The Queens Hotel on City Square has welcomed generations of visitors including Princess Grace of Monaco, Cary Grant and Nelson Mandela. It was built using two million bricks and 40,000 cubic feet of Portland Stone and opened in 1937 and is thought to be the first ever hotel with en-suite facilities. It underwent a major refurbishment in 2021, receiving a £16 million makeover that included a transformation of the hotel's rooms, event spaces, and ground floor. These photos, the majority plucked from the YEP archive, showcase how the 232 bedroom hotel has been at the heart of the city’s hospitality down the decades. READ MORE: Memories of the Leeds landmark which points the way LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. 1970s
Inside one of the Queens Hotel's 200 bedrooms in March 1979. Note the teleppone on the wall. | YPN Photo: YPN
14. 1980s
The Black Prince points the way to the Queens Hotel in April 1983. | YPN Photo: YPN
15. 1980s
February 1983 and the British Rail owned Queens Hotel could soon be operating under new management. Negotiations were under way between British Rail and a prospective new owner interested in buying the hotel. | YPN Photo: YPN
16. 1980s
Do you remember Derek Mower? He was former head waiter at the Queens Hotel. Pictured in November 1983. | YPN Photo: YPN
17. 1980s
November 1984 and the Queens Hotel was enjoying a facelift at a cost of nearly £30,000. The new owner Trust House Forte gave the go ahead for the washing down in mid-August 1984 but general manager Steve Maslen thought it wise to wait until drought threat disappeared before starting. | YPN Photo: YPN
18. 1980s
November 1984 and the wash down to remove 15 years of grime proved a striking contrast with the next door British Rail offices. | YPN Photo: YPN