Chester Hotels

Roman Chester

Chester's city walls are the most complete in the country. As you walk around them, it's easy to forget that you're following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers who guarded the settlement. On your way you'll discover the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.

Tudor and Victorian Chester

One of the things that instantly hits you as you explore the city is the sheer number of Tudor-era and Victorian Tudor-style buildings that lend the town an air of antiquity and gentility. The black and white half-timbered buildings populate much of the town with Stanley Palace being a noteworthy example.

Animal attraction

Containing over 12, 000 animals, Chester Zoo is a veritable wonderland of wildlife. Meet big cats and beautiful birds, meerkats and monkeys, reptiles and rhinos and a host of other creatures of all shapes and sizes, from land and sea. Kids can burn off some steam in the play areas and there's a mini-golf course, a range of exhibitions and beautifully landscaped gardens – some reflecting different areas of the world.

Eating and drinking

The Chef's table uses the freshest local produce to create ever-changing menus. Each season is reflected in the top-notch food that is savoured by locals and visitors alike. La P'tite France might be missing an 'e' but everything else is present and correct. Traditional French cuisine is served in a warm, friendly atmosphere – c'est magnifique! For cocktails, an extensive wine list and delicious steak, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better than Upstairs at the Grill. This split-level restaurant creates its menu using locally sourced beef.

Shopping

The Rows has a façade that is the oldest of its kind in England and contains a great mix of retailers from high street names to unusual independently owned boutiques. It also provides a unique experience – here you can shop at street level and then descend some steps to a subterranean floor full of even more stores. The Grosvenor Shopping centre is a cut above the usual mall with its stylish frontage and interior. Here you'll find well-known retailers and interesting independent stores. And Watergate Street is a great place to find specialist shops and tea rooms.

Hotels

Stay in the delightful half-timbered Saddle Inn close to the town centre and enjoy 3-star comfort. Crabwall Manor Hotel and Spa provides 4-star sophistication in a Grade II listed building dating back to 1066. And for 5-star luxury, Edgar House is perfectly placed, just within the historic city walls, making for a sublime and fascinating stay.

Party and nightlife in Chester

Chester city centre has pubs, clubs and bars for all tastes. Ye Olde Boot Inn dates from 1643 and serves classic ales in an old-fashioned setting, while the Liverpool Arms is a popular, long-standing LGBTQ venue. For locally brewed beer, try the Spitting Feathers Brewery Tap on Bridge Street. If you’re more into fancy cocktails, Prohibition, a swish speakeasy hidden behind a secret door, is the place for you. And to keep your night going until the small hours, Rosie’s is a huge multiroom nightclub set over three floors, with pleasingly cheesy music that ranges from pop to hip-hop, RnB and commercial dance.

Best areas to stay in Chester

Chester boasts a variety of charming areas perfect for visitors. In the historic city centre, you're surrounded by ancient walls and architectural marvels, making it ideal for those keen on history. For peace and scenic views, the River Dee area offers tranquillity and waterfront dining. Nightlife and local culture thrive near Chester Racecourse, with its lively bars and restaurants. Lastly, proximity to Chester Railway Station is great for explorers looking for easy travel. Each neighbourhood uniquely captures Chester's heritage and vibrancy, ensuring a memorable visit.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Almost all of Chester’s key attractions are clustered in its compact city centre, which stretches from the city walls in the north down to the River Dee in the south. In this area you’ll find the aforementioned fortifications with their 2-mile-long walkway, plus the stunning medieval cathedral and the ruins of Britain’s biggest Roman amphitheatre. The main thoroughfares of Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Upper Bridge Street are home to the Rows, timber-framed galleries that form a picturesque string of shops on the first floor. A stay in the city centre will also put you within a 10/15-minute walk of Chester Racecourse.

Where to stay with your family in Chester

If your family visit to Chester is centred around the epic zoo, you can’t get more convenient than Zoo House Chester, which is literally on the doorstep of the 128-acre animal park. If you’d prefer to be a little closer to town but still away from the hustle and bustle, the elegant suburb of Hoole is perfect – it’s peaceful but still has its own buzzing high street full of independent shops. The superbly rated Chester House Guest House offers a Family Superior Ensuite Room for up to two adults and two children, plus complimentary car parking and wifi.

Where to find cheap hotels in Chester

The heart of town is the place to look for budget hotels in Chester. Race-goers will love the Holiday Inn Express, situated practically at the entrance to the racecourse, which offers double rooms for as little as £58/night with an inclusive Express Start breakfast thrown in. For a personal touch, stay at Grosvenor Place, one of only two guesthouses located within the city walls. From £58 per night, you’ll be just a 3-minute walk from the Rows. For low-cost accommodation with delicious food and drink on site, the Coach House Inn has rooms from £71 above a high-quality bar and restaurant.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Nestled in the Cheshire countryside but still just 15 minutes from Chester by car, Rowton Hall Hotel and Spa boasts a superb restaurant, Thyme. Offering fine dining in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, the restaurant focuses on locally sourced produce, with many ingredients taken from its own garden.

Spa hotels in Chester

Located a 10-minute walk from the heart of town, The Mill Hotel & Spa offers guests a range of treatments and packages, from a classic spa day to a full-body massage or a twilight experience. The amenities are rounded out by a steam room, sauna, hot tub and swimming pool.

Exceptional hotels

The Queen at Chester Hotel stands out for its illustrious past. Described as the first skyscraper of its time, the Italianate building began operating in 1860 to serve first-class rail passengers, and past guests include Charles Dickens. Each floor of the hotel is dedicated to a country, with every suite named after a corresponding king.

Luxury hotels in Chester

The Chester Grosvenor is a byword for luxury when it comes to Chester hotels. The Grade II listed institution has real wow factor with its grand columns and black-and-white façade, and the central location is unbeatable. Inside you’ll find a spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, and rooms with all the amenities you’d expect of a 5-star joint.

Going shopping in Chester

Chester is a paradise for shopaholics, with every kind of store under the sun. The place to start, of course, is the Rows, home to jewellers, fashion boutiques, health & beauty providers and much more. Independent stores abound on the charmingly narrow Godstall Lane, while the tucked-away courtyard of Rufus Court has specialist shops and a huge beer garden. For big-name brands, meanwhile, make a beeline for Grosvenor Shopping Centre right in the heart of town. And if market shopping is your thing, Chester Market has recently moved to a new, purpose-built hall, selling a unique blend of produce, goods, food and beverage that’s well worth a look.

The 5 must-sees of Chester

• Chester Zoo: One of the UK’s largest, the zoo has over 27,000 animals and offers experiences where you can get up close and personal with the residents.

• Chester Cathedral: A cavernous church rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13th century, with exhibitions, gardens, and tours to the top of the tower.

• City walls: The most complete circuit of ancient defensive walls in Britain offers fantastic views and fascinating history.

• The Rows: Eye-catching, centuries-old timber galleries that form a second row of shops at first-floor level.

• Chester Racecourse: The world’s oldest operating racecourse hosts world-class racing from May to October.