Set back from the hubbub of daily life in a peaceful pedestrianized part of the city, you will find the wonderfully charming St Martins Lodge, Leicester. This luxury boutique hotel blends beautifully into the historic quarter of this wonderful city, and with its captivating views of the historic Cathedral and central location, it is a perfect overnight retreat.
Why We Love This Hotel
Retaining many of its historical features, this beautiful old building offers stunning rooms in an enviable location. Not only is St Martins Lodge situated in a prime spot for visitors to both relax and explore the city, it also oozes plenty of charm and character, adding a special touch of luxury to the city center.
Location
Leicester, a county town of Leicestershire, is one of the oldest cities in England. Located opposite the Cathedral and a few meters from the Richard III exhibition/museum, St Martins Lodge is also convenient if visiting St Martins House Conference Center, Leicester Castle, and Leicester Guildhall. It is also literally 5 minutes to the city center where you will find everything your heart desires from shops (Leicester is home to one of the country’s most popular shopping destinations), atmospheric coffee shops and restaurants, independent bars, and traditional real ale pubs.
Best Time To Visit
With so much to see or do, any time of year is fabulous but Winter is particularly special as Leicester transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland. With the hotel’s ethos to support local business (as demonstrated in their partnership with local chocolatier Cocoa Amore), the Christmas market is definitely worth a visit, where you will discover an array of local festive delights sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
How To Get There
St Martins Lodge is a very short 10-minute walk from Leicester Train Station. Coming by train from London St Pancras, takes around an hour, and by car, it is a 20-minute drive from the M1 intersection with the M69. The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport which is only a 16-mile journey to the hotel.
Style & Character
The exterior hides a wonderful secret concealed within the walls of this fully renovated Grade ll Listed building. Despite being renovated, this luxury boutique hotel has a beautifully modern interior that has been ever so tastefully decorated. It is wonderful to see how it still retains many of the original features, including the most elegant winding staircase in the hallway.
Service & Facilities
Being so close to a city center can sometimes pose parking issues, but St Martins Lodge has this covered. Offering free secure parking on-site, you can literally park up and not need your car until you leave. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and it’s good to know that there is an overnight concierge on-site if you need anything. You will also find that there is an accessible lift to all floors, which is really handy when carrying your things to your room.
Rooms
The hotel offers 28 luxury bedrooms, all of a very good size. It boasts a top-floor junior suite and ground-floor accessible rooms, as well as superior rooms featuring wonderfully relaxing freestanding bathtubs. All rooms are stylishly renovated yet still pay homage to the architecture and nature of this historic building. Original features, including fireplaces in some of the bedrooms, have been maintained, and many of these beautiful rooms offer unrestricted views of Leicester Cathedral and its stunning gardens.
Best Rooms
We would highly recommend the top floor Junior Suite, which provides everything you need, including complimentary teas and delicious biscuits, bottled water, and even a mini-fridge. The highlight, of course, has to be its amazing view of Leicester Cathedral and its gardens. Not only a sight to behold in daylight but even more magical by night when the cathedral is illuminated in all its glory.
Food & Drink
With a population of more than 300,000, Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth-largest in the country. It is the home of all types of food and is well renowned for its diversity of food and drink. Everything is on offer, from curry in what is known as the ‘Golden Mile’, to the world-famous Red Leicester cheese or the Melton Mowbray pork pie! Whilst the hotel offers room only, there is an abundance of places to eat and drink nearby, and the hotel is more than happy to provide guests with some very tasty recommendations.
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