Chester hotels, United Kingdom

Best areas to stay in Chester

Chester offers a range of delightful areas ideal for visitors. In the historic city center, you'll be surrounded by ancient walls and stunning architecture, perfect for history enthusiasts. For a peaceful experience with scenic views, the River Dee area provides tranquility and waterside dining. The area near Chester Racecourse is bustling with nightlife and local culture, featuring lively bars and restaurants. Lastly, being close to Chester Railway Station is great for travelers seeking convenient access to transportation. Each neighborhood uniquely captures Chester's heritage and vibrancy, promising an unforgettable visit.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Most of Chester’s main attractions are concentrated in its compact city center, extending from the city walls in the north to the River Dee in the south. In this area, you'll find the aforementioned fortifications with their 2-mile long walkway, the stunning medieval cathedral, and the ruins of Britain’s largest Roman amphitheater. The main streets of Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, and Upper Bridge Street feature the Rows, timber-framed galleries that form a charming lineup of shops on the first floor. Staying in the city center will also place you within a 10-15 minute walk of Chester Racecourse.

Where to stay with your family in Chester

If your family's visit to Chester centers around the remarkable zoo, it doesn't get more convenient than Zoo House Chester, which is right next to the 128-acre animal park. If you prefer to be a bit closer to town but still away from the hustle and bustle, the elegant suburb of Hoole is perfect. It's peaceful yet boasts a vibrant main street full of independent shops. The highly-rated Chester House Guest House offers a Family Superior Ensuite Room for up to two adults and two children, along with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.

Where to find cheap hotels in Chester

The town center is the place to search for budget hotels in Chester. Race enthusiasts will appreciate the Holiday Inn Express, located almost at the entrance to the racecourse, offering double rooms for as low as $58 per night, including an Express Start breakfast. For a more personal touch, stay at Grosvenor Place, one of only two guesthouses within the city walls, with prices starting at $58 per night, just a 3-minute walk from the Rows. For affordable lodging with great food and drink on site, the Coach House Inn offers rooms starting at $71 above a high-quality bar and restaurant.

The 5 must-sees in Chester

• Chester Zoo: One of the largest in the UK, the zoo is home to over 27,000 animals and offers experiences where you can get up close with the residents.

• Chester Cathedral: A grand church rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 13th century, featuring 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 create a second row of shops on the first floor.

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

Party and nightlife in Chester

Downtown Chester offers pubs, clubs, and bars catering to every taste. Ye Olde Boot Inn, established in 1643, serves classic ales in a traditional setting, while the Liverpool Arms is a beloved, long-standing LGBTQ venue. For locally crafted beer, check out the Spitting Feathers Brewery Tap on Bridge Street. If you're a fan of fancy cocktails, Prohibition is a chic speakeasy hidden behind a secret door, perfect for you. And to keep the night alive into the early hours, Rosie’s is a sprawling multi-room nightclub spread across three floors, featuring delightfully cheesy music spanning from pop to hip-hop, R&B, and commercial dance.

Going shopping in Chester

Chester is a shopper's paradise, offering every type of store imaginable. The ideal starting point is the Rows, home to jewelers, fashion boutiques, health and beauty providers, and much more. You'll find plenty of independent stores along the charmingly narrow Godstall Lane, while Rufus Court, tucked away, features specialty shops and a large beer garden. For major brands, head straight to the Grosvenor Shopping Center located in the heart of town. If you enjoy market shopping, Chester Market has recently relocated to a new, purpose-built hall, offering a unique mix of produce, goods, food, and beverages that's definitely worth exploring.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Nestled in the Cheshire countryside, yet only a 15-minute drive from Chester, Rowton Hall Hotel and Spa features an excellent restaurant, Thyme. Serving fine dining in a relaxed and informal setting, the restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, many of which are harvested from its own garden.

Spa hotels in Chester

Just a 10-minute walk from the town center, The Mill Hotel & Spa provides guests with a variety of treatments and packages, ranging from a classic spa day to a full-body massage or a twilight experience. The facilities also include a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and swimming pool.

Exceptional hotels

The Queen at Chester Hotel is notable for its distinguished history. Known as the first skyscraper of its era, the Italianate structure began operating in 1860 to cater to first-class rail passengers, with past guests including Charles Dickens. Each floor is themed around a different country, with suites named after corresponding monarchs.

Luxury hotels in Chester

The Chester Grosvenor epitomizes luxury among Chester hotels. This Grade II listed venue boasts impressive columns and a striking black-and-white façade, while its central location is unparalleled. Inside, you'll find a spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and rooms equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a 5-star establishment.