The Best Hotels to Book in Sheffield

This international-standard hotel stands out among places to stay in Sheffield because of its fitness and wellness amenities. First, there’s a fitness centre equipped with the latest machines and weights, second, there’s a heated indoor pool and third (and most importantly) there’s a spa complex with a jacuzzi, steam room and a full range of treatments. And the 169 rooms and suites keep up the four-star standards. All feature ensuite bathrooms, blackout curtains and high-quality décor and furnishings.

This 19th-century red-brick building on the River Don is one of the most handsome hotels in Sheffield. Enjoying Grade II heritage listing, it’s now run by the international IHG organisation. The Crowne Plaza’s rooms offer sober grey décor with splashes of cream and violet, ensuites with baths and wide porcelain sinks, high-quality beds and all the expected mod cons. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, a superior restaurant, Cunningham’s and a grand lounge bar on-site.

Housed in a handsome 19th-century grammar school on Leopold Square in the heart of town, the Leopold is Sheffield’s only four-star boutique hotel. The rooms, all ensuite, contain high-quality Seventh Heaven beds, 40″ flatscreen digital TVs and luxury toiletries. Look beyond the standard rooms for attractive alternatives like the Mezzanine Suite – which makes ingenious use of original fittings such as huge classroom windows – and carefully designed accessible rooms with features like extra-wide doors and grab-rails in the bathrooms.

The Garrison’s crenellated 160-year-old walls once guarded military men and acted as an ammunition base, but now provide a boutique hotel experience for any visitor planning to stage a siege on Sheffield. The history behind the building is evident; beneath its turret-topped roof there are still remnants of old jail cells. If you’re looking for a drink in the evening, head to the aptly named Guardhouse Bar, and luckily, the restaurant’s fine-dining fare is a cut above what the soldiers were once served.

Located slightly outside the city, this spectacular guest house is where people believe Picasso stayed in 1950 while attending the Peace Conference. Today, it’s owned by Scandinavian designer, Tiina Carr, whose flair is noticeable throughout. With just eight rooms – each one decorated in its own, simplistic and stylish way – it feels cosy and homely. All rooms are named after different birds and have the kind of magnificent roll-top bathtubs you’ll want to hop into and soak in for hours on end. The restaurant is friendly and serves a range of treats to suit all taste buds.

This period mansion-turned-boutique hotel is the kind of luxury weekend escape that couples will particularly enjoy thanks to the romantic vibe and nearby Sheffield Botanical Gardens. The extremely comfortable beds make up for the simple decor – as does the satisfying breakfast, which offers plenty of options. Sheffield city centre is accessible by train or bus – or head to the nearby Peak District if you want to enjoy a walk with fantastic views.

The traditional pub here has been built upon to add more guest rooms and the result is a welcoming, authentic-feeling hotel. Located just at the edge of the Peak District, it’s a prime spot for ramblers and nature enthusiasts – but those who just want some rest and relaxation will benefit, too. A spa treatment room is an added perk of the accommodation – while the hotel can arrange activities such as kayaking and clay pigeon shooting for more active guests. The food in the bistro is delightful, thanks to a varied menu and plenty of local ingredients. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, and even have air conditioning for the warmer summer months.

This ivy-clad, 16th-century mansion sits just outside of Sheffield in the South Yorkshire countryside. 20 acres (8ha) of gardens surround it, including some woodland, making it a honeypot for hotel lovers who like their city break with a side serving of green-fingered good looks. Legend has it that Mary Queen of Scots spent a night at Whitley Hall during her sojourn in captivity at Sheffield Castle and Manor Lodge – though the fortunes of today’s guests look somewhat brighter. Rooms are cosy – some have four-poster beds – and the restaurant offers British and international favourites made with good old-fashioned Yorkshire ingredients.