natural light pouring in through high windows, it looks nothing like any other hotel in Leicester. While it may be predominantly a business hotel, it’s also one of the best hotels in Leicester for catching a game of summertime cricket—specifically, watching the successful Leicestershire Foxes play an exciting T20 match.

Just a five-minute drive from College Court, night games at the stadium are a unique way to spend a balmy July or August evening. As is often the case with 1960's architecture, the rooms are exceedingly spacious, and special mention must go to the executive rooms, which come with balconies. I’ll admit these are on the pricier side, but the chance to unwind outdoors is a rare pleasure in a British city centre hotel.

The unambiguously-named Castle Hotel by Chef & Brewer Collection is a great option if you want to feel as though you’re traveling back in time.

Set inside an elegant 17th-century pub and restaurant, this is a cozy spot with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. 21 charming en-suite bedrooms are spread out upstairs, but you’ll want to spend most of your time outdoors, exploring the pretty surroundings.

Nearby, you’ll find the the ruins of Kirkby Muxloe Castle. One of the most picturesque nearby attractions, especially on a sunny day.