Despite being a girl who knows virtually nothing of cricket or rugby, even I’ve heard of the world-famous Headingley Stadium.
What I didn’t know, until I was lucky enough to stay recently, is that someone had the brilliant idea of converting part of the complex into a fabulous 36-bedroom hotel known as the Headingley Lodge.
As far as I’m concerned, any chance to spend a night in top quality accommodation is to be jumped at; especially when the buzzing nightlife of Headingley’s legendary student scene is right on the doorstep and I get to tap into the energy of my old college days!
But should the frenetic pace of the lively bars and restaurants become overwhelming, the more sophisticated nightlife of Leeds city centre is only a 10-minute cab ride away. This option may appeal to business travellers jetting into nearby Leeds-Bradford Airport and choosing the Lodge as a convenient stopover.
The hotel and stadium entrances are adjacent, so it felt a little like we were headed to a match, although none was scheduled and the neighbourhood was relatively calm and quiet, which boded well for getting an uninterrupted night’s sleep. The receptionist’s welcome was warm and enthusiastic and I noted the air of quality and professionalism one expects of a modern 4-star hotel. All modern facilities are available, including wi-fi, TV (with Sky Sports channels of course!) tea and coffee-making facilities and, most importantly in this busy part of Leeds, free onsite parking.
The biggest surprise was yet to come though, when we walked into our room and gasped at the astonishing uninterrupted view across the vivid green pitch. On match days this must be every fan’s sporting nirvana! Staying right in the heart of the action and soaking up all that wonderful atmosphere. The double room was also larger than many I’ve come across in city hotels, which can be compact, and the large windows facing the pitch added to the impression of spaciousness. The bed with its crisp linen was so comfortable that I almost dozed off and missed the rest of the evening!
