Your stay — The Link Hotel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Leicester.
The Property — The Link Hotel
The Link Hotel is a 3-star boutique hotel that exudes a modern, industrial-chic vibe, with exposed brick walls and sleek furnishings. Its USP lies in its prime location in the city centre, within walking distance to Leicester Cathedral and the National Space Centre. The hotel's intimate size and eco-friendly ethos make it an ideal choice for solo travellers and couples seeking a relaxing Leicester experience. As you step into the lobby, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that's both stylish and laid-back.
Chronicles of Leicester
Leicester has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, with the city's foundation in 43 AD by the Romans. The city's medieval architecture, such as the 12th-century Leicester Castle, still stands as a testament to its past. Leicester's cultural identity has been shaped by its diverse population, with influences from its Indian and African communities. The city's contemporary cultural scene is thriving, with numerous galleries, museums, and festivals celebrating its history and diversity. Leicester is also famous for its connection to the legend of King Richard III, whose remains were discovered under a city car park in 2012.
Best Time to Visit
Full Leicester guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months for a Leicester visit, with pleasant temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall. These months also offer manageable crowds, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the peak season chaos.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month in Leicester, mainly due to the Leicester Comedy Festival, which attracts large crowds and drives up hotel prices. The festival features comedy performances, live music, and street food, making it a lively time to visit. Be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds during this period.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great budget-friendly shoulder months, with mild temperatures (12-15°C) and fewer crowds. These months are ideal for exploring Leicester's cultural attractions without the peak season prices.
Weather & packing
Leicester's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, so pack layers for your visit. Be prepared for sudden rain showers, even in summer, so bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Live City Briefing — Leicester
- The Leicester Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been extended to the city centre, making it easier to get around the city. The National Space Centre has launched a new interactive exhibition, 'Space Odyssey', which is a must-visit for science enthusiasts. The city's popular Granby Street has undergone a £1.5 million makeover, featuring new street art, improved lighting, and revamped public spaces.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Link Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5) to minimize the likelihood of street noise from Leicester's busy streets. Avoid rooms near the lift as the Link Hotel has a compact layout and the lift can be noisy. Consider rooms with a city view to make the most of your stay.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (floors 2-3) may be noisier due to the compact layout and potential for more foot traffic. Some guests have reported noise from the service entrance on lower floors.
Best views
East-facing rooms (typically higher floors) offer a view of the city, while west-facing rooms may have a view of the surrounding buildings or the hotel's courtyard.
Quietest floors
Floors 6-8 appear to be the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the assumption that higher floors are less prone to street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests have reported some noise from the service entrance on lower floors, but overall, the Link Hotel is a relatively quiet hotel considering its location in Leicester's city centre.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Consider requesting a room with a city view, as it not only provides a pleasant outlook but also helps to make the most of your stay in Leicester.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Link Hotel
free, 50 Mbps, no login constraints
all floors, including the historic wing with original staircase
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader
16:00-00:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, £20 late check-out fee
available from 06:00, £10 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair-friendly entrance, some structural limitations in the historic wing
on-site parking available, £20 per night, public car park nearby (£15 per day), EV charging available in the car park (£1.50 per hour)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: £3 per person, per night
Deposit & card hold: £50 advance deposit, £100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Holywell Church (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Church: Saint Mary in Charnwood (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
- Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Shortcliffe Park — 125 m · ~2 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 571 m · ~7 min walk
Outwoods Pharmacy — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Spar — 558 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
You can exchange currency at the airport, but rates are often poor. For a better deal, visit one of the many bureaux de change in the city centre, such as those on Belgrave Road.
Contactless payments are widely accepted, and many shops and cafes also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is generally around 10-15% for good service, while taxi drivers don't expect tips but round up the fare to the nearest pound.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a café on Granby Street for around £1.50.
You can get a budget lunch at a local café or pub for around £5-£6, often including a sandwich or light meal.
A cheap dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost around £10-£12 for a main course.
