HOTEL of the week

NOVOTEL LEICESTER

WHERE AND WHY Welcome to the stunning Novotel Hotel with views across Highcross shopping centre. The new £40million hotel has been built within the Great Central Square development, which already includes the 98-apartment Adagio ‘aparthotel’ serviced apartments, also owned by Accor.

The 10-storey Novotel has high-end luxury and no stone has been left unturned when it comes to the design aspect, with a rich gold colour palette running through the reception into the glamorous bar and restaurant.

A major feature is the independent restaurant NineB, with produce from Leicestershire’s leading food and drink suppliers. There are 154 rooms, including 38 executive suites, nine junior suites on each floor, and a presidential suite on the penthouse floor. It also has meeting and conference facilities. My executive suite had a king-size bed, a desk, wi-fi, 55in LCD TV, Nespresso machine, mini fridge, bathroom amenities, bathrobe and slippers.

ON THE MENU Novotel’s restaurant NineB, which seats up to 120, is definitely an attractive feature with a delicious menu. We went for the wild mushroom arancini balls with chilli tomato relish for starters (£6.50). For mains we ordered grilled sea bass fillet with la ratte potatoes, tomatoes and baby spinach (£17), and a falafel and spinach burger with thick cut chips (£13), steamed broccoli with chilli and ginger butter (£4). For dessert we ordered chocolate brownie

with salted caramel ice cream (£6) and a cherry Bakewell cheesecake and poached cherries (£6). Although the menu is infused with rich options, it did lack a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The next day we indulged in the breakfast buffet which consisted of a traditional fry-up, pastries, toast, cereal, fruit and yoghurts.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE You’re right in the middle of the city. Highcross mall is on your doorstep, and the city’s football and rugby grounds are within walking distance. It’s a 10-minute drive to the National Space Centre. WAKE-UP CALL Standard rooms from £101 a night. Car parking £10. all.accor.com

MARYAM QAISER