Holiday Inn Express Sheffield City Centre

The Holiday Inn Express on Arundel Gate is one of those properties that makes you reconsider your assumptions about budget chain hotels. It sits close to the Novotel on the same street but comes in at a lower price point while still managing to feel like a considered option rather than a last resort.

The Express formula strips back the extras – no full restaurant, no spa, no pool – and puts the money saved into what actually matters for a short stay: a good bed, a clean room, fast Wi-Fi, and a breakfast worth eating. The hot breakfast here is a genuine selling point. It’s included in most rates and it’s the kind of proper start that makes you feel the day is off to a decent beginning.

Location on Arundel Gate is genuinely good for a city centre break. The tram stop is nearby, the train station is walkable, and the city’s main cultural attractions are all within reasonable distance. For a Tramlines Festival base, a Sheffield United away trip, or a weekend exploring the city, the location does exactly what you need.

Rooms are compact but efficient – the design makes good use of the space available and there is no sense of being cramped in the way some older budget properties can feel. The blackout curtains are thorough, which matters more than you’d think in a city centre location with early light.

For value per pound spent on a Sheffield city centre stay, the Holiday Inn Express consistently comes out near the top. It’s particularly good for solo travellers and couples who plan to spend most of their time out in the city rather than in the room.