The Bells, Leeds, Yorkshire

Although only a few minutes' walk from the lively regenerated riverside area, the apartments are tucked in a quiet enclave in the grounds of Leeds Minster, with all apartments having views of its west façade and central tower. The railway station is 15 minutes or five minutes by taxi. Bars and eateries in the riverside quarter, such as the craft beer bars in Call Lane, plus the independent shops in the restored Corn Exchange, are within strolling distance, while the Royal Armouries Museum is 15 minutes over the pedestrian bridge across the river.

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 10-minute walk from the station. Book trains to Leeds.

The tall red-brick Victorian building originally belonged to Leeds Minster opposite and has been cleverly turned into swanky apartments incorporating original features of exposed brickwork, iron girders, wood flooring and stained-glass windows with high-spec kitchens, sultry bedrooms and sleek bathrooms. Vintage items, irreverent artworks and industrial features add a fun vibe.

Reception is staffed until 10pm with a bright and cheery team who can also advise on restaurants, shops and must-sees; at any time, they can be contacted by WhatsApp. There's no onsite parking but guests receive a discount at an NCP car park, five minutes away. Guests also qualify for a discount at a couple of city-centre restaurants.

• Great views
• Outdoor dining area
• Hot tubs
• Nearby parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The eight apartments (six with hot tubs) are individual in décor and layout but share the same design style of exposed brickwork and pipework, industrial light fittings, parquet or polished concrete-effect flooring, and rich colours of bitter chocolate, sea blue, charcoal and mustard. As it's an old building, care needs to be taken with noise levels.

Room types: Little John, Hosanna, Big Ben, Great George, Old Tom, Emmanuel, Liberty, Santa Maria

Key amenities: free-standing bath, rainfall shower, 4K projector, kitchen, free Wi-Fi

Apartments have full kitchens - including induction hob, oven, microwave, fridge-freezer and dishwasher - and tea and coffee basics, including fresh milk. A Sainsbury's and Co-op are both within a five-minute walk, or reception will take restaurant deliveries. Guests receive a discount at two city centre restaurants - Gaucho and Estabulo Rodizio - or there's a good choice within a ten-minute walk, from robust pub food at next door Lamb & Flag and tapas at Ambiente to smart Modern European dishes at Shears Yard.