Review: Jennifer O’Shea | Editor
- Thank you to the hotel for hosting us for this review. Our stay was complimentary, but all words and opinions are our own, and a fully honest account of our stay
If you are looking for a UK staycation, Chester is a quaint alternative to the bustling street of Manchester and Liverpool. Packed with charm and character, This historic little city is peppered with beautiful timbered houses surrounded by Roman walls – which were originally built to protect the city from invasion. The substantial remains of the grand amphitheatre make it easy to picture the battles of times gone by, and the cathedral, initially founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092, are both must-see sights to add to your itinerary.
Hotel Indigo is a contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of the city opening in June 2019, therefore still a fairly new addition to Chester’s hotel scene. The hotel décor gives a nod to Chester’s rich heritage and the 75 bedrooms cover three design themes; the racecourse, the Eastgate clock, and the local architecture. Muted colour palettes of warm greys, charcoal, sage and cream make the bedrooms feel inviting. Even the standard rooms, which are quite compact, are a lovely space to relax and unwind. The Hypnos beds are twin or king with luxe Egyptian linen but most soft furnishing accessories such as cushions and throws (which are usually frequently handled) have been removed due to the current covid safety measures. Despite this, the bedroom space still feels inviting and cosy.
BEDROOMS
BEDROOM FEATURES: HYPNOS BEDS | NSPRESSO MACHINE | FLATSCREEN TV WITH CHROMECAST | AIR CONDITIONING | MINI BAR | MONSOON SHOWER | MOLTON BROWN TOILETRIES
On the subject of covid safely there are several measure in place at Hotel Indigo; Reception has a one-way-system and there are markings on the floor to ensure guests are distanced when waiting at reception. Glass screens are in place between reception staff and hotel guests, and there is a policy in place for using the lift going up in the building and the stairs for coming down which will ensure a good flow of distancing between guests. The bar and restaurant areas also have a one-way-system in place. There are two separate doors which cover the reception area, bar and restaurant – one is for entering and the other leaving – the system works well and is easy to follow (as most of us by now will have come across the most illogical of one way systems in the retail sector, this was a refreshingly simple).
DRINKS & DINING
The restaurant is an easy going destination with a mix of luxurious banquette tables and relaxed seating. The lighting is dimmed to perfect and the atmosphere is welcoming with friendly and knowledgable staff (including a great waiter who really knew his wine, and recommended some great options). Food is served to the tables on trays, at where the waiting staff will request you to remove the plates from the tray yourself and put them on your own table to minimise surface contact for crockery.
The menu covers a well-rounded selection of starters. We can certainly rave about the chicken liver with rhubarb, smoked butter and brioche and also the pigeon breast with celeriac, fig, hazelnut. For mains we opted for steaks from the Josper grill; a fillet and ribye – both of which were tender, flavoursome and cooked to total perfection. Other dishes on the menu include monkfish and red snapper, along with crowd pleasers like the ‘duo of duck’, a delicious looking goat tagine, and some tasty vegetarian option too such as the Pappardelle wild mushroom, sweet potato, pine nut and truffle oil.
Overall Hotel Indigo in Chester has to be one of our favourite city hotels, and one of our must re-visits from our hotel reviews section, it feels luxe without the price tag, welcoming despite covid restrictions, staff are really professional yet warm and friendly, and the quality of the food is nothing less than fantastic. We will certainly be coming back here and spreading the word to our friends and family to do the same.
Covid Safety Measurements at Hotel Indigo, Chester
- Hotel staff and guests are required to wear a mask at all times when moving throughout the hotel, only to be removed when seated at a table in the bar or restaurant.
- Signage displaying hotel policy regarding sanitising and masks.
- Hand sanitising stations at entry points, toilets, lifts, stairwell entrances
- One way system for guests and staff.
- Tables in the bar and restaurant were well spaced
- Contactless check out – guests final invoice sent via emailed rather than printed.
- Payment is automatically taken from the card given on check in rather than a separate
- Reservation times are required in advance for breakfast and dinner.
- Elimination of the buffet breakfast – table service only.
- Room keys are thoroughly sanitised by staff between guests.
Hotel Fact File
Hotel Indigo Chester
Grosvenor Park Rd, Chester CH1 1QQ
Visit Hotel Indigo Website.