Hotel Indigo Chester Review | Chester Boutique Hotel
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Having become hooked on the Hotel Indigo brand after staying in other English locations, I was delighted to be invited to stay at Hotel Indigo Chester for a night. So, with my accommodation in Chester sorted, I just needed to take care of planning my itinerary, and transport.
Time for more solo exploring in the UK and visiting Chester was next on the list to feed my inner history geek!
To help you plan your trip to Chester, this post will give you the scoop on my experience at Hotel Indigo Chester, and be sure to read the highlights of Chester over a weekend, including where to eat, and the best attractions in the city.
So, let’s check out my Hotel Indigo Chester Review!
My stay in Hotel Indigo Chester was a press visit. I was given a complimentary 1-night stay with dinner in return for an honest review.
About Hotel Indigo Chester
Overview Of Hotel Indigo Chester
Hotel Indigo Chester is an elegant boutique hotel that opened in 2019. The design encompasses the features of the city, including the distinctive architecture and Roodee racecourse, the oldest in the UK.
The hotel comprises 75 beautiful guest rooms, all with Hypnos beds and stylish bathrooms with rainfall showers and refillable toiletries. Hotel Indigo houses the restaurant, The Forge Chester, where the field-to-fork dining is as thrilling as it is delicious.
Overall, the Hotel Indigo brand makes positive steps to manage their impact on the environment which is an important factor for me when choosing a hotel. They offer sustainability, affordable luxury, and friendly charm all rolled into one!
Location Of Hotel Indigo Chester
Hotel Indigo Chester is located in the heart of the city, just outside the historic walls. In fact, the location couldn’t be better! You are literally within walking distance from the train station, all the attractions, and places to eat.
Getting To Hotel Indigo Chester
Travel By Train:
Not only is rail a more eco-friendly way to travel, but Chester also has direct trains from major cities such as London and Manchester, and more local stations in Birkenhead, Liverpool, and Warrington.
Hotel Indigo Chester is less than a 10-minute walk from Chester railway station > CHECK TRAIN TIMES
Travel By Car:
The M53, M56, M6, and A483 are all in close proximity to Chester providing excellent links from Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, and the south of England.
There is no parking offered at Hotel Indigo Chester but there are a there are 3 NCP car parks close by with discounted rates for hotel guests. Alternatively, take advantage of the handy Chester Park & Ride service to get you into the city.
If you need to hire some wheels to explore the Cheshire countryside, check the best deals on Discover Cars – an award-winning car rental comparison site.
Hotel Indigo Chester Review
Welcome To Hotel Indigo Chester
Hotel Indigo staff are known for their friendly manner, and Chester was no different. I was greeted with a big beaming smile, asked how my day was, and if I needed help planning my activities. The receptionist confirmed my dinner reservation, booked me in for breakfast, and handed me my key card for the room.
The lobby has an array of vivid blue and green padded armchairs with nature-inspired pattern cushions. The grey panelled walls lead guests to the bar and The Forge on the right, and the lifts for the rooms on the left. The grey old-style ’elevators’ are a cool feature, the design is in keeping with the contemporary-heritage feel of the property.
Cosy Bedrooms At Hotel Indigo Chester
There are three styles for the bedrooms that reflect the city’s heritage – Eastgate Clock, racecourse, and local architecture. The equestrian theme of my room was clear before I even entered the bedroom. The door was adorned with a stirrup-shaped knocker, and labelled The Paddock.
The huge bedroom was decorated with racing green and neutral tones, and artwork celebrating the Chester Racecourse. The frames featured horses, rosettes, and the number 1539, which was the year that the racecourse was established.
A grey chaise longue sat at the foot of the king-size Hypnos bed with luxury Egyptian cotton linen. The 46-inch flat-screen TV made for the best movie night after dinner. I was seriously in my happy place. I couldn’t have been any more comfortable. The leather saddle straps over the headboard, wood-panelled walls, rustic side tables, and cushions continued with the horsey vibes.
