The New Ellington is a funky boutique hotel with 35 chic bedrooms in the middle of Leeds' financial district. The entrance to this red-brick building is discreet, but you immediately enter a striking atrium of lavish furnishing and décor.

The name is, of course, a tribute to Duke Ellington who played the city's 1958 music festival, and the funky, art deco interiors are inspired by New Orleans.

You'll get the picture as soon as you walk in to the lounge bar, with armchairs in crushed burgundy contrasted with brightly coloured materials of varying textures, brown leather 'thrones' and groovy light fittings. It is edgy and individual yet maintains the important element of relaxation which proves extremely welcoming.

There is free wired and wireless internet access throughout the Hotel. iPods with pre-downloaded music of one of four genres – classic, jazz, rock/pop and chill out – are available to borrow for the duration of your stay. You can also borrow various games consoles, including Wii and Xbox 360. The flat screen has connections for these as well as A/V plugs, monitor outputs from laptops and a high-definition TV input too.