8 best hostels in Leeds

Leeds is one of the most famous cities in the UK and for good reason, mainly thanks to its developments during the Industrial Revolution. It's a fantastic place to enjoy music, arts and sports, and has had its fair share of historic moments as well. Leeds is also a place of innovation, being the pioneer of the first x-ray technology and also home to the oldest running commercial railway; the Middleton Colliery Railway. Leeds has plenty for nature lovers to enjoy as well, like the Roundhay Park which is one of the biggest parks in all of Europe. Fun fact, a garden in Roundhay was filmed by Le Prince in 1888 to create the first motion picture ever, right here in Leeds.

With so many reasons to visit Leeds, you're probably eager to start planning your vacation. If you want cheap but comfortable accommodation during your trip you should consider staying in hostels in Leeds instead of paying full price for a luxury hotel room or an Airbnb rental. Hostels also encourage a social atmosphere that is perfect for solo travelers or people who like to meet others.

No matter what kind of accommodation you choose, choose the nearest luggage storage facility in Leeds so that you can store your things safely while you're exploring all of the attractions. Bounce partners with many hostels around the globe, but if your chosen lodging isn't one of them, it's easy to find a nearby luggage locker on the Bounce app.

Art Hostel

Art Hostel was given its name because it's surrounded by working studios like Patrick Studios, Convention House, and the East Street Arts HQ which is the charity that developed the hostel. Nearby there are also plenty of cafes and independent shops that you can explore, and the area is less touristy than Leeds City Centre, giving you a more authentic experience.

You'll find the property in Mabgate and it has beautifully crafted dorm rooms as well as private spaces perfect for couples or families. On site there is a shared kitchen, convenient laundry facilities and internet access.

What makes Art Hostel unique

The fun thing about this hostel is that every room is designed by artists with a unique theme, so you can have a different experience every time you stay here. Guests can enjoy a yummy free breakfast in the mornings and can relax on the terrace or in the shared common room which has board games and puzzles.

Art Hostel pricing

This cheap hostel prices their dorm rooms at about £29.50 per bed per night. They also have affordable rooms for 2, as well as family rooms that sleep 4 starting at£105.00.

Russell Scott Backpackers Hostel

Being the first backpacker hostel in Leeds, Russell Scott Backpackers Hostel has plenty of experience offering its accommodations to budget travelers. The property has air conditioning, heating, free wifi and linen, a laundry room, on site kitchen, luggage storage and friendly staff.

The central location of this Leeds hostel is another bonus, placing you just a 10 minute walk away from the University of Leeds and 5 minutes from the main high street, with independent shops and boutiques. The train station is also within walking distance and can get you anywhere else in the city with ease.

What makes Russell Scott Backpackers Hostel unique

You'll never have to worry about waking up hungry since the hostel offers a delicious free breakfast in the mornings. They also have a common room and a foosball table.

Russell Scott Backpackers Hostel pricing

The average nightly price for a bed in a dorm room is £38.83, and if you're a group that wants their own space you can get a private room for 5 at approximately £202.60 per night.

EasyHotel Leeds

This could be the best hostel in Leeds, even though it's technically a hotel. You won't find dorm rooms here but there are some nice private rooms, some of which can sleep up to 5 and are great for families or groups of friends that are traveling together. On top of that, all rooms have their own bathroom which is not often the case in other hostels.

Other amenities include free wifi, linen and towels, and each room has a TV plus air conditioning and heating. Staying here you'll be just a short walk away from the Leeds Railway Station which can bring you anywhere in the city, although there is plenty to do right here by the hotel. In 2 minutes you can walk to the Trinity Shopping Centre, and you can reach the O2 Academy in under 10.

What makes EasyHotel Leeds unique

One of the highlights of this property is its location which is right in the heart of the Leeds City Centre. Being situated in the pedestrian-only part of the city, it's safe and has plenty of shops and attractions nearby.

EasyHotel Leeds pricing

This hotel offers cheap but comfortable accommodation for a good price, and the private rooms are great for solo travelers or couples. The lowest nightly price is in a double room which will be about £62.00, and a family quintuple room is in the ballpark of £98.00.

Hinsley Hall

Hinsley Hall is a great location just outside of the Leeds City Centre and is housed in a beautiful heritage listed building that has undeniable charm and character. You can reach Headingly Stadium in 10 minutes by foot and there are plenty of restaurants in the area as well. Simply hop on a bus and you can get to Leeds Arena in no time.

Guests choosing this lodging option will be in their own single or double room with an ensuite bathroom and TV. The building has free internet access, free parking, a front desk that is open 24 hours a day and a small shared kitchenette with warm drinks always available.

