The Queens Hotel, Leeds, Yorkshire

You couldn't get any closer to Leeds train station unless you were actually in it (indeed, there's a private entrance to the hotel from the concourse). Although the main frontage is on busy City Square, there's good soundproofing. As the station is in the heart of the city, virtually everywhere - shopping areas, commercial district, theatres, museums, riverside - is walkable. The Victoria Quarter, with its restored Victorian arcades and smart shops, is an easy stroll as is Leeds Art Gallery with its nationally recognised modern and contemporary British art.

By car: around 2 hours 20 minutes from Birmingham and 4 hours 15 minutes from London or Edinburgh.

By train: there are direct trains to Leeds station from Sheffield (1 hour), Manchester Picadilly (2 hours) and London Kings Cross (2 hours 20 minutes). The hotel is a 1 minute walk from the station. Book trains to Leeds.

Built in 1937 in classic Art Deco style, and recently refurbished to restore that era's glamour, it's a successful mix of original features - parquet flooring, panelled pillars, glass-panelled doors - and contemporary styling with Art Deco references such as geometric-patterned carpets, rattan-back chairs and opaque glass lampshades.

The large lounge has plenty of space, and private corners, for reading or a quiet meeting. Feeling active? Try the decent-sized, modern gym in the basement (for guest use only). There's valet parking or discounted rates at nearby car parks. The fleet of meeting rooms includes a massive ballroom and elegant Palm Court room suitable for weddings as well as several private dining rooms.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gym
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms are spread over eight floors, but with long softly carpeted corridors and striking 1930s photographs, it doesn't feel vast. All rooms - even Cosy Doubles - have an airy feel due to the sleek monochrome palette, rugs on parquet-effect floors, and uncluttered style. Bathrooms, mainly with walk-in showers, have a bold 1930s black and white look.

Room types: Cosy Double, Classic, Superior, Superior City Square View, Deluxe Family, Deluxe Terrace rooms, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite with bath or shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The wonderfully named Grand Pacific restaurant, a circular and sultry space of dark wood floor, rattan-back chairs and potted ferns, offers a mix of Pan-Asian and British classics with starters such as salmon tataki and sushi, and mains including lamb Massaman curry and tempura Szechuan sea bass as well as a home-made burger and a club sandwich.

Grand Pacific Restaurant: exotic twists on British classics. Mains from £13.50.

Café Pacific: casual, coffee and cakes.