Malmaison Leeds

There's something of a revolution afoot in the UK — we all know London as the world's most competitive (and expensive) hotel market, the central front in the battle of chic high-design boutiques against stuffy, old-fashioned hotels. But there are interesting things going on all across the country, as the UK, more than any other country, is turning run-down industrial areas (and in some cases, entire cities) into hip retail and commercial destinations.

All of the Malmaison hotels fit this bill — they are inevitably retrofitted into existing buildings, whether warehouses, factories, or, in this case, a former bus and train depot. The décor is, of course, richer and earthier than most boutiques, in typical Malmaison style — wrought iron staircases and chocolate and taupe checkered carpets set the tone. And the cuisine is, unsurprisingly, French, served in a basement brasserie with a vaulted ceiling.

This town has softened quite a bit in its new incarnation, and the characters you encounter on those Leeds side-streets are likely to be shoppers or revelers, depending upon the hour. Victoria Quarter and Harvey Nichols are close at hand, in case you have money to burn, and there are any number of bars and restaurants nearby, to add a little variety once you have eaten at the Malmaison brasserie. Possibly the most stylish game in town.