The Spa Hotel Review: The Chester Grosvenor, Chester, UK.
Review: Susanne McCluskey
A super hotel in the heart of Chester which couldn’t be better placed for exploring all this historic city has to offer. The Chester Grosvenor hotel is inside the famous city walls, with the Eastgate clock (a much-photographed landmark) right next door. The Cathedral, Roman amphitheater and medieval shopping galleries, The Rows are all within a five-minute walk and the well-connected train station is just half a mile away. The hotel is home to 80 individually designed bedrooms and suites along with the award winning Spa at the Chester Grosvenor which is brand partnered with Elemis. The grosvenor is also home to Chester’s only Michelin starred restaurant ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’. There is also La Brasserie restaurant, a private dining room; The Riedel Cellar and the Arkle Bar and Lounge – serving their famous selection of afternoon teas which were first established in 1882.
This year the Chester Grosvenor was shortlisted to the final three in the Visit England Awards of Excellence – Afternoon Tea of the Year Category, and more recently ‘Simon Radley at the Grosvenor’ was ranked among the Square Meal UK Top 100 restaurants, whilst the hotel jumped 16 spaces to 58 in the Caterer Hoteliers’ Hotel Top 100. This hotel is immaculately kept from the outside and the first impression of the inside showcased the wonderful Tudor revival architecture and the elegant yet cosy reception area. The grand staircase sits underneath the opulent, imposing chandelier which is made with 28,000 pieces
The staff were very professional, polite and very friendly at check in and although the hotel was fully booked the experience was cool calm and collected. We stayed in an air-conditioned Deluxe Suite which was luxuriously reminiscent of eras gone by and furnished in walnut hued wood with marble fireplace and gold gilded mirrors. The bed was enormous with super soft bedding, which made for a very good night’s sleep. A range of different teas and coffee was provided and well-stocked minibar. Bottles of water, milk and fruit were complimentary. The bathroom was very clean, decked out in marble with a large spacious sink and surround. A generous amount of Elemis products were stacked on the sinkside too. Slippers and bathrobes were also provided.
The Spa at The Chester Grosvenor is a must-visit and you must immerse yourself in the serenity of this boutique sanctuary. The Thermal Suite comprises of herb sauna, crystal steam room, salt grotto and foot baths along with the tranquil relaxation area. My partner used all the above while I had an Elemis full body massage (60mins) using the much-coveted Elemis Frangipani Oil. After the massage, I joined my partner, who by this point was sleeping in the tranquil relaxation room, which was full of luxe, comfy beds with quilts. Fruit and water were available on the refreshment stations. I can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed we took the opportunity to relax in that room for a solid two hours! Even though the spa was quite small there was no over-crowding as spas’ can sometimes get on a weekend – which was perfect.
For the evening, we headed for pre-dinner drinks in the Arkle Bar & Lounge; a stylish and comfortable place to start off our dining experience with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff were very attentive and interested in helping us to decide on one of their 50 gins produced from an array of locations all over the globe. I opted for a violet gin served with a sliver of honeycomb and my partner had a licorice root gin, served with Fentimans herbal tonic water.
For dinner, we were booked in at La Brasserie, a venue which adds a vibrant splash of Parisian charm to Chester, a classic brasserie affair with lots of panache with a pianist adding that extra authentic touch. A really well rounded menu with choices of signature dishes such as oysters, Diver scallops, Cote de Boeuf, Josper grilled steak, and a fabulous Coquillages dish for serious seafood lovers. I started with the baked beans on brioche, soup of French haricots and aged parmesan while my partner had the seared mackerel, sea herb & chicory salad. For mains, I opted for the grilled salmon with creamed rocket and chorizo croquettes. My partner plumped for a great choice from the Josper grill; Welsh dry aged beef rib eye served with crispy onions, stuffed mushrooms and béarnaise sauce. The food and service was amazing and the waiting staff were outstanding.
The Chester Grosvenor
Eastgate St | Chester | CH1 1LT
Deluxe Suite Bed and Breakfast from £500.
Classic Rooms Bed and Breakfast from £145.00.
Classic Rooms Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £220.00.