Hotel Review - The Ellington, Leeds – A Discreet Luxury Boutique Hotel in Leeds

Breaking News-Ellington Put Up for Sale. Luxury Hotel Closes

It's tough out there for new hotels - even when they are well reviewed and apparently solvent. The Ellington Hotel closed its doors in March 2009 and has been put on the market after its owner, a holding company owned by a private individual, went into administration. CBRE Hotels acting on behalf of Receivers, Menzies Corporate Restructuring (MCR) are marketing the hotel and, according to CBRE Director Craig Millward, several substantial offers are currently being considered. The property is being sold as a hotel.

Guest Reviewer Rating - 4.5 Stars

The Bottom Line

Right in the heart of Leeds' financial district, The Ellington boutique hotel puts the emphasis on contemporary luxury. Discreet on the outside, distinctively styled on the inside, The Ellington, Leeds, is geared for high-end hospitality.

Just a short walk from Leeds station, this pricey but highly individual option is perfect if you’re combining business with pleasure.

The Ellington Essentials

• Address: 23-25 York Place, Leeds LS1 2EY, England, UK
• Telephone: +44 (0)113 204 2150
• Price Band:$$$$
• Visit their website
• Bedrooms: There are 35 rooms, including one and two bedroom suites. Some can be connected. On the ground floor is a fully compliant, disabled-friendly bedroom with multi-option shower.
• Book Now and Get a Great Rate

A Simple Exterior in the Business District

The opening of the new Ellington makes Leeds the only English city outside London to have a Leading Small Hotels of the World representative. Tucked away in the heart of Leeds’ financial district, the discreet exterior barely hints at delights to be found inside.

Arrive by day and you’ll be checking your itinerary. Is this quiet street with its many Victorian offices (including one described in tiles as "Heppel & Sons, Horse & Carriage Repository") really the place? But it is. Open the door and it's another world.

As the name might suggest, style at The Ellington looks back to the jazz age. If you’re a fan of crushed velvet, beaded lampshades, art deco and black-and-white photography, this is for you. If we could still smoke indoors, we’d do it here in the bar at The Ellington, from a very long cigarette holder.

Yet have no doubt, this is a 21st century hotel. Each of the 35 bedrooms has a high level of business and entertainment technology:

• 32" plasma TV
• iPod docking station (there are spare iPods and even Wii Fit on loan if you forget yours)
• complimentary WiFi
• hardwired broadband connections for secure commercial downloads.

But bedrooms at The Ellington aren’t just for work. Much thought has gone into guest comfort. We loved the softly lined cotton waffle robes, the well stocked fridge, the Bulgari toiletries, the champagne, wine and martini glasses - and lavish choice of snacks. If you want something different or more substantial, or feel that breakfast is a private event, there’s 24-hour room service in keeping with the high level of personal service on offer.

One quibble - the marble-tiled bathrooms are perhaps a little small, and the fabric shower-curtain was a surprise in this standard of accommodation.

News Flash - March 2009 - Ellington Restaurant Closes

We've just heard the news that the restaurant at the Ellington Hotel as closed its doors. The hotel itself continues to operate. To be honest, on a recent visit to the Ellington's restaurant, in January 2009, we were distinctly underwhelmed.