Leicester is one of those UK cities that’s easy to underestimate until you arrive. You’ve got walkable history, a genuinely lively food scene, big-name events at De Montfort Hall and King Power Stadium, plus standout family days like the National Space Centre.
If you searched “hotels in Leicester” and landed on big aggregator pages, this guide is your cleaner, faster shortcut: where to stay, which hotels suit which trip, and how to book smarter on BNBUK (verified UK hotels + transparent pricing).
Quick answer: best areas to stay in Leicester
Leicester City Centre – Best for first-timers, shopping (Highcross), restaurants, and walking to major sights.
Cultural Quarter Best for theatre nights (Curve), station access, and a slightly calmer vibe.
Near the Stadium / De Montfort University Handy for matchdays, graduations, and event weekends.
Leicester’s landmarks are close together, so choosing the right area often matters more than chasing an extra £5 off the nightly rate.
Top-rated hotels in Leicester
These are consistently strong “safe picks” that suit most travellers:
1) Novotel Leicester
A modern, central base that works for couples, families, and business stays especially if you want to be close to shopping and the city centre energy.
2) Holiday Inn Leicester
Solid all-rounder for comfort and reliability. Great when you want a predictable stay and easy access around the centre.
3) The Belmont Hotel
A more characterful option that still feels convenient. Often chosen by guests who want a classic hotel feel while staying close to key attractions.
4) Leicester Marriott Hotel
Good for weekend comfort and a slightly more “full service” feel useful if you want space, a polished experience, and a more relaxed base.
5) voco Leicester
A stylish option that’s popular for short breaks and event stays especially when you want something a bit more contemporary.
6) Abbey Hotel by Trivelles
A good-value option to keep on your shortlist if you want a simpler stay without jumping to the higher price bands handy for quick trips where you mainly need a clean room, a convenient Leicester base, and an easy check-in/out.
If you want, I can also add Abbey Hotel by Trivelles into the budget section too (as a “best value” pick) so it supports both keywords: top-rated and cheap hotels in Leicester.
Best budget hotels in Leicester (when price is the priority)
If your goal is simply: *clean, safe, sleep, go these types of properties are usually where the best value sits:
* Days Inn Leicester Forest East (M1) often among the lowest-priced, practical for drivers and stopovers.
* Ramada Encore Leicester City Centre a budget-friendly city option when you still want to be walkable.
* ibis / ibis budget Leicester dependable for short stays when you want simple pricing and minimal surprises.
Tip: For budget stays, focus on total price (incl. taxes/fees) and not just the headline nightly number this is where people get caught out on large platforms.
Great stays for longer visits: aparthotels in Leicester
If you’re staying 3+ nights, working locally, or visiting family, an aparthotel can feel like an upgrade because you get extra space and a more “liveable” setup.
* The Gresham Aparthotel one of the best-known aparthotel-style stays in the city and frequently recommended for comfort + location.
What to do in Leicester (so you pick the right location)
Build your stay around the places you’ll actually visit:
* King Richard III Visitor Centre one of Leicester’s most distinctive historic experiences.
* Leicester Cathedral area great for a walkable “old town” feel.
* National Space Centre a must for families (and honestly, adults too).
* City Centre landmarks like the Clock Tower and historic trails help you see loads in a short time.
Booking tips to get a better Leicester hotel deal
1. Stay Sun–Mon if you can (city weekends and event nights move prices).
2. Book early for matchdays, graduations, and theatre weekends.
3. Filter by what matters: parking, breakfast, family rooms, and cancellation flexibility then compare the final price.
4. Use BNBUK when you want clarity: BNBUK focuses on UK hotels with verified listings and transparent pricing so you can book without the “surprise extras” feeling.
