Crowne Plaza Chester

This is a business hotel first and foremost, but its proximity to the Chester Racecourse brings in plenty of racing fans on weekends during the season. The entrance of this red brick building that takes up an entire block is rather dark, but richly decorated with tan leather furniture and marble tile floors. Modern chandeliers in circular shapes and subtle neon lighting in alternating colors provide a touch of class. The spacious Stables Bar & Grill is the most cheerful place in the hotel, with a wall of windows bringing lots of light cascading onto lovely hardwood floors and leather furniture that includes banquettes. Throughout this busy chain hotel, there are ample places to sit, work, or quietly discuss the day’s events with colleagues.

The Crowne Plaza is conveniently located on a busy road adjacent to a large shopping complex and across the street from the Chester Racecourse, England’s oldest thoroughbred race track. It’s also a six-minute walk from the ancient Chester Cathedral and the iconic Eastgate Clock. It’s a nine-minute walk to the Chester Roman Amphitheater, the largest of its kind in England. Chester Castle is 11 minutes away on foot, and a world of shops, bars, and restaurants are in the immediate area. The Chester train station is 18 minutes away on foot. Drive times to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport take approximately 40 minutes. 

The elegant wood furniture found in the desks, closet doors, and one-piece headboards/nightstands with USB media plug-ins is the most distinctive feature of these clean rooms. The Standard Double Room we saw had sage accent walls, drapes, and bolster pillows, as well as cranberry carpet, gold bed throws, and cream walls. Rather small windows somewhat limit natural light, but high ceilings prevent the rooms from being too dark. Our room was comfortably-sized by European standards and included two chairs and a small oval table. Standard King and Twin Rooms (two twin beds) are available, and some rooms include chairs that convert to beds for children. Standard amenities are outstanding, with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, robes, slippers, trouser presses, and flat-screen TVs with over 300 Sky TV channels. Executive Rooms on the third and fourth floors provide access to the Club Lounge that includes a free continental breakfast and free snacks and drinks (including alcohol) in the evening.

Bathrooms are average in size and have excellent lighting. They include a black granite vanity, magnifying mirror, beige tiling, and shower/tub combo. Some rooms overlook the Chester Racecourse, but others have mostly bland views of roofs and the surrounding roads and buildings. During peak hours, faint noise from the busy roads can be heard in some rooms. 

One of the top features of this business-focused hotel is the Club Motivation Health & Fitness Club. It includes a large workout room with an excellent selection of cardio and strength-training equipment. It also has a generously-sized indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. Stables Bar & Grill is a full-service restaurant that serves an extensive breakfast buffet as well as lunch and dinner, highlighted by fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, and vegetarian dishes. Meetings are big business here, with facilities that can host up to 600 people. The staffed business center is housed in a dedicated room with computers, copiers, and printers. Wi-Fi is free, as is fruit-infused water in the lobby. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services. On-site parking is available for a fee, but the lot fills up sometimes. Fortunately, a multi-story parking facility is adjacent to the hotel.