Some find the neon and stainless steel forbidding, but it has a dedicated following. This 27-room Georgian town house hotel wouldn't look out of place in London or Manhattan. Once a pair of wealthy merchants' houses, latterly a probation office, it's most fun at weekends when groovy shopping grannies mix with club DJs for Bloody Marys and all-day brunch. The city's most fashionable address, craftily converted from a Victorian grain mill on the River Aire, was a pioneer in the bijou hotel movement and part of Leeds' renaissance from dirty old town to pulsing financial centre. Fun extras include bits of mysterious mill machinery and a fishing rod in every room.
Guests can sign bills at six of the city's best restaurants, virtually on the doorstep.
Oxford's under-30s have embraced this Italian eaterie and it's the hottest spot in town. This dazzling, Conran-designed revamp of a Victorian railway hotel has to be seen. City suits pack the four restaurants in the week, but the atrium is also booked for fashion shows, music and media awards. Prices in this report are for a standard single room, followed by a standard double room. Where only one price is given, the hotel makes the same room charge for either double or single occupancy.