City Centre Base (Travelodge Leeds Central)

Member Name: flodombey

Product:	Travelodge Leeds Central
Date:	21/07/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very central, excellent value, friendly staff, wonderful showers, quiet

Disadvantages: Difficult to locate the reduced rate parking

This Travelodge is situated in Leeds city centre and is a great location from which to access the shops, bars and nightclubs in the surrounding area. I booked the room for a Friday night stay when I was travelling up for a birthday party in one of the many city centre bars. This hotel was actually about 200 metres from the venue so was absolutely perfect for me location wise, I also managed to book it for a very good rate on one of their advance special offers which meant the room was £19, bargain!

On arriving at the hotel I was aware from the website that no parking was available belonging to the Travelodge but that there was an NCP on Lady Lane which charged reduced rates for Travelodge clients. Unfortunately when I arrived, tired hot and bothered after a 3 hour drive the only car park I could find on Lady Lane was a contract car park not an NCP. I circled and came back round twice more but no, could only find this contract car park, no NCP signs anywhere that I could see. So I ended up forking out £8.70 for overnight parking.

Incidentally though the guy on the booth at this car park did tell me that it was very secure with CCTV and a manned booth at all times so at least I knew the car was safe. Annoyingly on checking in the lady on reception asked if I needed a voucher for reduced parking, too late by this point as I had already forked out for the other car park. Just be wary if you need parking here although personally I don't mind paying extra for a secure car park.

This Travelodge has four floors of rooms and on the first floor there is also a bar and restaurant. I ate in here and had a meal and a pint of beer and it was reasonably good value, around £8 for a chilli and a pint. Nothing special about the food but it does the job if you are in a hurry. They also serve breakfasts although I did not try this. In the bar area there is a large TV on the wall with the news on which was nice.

In the lobby on the ground floor there are vending machines for food, drinks and ice creams (?!) and a solitary pay as you go internet station. There is also a small seating area with sofa and of course the reception desk. There was always somebody on the desk during my stay and I didn't need my room key to get in through the main doors when I returned in the early hours of the morning. The staff were all very friendly and approachable.

The room was standard Travelodge, a double bed, TV and kettle, wardrobe and en suite. I have to say I was particularly impressed with the shower which was a double size walk in unit with a seemingly brand new and very powerful shower. Very nice and there were no problems with water pressure or temperature.

In my experience the room was actually very quiet, especially given its city centre location, however, my room was on the back of the building and I cannot vouch for those facing out over the main road at the front. I heard no noise from other guests and slept soundly.

In the vicinity of the hotel there are cashpoints, bars, a Subway (very handy for late night post club snacks!) and a newsagents. I can see this place making the ideal base for a couple of nights in the city and it is very well placed to make the most of the nightlife. I felt very safe here despite wandering around on my own after I left the party in the early hours of the morning, the area around the hotel is well lit and busy throughout the night.

If you have need of a city centre hotel in Leeds you could do far worse than staying here, this is especially true if you are on a budget and can get a room well in advance using Travelodge's promotional rates. For £19 I really cannot fault the hotel, the staff or the location, in fact I feel like I got a total bargain.

Summary: A great base for a night out in Leeds and very good value for money