Checking in: The Met Hotel, Leeds

The city of Leeds has such a distinctive atmosphere. It simultaneously exudes Yorkshire’s old-world charm while offering a plethora of cool bars, superb restaurants and all the shopping one could wish from a city. The Met Hotel by PH Hotels pulls this multi-faceted feature of its surroundings into one venue.

Named Best Business Hotel in Yorkshire, The Met offer something for everyone – large event spaces with impressive architecture, stylish and comfortable guest rooms, and chic dining at Tempus Restaurant and Bar. It’s located right in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from Leeds train station for easy transfers from Leeds Bradford International Airport.

I’m visiting the hotel on a warm day ahead of the Yorkshire PA of the Year Awards, so I decide to make the walk from the station. The journey takes far less time than I originally thought so I arrive early. As soon as I walk up to the reception desk I’m greeted with a smile and that soft West Yorkshire accent I love so much asking how my journey was. The receptionist happily chats away with me while she’s looking up my room number, then offers to book me a taxi when I say I’m going out for the evening. It’s rare to find service like this at many hotels these days.

The property proudly displays its Art Deco architecture, with the front of the building still sporting the original ‘Hotel Metropole’ sign. Inside you’ll find huge swooping arches, elaborate chandeliers and glossy marble floors, all accented with beautiful works of art dotted throughout.

My Double Superior bedroom is elegantly decorated and features a big cosy bed, a desk with ample working space, a sitting area and a built-in wardrobe. The bathroom is nearly as big as the room itself, with a good-size tub/shower combo, as well as his and her sinks with a floor-to-ceiling mirror.

After an amazing night’s sleep I head to Tempus for a delicious hot breakfast. It’s a stunning setting with an impressively tall ceiling and vast windows that let in floods of natural light. The attentiveness of the staff carries through to the restaurant and I leave to start my journey home with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. For a Leeds city centre meeting, I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything with an offering as flexible or impressive as The Met’s.

The Met Hotel, King Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2HQ; 01132 450 841; hotelmetleeds.co.uk. Rates start from £99 a night for room only (subject to change and availability)