The area around St. Nicholas Circle has a selection of affordable street food options, including Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Budget supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl have stores in the area, with prices starting from around £20 for a standard weekly shop.
High-street shopping on Granby Street and the surrounding area offers a range of affordable clothing options, including charity shops and market stalls.
A day pass for the local bus network costs £4.50, and you can also use the Leicester Park-and-Ride service for £2.50 per day.
Consider buying a Leicester City Council-issued bus pass for unlimited travel, which costs £60 for a month.Take advantage of the city's many free museums and galleries, such as the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery.Avoid eating at touristy areas, as prices tend to be higher; instead, opt for local pubs and cafes.
Good to know — Leicester
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.74 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
LeicesterIn the UK, dial 999 for all emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue). For non-emergency situations in Leicester, contact the non-emergency number 101. Leicester is in the East Midlands region served by Leicestershire Police.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Leicester, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Link Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 571 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Outwoods Pharmacy — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Leicester City Centre (Multiple Routes) → Holiday Inn Leicester by IHG
💡 Routes 1, 3, 8 serve the hotel area; day ticket (£4.50) ideal for multiple journeys around Leicester
East Midlands Airport → Leicester City Centre
💡 Most budget-friendly option; walk 5 mins to hotel from city centre drop-off point
Leicester Train Station → Holiday Inn Leicester by IHG (City Centre)
💡 Hotel is walking distance (15 mins) from station; Stagecoach local buses also available from station forecourt
East Midlands Airport → Holiday Inn Leicester by IHG
💡 Book in advance for better rates; journey time varies with traffic on M1 motorway
About Leicester
Wikipedia ↗
Leicester ( LES-tər) is a city, unitary authority area, and the county town of Leicestershire, in the East Midlands of England. It is the largest city in the East Midlands, with a population of 388,348 in 2024. The greater Leicester urban area had a population of 559,017 in 2021, making it the 11th...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Link Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5) to minimize the likelihood of street noise from Leicester's busy streets. Avoid rooms near the lift as the Link Hotel has a compact layout and the lift can be noisy. Consider rooms with a city view to make the most of your stay.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Link Hotel?
Rooms near the lift (floors 2-3) may be noisier due to the compact layout and potential for more foot traffic. Some guests have reported noise from the service entrance on lower floors.
Is The Link Hotel noisy?
Guests have reported some noise from the service entrance on lower floors, but overall, the Link Hotel is a relatively quiet hotel considering its location in Leicester's city centre.
Which rooms have the best views at The Link Hotel?
East-facing rooms (typically higher floors) offer a view of the city, while west-facing rooms may have a view of the surrounding buildings or the hotel's courtyard.
What are insider tips for staying at The Link Hotel?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Consider requesting a room with a city view, as it not only provides a pleasant outlook but also helps to make the most of your stay in Leicester.
What time is check-in at The Link Hotel?
Check-in at The Link Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Link Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Link Hotel?
£3 per person, per night
Where can I eat cheaply near The Link Hotel?
You can get a budget lunch at a local café or pub for around £5-£6, often including a sandwich or light meal.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Link Hotel?
A day pass for the local bus network costs £4.50, and you can also use the Leicester Park-and-Ride service for £2.50 per day.
When is the best time to visit Leicester?
June and September are ideal months for a Leicester visit, with pleasant temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall. These months also offer manageable crowds, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the peak season chaos.
Top Attractions in Leicester
💡 For cheap eats, try the Indian street food stalls—samosas and chaat from £2. The covered market hall has better prices than the outdoor stalls for fruit and veg.
💡 Visit on weekdays before noon to avoid coach parties. The Richard III tomb is near the altar; the small exhibition in the transept is free.
💡 The Picasso display is on the first floor in a quiet corner—few people know it's here. Ask at the desk for the free family trail maps.
💡 The abbey ruins are at the north end—bring binoculars to see the carvings on the gatehouse. The café by the lake does cheap tea and cake.
💡 Free entry for Leicester residents with proof of address. Otherwise, the cheapest tickets are online at £8.50 adult—skip the queue.