Our Welcome Letter
On 18th October 1879 the Firth College was opened by Prince Leopold, the youngest son of Queen Victoria. The total cost of the land and construction, some £22,750, was borne entirely by Mark Firth, a local steel manufacturer, and eminent member of the local community. Firth had honourably been elected Master Cutler and Lord Mayor of Sheffield. It is interesting to note that some 18 years later, Firth College amalgamated with The Sheffield School of Medicine and The Sheffield Technical College, to create the foundations of what we now know as The University of Sheffield.
Over the years many different schools and colleges have occupied the building the
last of which being, The Central Technical School for boys now the Leopold Hotel. Original photographs can be spotted all over The Leopold, paying tribute to days gone by. Many past students and staff from the Education Department have been to the Leopold hotel, all with fascinating stories to tell.
The Leopold has done its utmost to keep these memories alive through as many different aspects as possible. Together with the photographs, the original staircases on both the north and south side still exist. The oak paneling in The Oak Suite the former boardroom of the Educational Board boasts a beautiful display of paneling with intricate detail that can be seen.
The Technical School had 4 houses; ‘Bessemer’ and ‘Faraday’ have both been used to name two of the conference suites, the other names, ‘Telford’ and ‘Stephenson’ have been used to name two of the fourteen guest mezzanine suites. The others are named after prominent Sheffielders, two of which being (Mark) Firth mentioned earlier, and (George) Bassett of Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts fame.
The only guest bedroom not to be located on one of the six main corridors is room 128. This room was occupied until his retirement, by Mr Herbert William Wadge MBE, and is still called The Headmaster’s Study today. Situated on the north side staircase, this room, bought back vivid memories for the ex-pupils who have visited.
One photograph not to have been supplied by Mr Stuart Green, a former pupil is the one situated in the Faraday Suite, which is located on the wall opposite the windows. This is of The Education Board of 1879 and was found under the floorboards during construction when they were removed.
The building has been lovingly brought back to the glory of it’s original state through careful development and refurbishment and enjoys Grade II listed status. The building was listed in 1972, just after a proposal in 1971 that the whole site be demolished and redeveloped.
A near catastrophe! This magnificent building has passed down to new owners, who completed a five years dedicated journey from drawing board to opening Leopold Hotel Sheffield , swinging open the doors to welcome guests in 2007. So whether you are a resident, visiting us at one of our events, or just having a quiet drink. The Management and Staff hope that your time at the Leopold Hotel is a happy and unique experience that creates the fondest of memories for you, as it did for the many other people to have passed through these doors.
Information for your stay
Our electricity supply is 240v. Should you need an adapter, please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’
Please contact Reception who will be happy to assist. Dial ‘0’.
Maps are available at the Front Desk
For bedroom slippers or for purchase information please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’.
Location and reservations.
Please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’.
Check out time is 11:00am. Should you wish to extend your departure time, please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’. Charges may apply
Approximate travel time from Manchester International Airport is 75 minutes and East Midlands Airport is approximately 55 minutes. Please allow extra travel time during rush hour, inclement weather, and special events. For specific information contact Reception. Dial ‘0’
Car Parking, available in the City centre at preferred rates, please see our website www.leopoldhotels.com or Reception and ask a member of the team for further details.
Grab ‘n’ Go Continental Style Breakfast is currently available – Please see Reception for further information
Breakfast is available Monday - Friday 6.30am to 10.00 am Saturday – 7.30am-10.30am Sunday 7:30am - 11:00am.
Should you require fresh milk or further supplies for making coffee and tea, please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’.
We accept the following credit cards. Master Card, Visa, American Express.
Please note this service is currently suspended
Dial ‘0’ to reach the hotel operator for a problem inside the Hotel.
The entire building is equipped with complimentary internet network technology with Internet sharing capability. Please connect to Leopold Hotel Sheffield.
Please familiarise yourself with our Fire Safety instructions located on the inside of your bedroom door.
Located within your bedroom.
Visit our Explore Sheffield page to learn more. For help on travelling to any of these attractions please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’.
Lost and found property will be handed over to Housekeeping. Please note we only hold lost property for a maximum of 90 days.
Incoming mail and packages are held at the Front Desk. A message will be left for you of these arrivals. For delivery please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’.
Please order your newspapers with the Front Desk, these will be delivered to your room daily, and will be charged accordingly to your bill.
Reception will be pleased to provide you with information. Dial ‘0’.
Reception will be pleased to provide you with information. Dial ‘0’. Charges may apply.
Only guide dogs are allowed.
Please contact Reception for details of local church services. Dial ‘0’.
A selection of bottled beverages are currently available – all food service has been suspended, however, all resident guests may enjoy a selection of bottled wines, lagers, beers, spirits and soft drinks in the comfort of their bedroom. The hotel's Lounge Bar will close at 2200hrs in line with the UK Government guidelines – all resident guests may pre-order their drinks packages by email or telephone before 2200hrs for consumption within the hotel which complies with the current UK Government guidelines.
Please contact Reception on email [email protected] or call 01142524000 from your own phone and select from:
- A bottle of house wine; two bottles of lager and a packet of roasted nuts or crisps
- Five bottles of either Peroni or Corona lager
Your in room safe is available free of charge. To use this facility, please follow the instructions on the safe, located inside your wardrobe. The hotel does not take responsibility for any items placed in the safe, these are left at the guests discretion.
Please note that in line with the new UK Law, the Hotel is Non Smoking and the only smoking area is on our Terrace. Should we find that you have smoked in your guestroom, a charge of £150.00 will be applied for special cleaning costs.
To dial an outside line, please dial ‘0’ to be transferred. Calls will be charged at 20p per unit.
Available items: razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs, and other necessities. For additional toiletries other than those found in your room please contact Reception. Dial ‘0’.
The Reception will be pleased to assist you with any travel arrangements within the city and surrounding areas.
Please contact Front Desk, Dial ‘0’.
At the request of our guests we are pleased to make selected guestroom amenities available for purchase.
These items may be purchased through the Reception.
Leopold Bathrobes £25.00
Leopold Slippers £3.50
