Chester’s charms span the centuries of time. At its historic heart are both Tudor and Victorian buildings, all around are the Roman walls, and underneath is Chester’s famous Roman amphitheatre. Beyond the town is the green and picturesque countryside of Cheshire. Whether you’re planning to visit for business or pleaure, the city has witnessed a renaissance in its accommodation scene. Over the last couple of decades numerous new hotels (some with parking), pubs-with-rooms and B&Bs have opened and the best places to stay in Chester cater for families, romantic breaks, city breaks and much more.

Chester’s history is dramatic and the city walls are a good place to start. Built by the Romans, they were part torn down by the Vikings, and then re-built by the Saxons and Normans, but promptly part damaged again during the Civil War. Now they encircle Chester’s historic heart with its 12th century cathedral, museums and impressive Tudor and Victorian buildings. Within the walls are The Rows, Chester’s double-storied gallery arcades, which fan off from the centre of town. There are plenty of nice places to shop and eat in The Rows, but if you’re a serious shopper you need to head to the Chester Oaks outlet centre where you'll find all the top designer labels. Keen horseracing fans will also be heading here for the vibrant race calendar.

The best places to stay in Chester are busy throughout the year. So book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Chester

For a Central Location

• The Chester Grosvenor is a famous choice, known for its mock Tudor facade, andexellent restaurant. It has 80 rooms and suites, with varied decor plus a spa and gym, as well as several bars.
• The Coach House Inn is an historic inn in a central spot, just moments from the cathedral. The bar and restaurant downstairs are light and airy, and upstairs are eight spacious rooms. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, using a bold collection of wallpapers and contemporary furnishings.

For Families

• Oddfellows is a quirky pick in central Chester, with a great range of rooms, suites and apartments. You can expect bespoke design everywhere — in one room the bed is circular, in one there are twin roll-top baths, and in others a mezzanine level to create more space. The restaurant is innovative too, and there's a secret garden with a bar converted from the potting shed. Two or Three bedroom apartments are brilliant for a family stay.
• Rowton Hall Country House Hotel is a grand country house and spa, in a secluded spot not far from Chester and the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Centre. The 37 rooms and suites are decorated in luxurious contemporary style, with large bathrooms. Excellent facilities include an indoor pool, tennis courts, and superb restaurant. Some of the rooms would suit a family, and you’re most welcome to enquire about bringing your dog.
• ABode Chester has taken over the old Cheshire Police HQ, and turned it into an 84 room hotel. The location, right next to the racecourse, is ideal for local sightseeing, and you can see quite a bit of Chester from the hotel roof terrace. The rooms are large and the decor fresh, varied, and contemporary. The suites can accommodate up to five.

For Couples

• The Boathouse & Riverside Rooms is an adults-only hotel right on the River Dee, close to the Roman Amphitheatre. Laid out like the boathouse of its name, each of the 21 rooms boasts large windows overlooking the water, and features a boating theme that runs to oars above the beds, and wallpaper featuring boats. The restaurant serves pub-style fare in a friendly atmosphere.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Chester?

• The closest airports to Chester are Liverpool Airport and Manchester Airport; both are about half an hour away by car or taxi. If you’re travelling via London, the quickest route is probably by train out of Euston — it takes just over two and a quarter hours.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Cheshire isn’t known for extreme temperatures, it’s warm, rather than hot in the summer, and cool rather than cold during the winter, and there’s a smattering of rain all year round, so definitely pack your waterproofs! And Chester has plenty of indoor attractions, as well as outdoor ones, so it’s very much a year round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit Chester. If you plan to do a lot of walking, or outdoor exploring, then late spring through mid autumn are probably the best times to visit, because the days have extra sunshine hours.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cheshire
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Cheshire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Chester