The wardrobe was designed to reflect a stable door, and inside was a fluffy white gown and slippers to make you feel right at home. The tea-making area was concealed on the right side of the wardrobe behind a wooden sliding door. There was a Nespresso coffee machine, a kettle with a selection of teas in a wooden box, with biscuits and popcorn to snack on. The fridge had soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and milk from a local dairy in Delamere.
The British companies used for the teas, coffees and snacks had clearly been selected for their sustainable policies showing that Hotel Indigo really do choose their suppliers carefully.
The room had some brown easy chairs, and a writing desk with a mirror that could double up as a dressing table.
The spa-inspired bathroom was tiled with stylish chevron tiles and it had a powerful rainfall shower. The Zenology refillable toiletries are refreshing products – a great choice as they are environmentally friendly and free from artificial colours.
Dinner At The Forge Chester
The Forge is the brainchild of Michelin Chef and restaurateur, Mike Robinson, whose concept is a British field-to-fork dining experience. He owns three other venues, and having dined in The Woodsman located in Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon, I knew I was in for a gastronomic treat.
Robinson manages his own game on local estates and is known as one of the world’s best game chefs. His philosophy of wild produce means the menus are seasonal so can vary throughout the year. The current menu can be viewed online if the element of surprise is too much to handle.
I was seated in a booth, and as a solo traveller, this meant I was facing all the action of the open kitchen and the vibrant atmosphere of the busy restaurant.
For the meat-eaters, the chiller cabinets house a selection of steak cuts to choose from. I opted for the 3-course of Scottish mackerel to start, and Welsh lamb rump for main. The Yorkshire forced rhubarb with ginger crumble and burnt cream was heavenly.
Whatever the dish, great attention is paid to quality ingredients, and each course is exquisitely presented.
Breakfast At Hotel Indigo Chester
Breakfast is served in the same restaurant, and after the delicious evening meal at The Forge, I had high hopes.
Tea and coffee are offered upon seating, and ready for your return from the continental buffet. The breakfast table offers a vast selection of items including freshly baked pastries, breads, cereals, fruit, sliced cured meats, cheeses, yoghurt, muffins, and cereal bars. Porridge is available on request, but the buffet was enough for me!
The breakfast includes a hot dish, and the choices range from Full English breakfast to Eggs Florentine, or Smashed Avocado. I was tempted by the Eggs Royale, and it was a delight to my taste buds.
How Green Is Hotel Indigo Chester
When looking for accommodation on my travels, I focus my attention on green policies, and how they are striving to make changes.
Hotel Indigo Chester is taking steps to make your stay more sustainable.
- Most lighting uses energy-efficient LED bulbs
- Water-efficient toilets and shower
- Key card or motion-controlled electricity
- No single-use plastic, including straws, stirrers and cups
- Refillable and organic bathroom products
- Key focus on local suppliers for food and drink reducing transport and supporting local businesses
- Recycling facilities
- Invests in community projects
- Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group sustainability program: IHG Green Engage
Why Visit Chester
So, that’s your boutique hotel in Chester sorted, but you may ask “Why visit Chester?“
Chester really is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of things to see and do, making it a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Chester is a popular destination for visitors for several reasons:
Roman History: Deva Victrix, now called Chester, was first founded by the Roman Legion. The city is home to well-preserved Roman walls, an amphitheatre and Deva Roman Discovery Centre, which makes it a must-visit destination for history buffs.
Architecture and culture: The city has a stunning mix of medieval and Victorian architecture, and it’s also known for its vibrant cultural scene, including art galleries, museums, and theatres. Take in a show at Storyhouse if you get time!
Outdoor activities: The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is located near the River Dee, making it an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, hiking, cycling, and boating. Everyone should take a relaxing cruise with ChesterBoat at the very least!
Great shopping: Chester has a diverse range of shops, including high-end designer boutiques, independent shops, and popular chain stores. I’m not even a shopper and I managed to squeeze in a little retail therapy.
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