The Beautiful Iconic Queens Hotel Leeds.

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Before I shared our Queens experience I wanted to write a little about the History of the Queens, as the building is just stunning.  The Queens hotel has stood over City Square in Leeds since 1937. It was designed by architects W.Curtis Green and W.H.Hamlyn for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway; The Queens was built as the flagship, modern hotel for the recently redesigned Leeds Railway Station.

According to my research it was the first Hotel in Britain to have en- suite facilities. And when it opened in 1937 is cost 10 shillings and 6 pence a night to stay. Which was just under £18.00 in today’s money. It must have been a fortune then. Especially when you think the average house price was £540 at that time.

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The Queens Way Back When Although the Queens is beautifully restored, they have take care to retain lots of original features, including the original lifts and windows, which are listed. I am such an old romantic and can just imagine the glamour of the 1930s, the grand opening ceremony. Can you believe this stunning building like many other historical buildings has lived through a war? If walls could talk I bet it would have tales to tell.

In fact I have discovered  that on Friday 14 March 1941, bombs rained down onto Leeds city from about 40 German aircraft. Before the all clear sounded at around 3am, bombs had hit areas including the Town Hall, the city’s museum and City Station. So the fact that this glorious and at the time brand new building remained standing proud over Leeds is a miracle.

The present hotel is a Grade II listed building, which is clad in white Portland stone (Did you know, if you look closely there are fossils in Portland stone, the boys loved this) in a beautiful Art Deco style, and is the closest hotel to Leeds train station. Being next door, this makes it such an accessible location.

Blimey this started out as a review of the Queens and turned into a trip back in time. But you can’t stay in such a stunning building that has been restored to give you such a strong feeling for an era (In case you didn’t guess, if I could go back in time it would be to the 1930’s) so this was a real treat for me. And I can’t let this wonderful history and beautiful restoration outshine our wonderful experience.

I can honestly say that it was wonderful taking the boys to such an iconic piece of British history. I have honestly fallen in love with Leeds and the stunning Queens Hotel.

Just a note to the Queens, the lovely photo with the Queens Chefs and the cake would not let me add it to the post. No matter what I do, it downloads then disappears. How odd?  But that picture does not want to be in this post.

 

 


 

10 thoughts on “The Beautiful Iconic Queens Hotel Leeds.”

  1. I really love local history. We have such fantastic treasures in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and I always wonder what would life have been like, especially for us women back then. Thanks for a great post.

    Reply
  2. Hello! Would it be possible for you to send me the picture of the queens hotel chefs? My grandfather was a chef there and I would be intrigued to see if he is on it.

    Reply
    • Hi Orlaith I am so sorry I don’t have them, but if you contact the Queens hotel I they do have copies. The manager Jacqie is a lovely lady who I am sure would help you. x

      Reply
  3. Just seen this thread. My late father, William Young, told me that his band – The Marina Players – played at the opening of the hotel in 1937 though it didn’t seem important at the time I now regret that I didn’t ask for more information andI can’t find any reference to it. I would be grateful if anyone has more information.

    Reply

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