THE HOTEL: The hotel has been among the northwest’s leading venues in the heart of historic Chester since 1865. The front of the hotel opens out on to the shopping street of Eastgate with its iconic black and white timber-framed buildings. A back entrance gives direct access to the multi-storey car park (free for hotel guests) via lifts.
The check-in: Bags were immediately whisked away the moment we emerged from the car park lifts. Guests are ushered to a small desk with two easy chairs to sit in while the paperwork is sorted. Check-in was quietly efficient, setting the tone of the hotel’s ambience, before being shown to the room.
The room: There are 80 individually designed and furnished rooms/suites. Standard rooms come with a huge triple bed, plus sofa, table, desk and chair in the living area. There’s a refundable deposit of £15 for the cable to connect a laptop. Other facilities included a Bose stereo radio, large TV, wardrobe safe and mini bar. The bathroom had a bath and shower and comes with thick towels. The suites are lavish, and have an over-the-fireplace picture which converts to a TV and a second TV at the end of the bed.
The business: The meeting facilities have recently undergone a £3million refurbishment and now include the very latest audio-visual technology incorporating videoconferencing facilities and – as throughout all meetings suites – complimentary wifi access. There are three Royal and seven Championship golf courses close by.
The facilities: There is a spa with five treatment rooms and sauna using Molton Brown and Elemis products, as well as a fitness centre.
The restaurant: The newly named Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor restaurant, formerly the Arkle, has held a Michelin star for 18 consecutive years. The adjacent Library
bar serves drinks before dinner as well as morning coffee, light lunches and traditional afternoon tea. There is also an excellent Brasserie that serves breakfast, ‘lite bites’ and a full a la carte menu from noon. It also houses another bar.
The verdict: An outstanding de luxe hotel fully warranting its long held five stars.
The details: Eastgate, Chester, CH1 1LT. Tel: 01244 324024; www.chestergrosvenor.com. Rates from £190 for Classic rooms. Alan Orbell
