Wrexham Road, Chester, United Kingdom | (888) 240-0568
Some rooms have a fresh, modern look
Located in a peaceful, countryside setting
Spa is luxurious and has a range of treatment options
Tranquil Japanese-style garden
Lovely fine dining restaurant with an extensive wine list
An authentic English pub that serves traditional ales
Freebies include Wi-Fi and parking
Some rooms look rather dull and dated
No design continuity; too many themes in public areas
Some complaints of noise from the pub when big events happening
Not accessible by public transportation
Few lounge chairs in the pool area
The Grosvenor Pulford is a 73-room, four-pearl property that feels more like a quaint country home than a hotel. With a state-of-the-art spa extension, swimming pool, as well as Japanese garden, it's very popular as a local wedding venue and events space. Located in the semi-secluded Cheshire village of Pulford, it's a 15-minute drive into Chester, which can be a plus or a minus depending on the type of stay. Also, the Grosvenor does not quite pull off its mix of traditional and modern decor in the interior spaces, as the array of competing styles feels rather disorienting to some guests.
Scene
A mix of styles makes for a bit of an identity crisis
The Grosvenor Pulford's building is over a century old, and much of its outside construction is a reflection of its rich history. Inside, however, a mix of design styles may seem confusing to some. Both the entrance and the on-site pub are classically adorned, while the spa and garden are Asian-inspired, and the pool and restaurant have a Mediterranean theme. The guestrooms also vary from traditional English decor in some to a sleek and modern style in others. On their own, these spaces are lovely. But after a short walk through the hotel, some guests may feel slightly overwhelmed by all the variations in design.
Location
A tranquil countryside location on the border with Wales
The Grosvenor Pulford is several miles from Chester and takes a 15-minute drive to get to the city center. It's located just off of the A483 highway and is therefore easily accessible by car. The village of Pulford is also on the border with Wales, which is a fantastic place for day trips, and is down the street from the famous Eaton Hall, owned by the Duke of Westminster. People traveling to the hotel by public transportation will have to take a taxi from Chester (which can be quite pricey) as there are no direct buses or trains into Pulford.
Rooms
Rooms vary in style, with many in need of a makeover
Rooms at the Grosvenor Pulford can be either fabulous or mediocre. Some rooms are beautifully designed with modern decor and furnishings, luxe details (think velvet upholstery and pretty patterned wallpaper), and tech-friendly touches such as HDMI/USB sockets for TV media. Other rooms, however, look more dated. They either offer traditional decor that looks somewhat tired or contemporary furnishings that still miss the mark. With signs of wear and tear as well, many of the rooms are in need of an update.
Features
Beautiful spa with a Japanese-style garden and indoor pool
A highlight of the Grosvenor Pulford is its lovely Kasia Spa, which has an indoor pool and Japanese-style garden that are both available free of charge to hotel guests. The spa offers a range of different treatment options and includes a number of different spa rooms (including a Turkish hammam).When it comes to dining, the hotel has a couple of options. Ciro's Brasserie -- which has an airy, Mediterranean feel to it -- offers an a la carte menu (which includes steak and seafood) for lunch and dinner and features an extensive wine list. Nelson's Bar has a traditional pub vibe, with leathers couches and club chairs, as well as two fireplaces. A good selection of pub food is available here, along with beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.The hotel also has free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi for all guests.