What makes Hinsley Hall unique

The building that you'll be staying in is gorgeous and has large grounds to explore. On top of that, it also has an on site bar, library, and a book shop. A full breakfast is included in your stay as well.

Hinsley Hall pricing

You can find affordable accommodation for just a bit more than most cheap hostels at Hinsley Hall, like a comfy single room for around £71.00 per night. The average price for a twin room is about £102.00.

The Wrens

This hotel is almost as affordable as most Leeds hostels and is close to some great attractions, making it the optimal choice for vacationers who want a bit of privacy but are traveling on a budget. Guests staying here will have access to free wifi, a flat screen TV in each room, ensuite bathrooms and board games and puzzles.

All of the rooms are private, although there are bigger spaces and even apartments available. The location is great and you'll be within walking distance of the University of Leeds, the Leeds Railway Station and the Leeds City Museum. Other nearby attractions include the Kirkstall Abbey, Harewood House, National Media Museum and much more.

What makes The Wrens unique

The Wrens has an on site bar that is a great place to meet locals or other travelers visiting Leeds. Try to stop by during happy hour!

The Wrens pricing

Reserve a standard twin room for around £67.00 per night at the Wrens. Alternatively, you can also rent a three bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 7 for approximately £247.00, ideal for big groups.

Brookfield Hotel

If you're looking for a nice and simple private room for a good price, consider Brookfield Hotel which, despite not being a hostel, is just as cheap as other properties on this list. Here, you'll find the perfect balance between touristy and local, with the city centre being accessible within 20 minutes by foot.

The rooms are modern and comfy, each coming equipped with a flat screen TV, free internet access plus tea and coffee making machines. You'll have your own bathroom and free parking is available, too. From the hotel doors, you can walk to the Leeds Outdoor Market, the Royal Armouries Museum and Clarence Dock, plus plenty of restaurants.

What makes Brookfield Hotel unique

Brookfield Hotel doesn't have any fancy amenities but it does offer nice rooms for great prices. We think the location is a wonderful feature too, since you'll have access to all of the top attractions in town but will not be in the busy downtown area.

Brookfield Hotel pricing

This is another one of the most affordable available properties, with private double or twin rooms available to visitors for about £65.00 per night. A larger family room is priced near £80.00.

Discovery Inn

Welcome to Discovery Inn where you can find a variety of nearby attractions and comfortable nightly accommodation all for a great price. You'll be just steps away from the train station and close to plenty of bars, restaurants and stores, and the Victoria Quarter, Leeds Cathedral and Royal Armouries Museum can be reached by foot in no time.

A popular spot, each private room has its own bathroom, TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and free wifi is provided around the entire property.

What makes Discovery Inn unique

This property has an unbeatable location surrounded by shops and restaurants, and is close to the Leeds Railway Station which will allow you to explore anywhere else around town. Want to fill up before going sightseeing around Leeds? The hotel offers a good sit down breakfast in their breakfast room, or you can let them know in advance for a Grab and Go meal.

Discovery Inn pricing

Discovery Inn has many rooms available and prices vary depending on what kind of accommodation you need. The lowest nightly price is approximately £85.00 for a single room, and a quadruple room can cost up to £195.00.

The Butlers Hotel

Although it's called a hotel, you would never know based on the prices. This very affordable hotel is situated a short public transport ride away from Leeds City Centre, and with close proximity to Headingley's rugby and cricket stadium, it's a great choice for sports fans. You can walk to the Leeds Metropolitan University campus and explore all of the bars and shops around there in no time, and if you want to spend an afternoon outside, head to Sparrow Park, the Rose Garden or Grove Lane Nature Area.

Free wifi is available and all rooms come with a TV. There is also a shared TV and lounge area, and the property offers free parking and a computer that you can use in the library room. All rooms will have either a private or shared bathroom.

What makes The Butlers Hotel unique

This location has a cute, rustic exterior and all of the rooms are decorated with inspiration from the Victorian and Edwardian times. On site they have a snack bar and a restaurant where you can go for any meal of the day, and they serve delicious warm breakfast dishes.

The Butlers Hotel pricing

Butlers is very cheap for a hotel, with a standard single room with a shared bathroom starting at £37.00 per night. You can rent a basic triple room with a shared bathroom for about £72.00.

Finding other accommodation in Leeds

Once you've decided on your selected date to start your trip, start looking at the availability of places to stay. Leeds has a good selection of cheap hostels and very affordable hotels that can help you save a bit of cash during your time in England. Hostels don't only offer the best price for accommodation, but they often have added perks like free breakfast or common rooms that can make a big difference in your trip as well.

There is much more to learn about Leeds before you book your trip. Budget travelers can take advantage of free things to do in Leeds, including browsing the stores listed in our shopping in Leeds guide.