Over breakfast (perfect eggs Benedict, thank you for asking) Bruce asked me “Where do you think the best hotel we have ever stayed is?” We discussed it for a while, wondering if it was that one in Paphos, or the one near the beach in Malta, or maybe it was the one in the middle of a country park near Heathrow where we celebrated Bruce’s birthday during a break in lockdowns. As we paused to drink our tea and finish our food we looked at each other and at virtually the same time both said “it could be this place”.
The Hotel Indigo Chester looks very unassuming from the outside, even more so as we arrived on foot having parked near by (use the NCP on Pepper Street to receive a reduced rate but for a full list of where to park check here: Hotel Indigo Chester parking). The hotel is just off the main shopping area, on a one way road so it’s incredibly quiet despite being in a city centre location. As you step in from the outside you’re immediately greeted with a sense of calm and relaxation, and the warmest of welcomes. If the reception desks are busy then there are plenty of comfy seats where you can wait, but we were welcomed immediately and checked in within minutes.
Our room was generously sized, with plenty of space for a dressing table, a chaise longue, wardrobe space (with comfy robes and slippers) and a mini bar (complete with complimentary snacks and drinks) and a Nespresso machine. We also had an enormous balcony that wrapped around two sides of the room giving gorgeous views out across the roof tops of the city. It was the perfect spot for a morning cuppa the following day. Rooms have complimentary toiletries and alongside the freestanding shower we also had a beautiful freestanding bath.
Better than all that though we had a small bottle of fresh milk in the fridge. Honestly I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. As somebody who travels with a bag containing an assortment of extra tea bags and coffee I hate also having to plan where we might be able to get a pint of fresh milk before arriving at a hotel because who wants UHT?! Opening the mini fridge and finding this immediately took this hotel to the top tier because it shows the hotel gets it. You know, the small things that make the biggest of difference. They also have an 11am check out time and free wifi which both make me very happy.
You might also be interested to know that there are plug sockets next to the bed too, again a small thing but it does infuriate me when hotels don’t do this. Hotel Indigo Chester gets absolute top marks for these two things, oh and not putting the tea and coffee making facilities in a cupboard but having them out on a table.
Attached to the hotel is The Forge Restaurant where we had dinner. They pride themselves on using the best local ingredients and cooking them over charcoal in a kitchen that is right in the restaurant so you can see exactly what is happening. Service was slick. Helen looked after us like we were family, even asking our names and where we had travelled up from. Honestly she was so friendly I wanted to ask her to sit down and join us. Bruce never takes photographs of his food so if a picture can paint a thousand words then the one above is truly it. His venison dish was superb, and my steak (not listed on the menu but Helen said the chef would be happy to do it) was excellent.
When our glasses were empty Felix brought the cocktail bar to the tables and served up the best raspberry negroni I have ever had. We couldn’t fault any of the dishes, or the service.
The next morning breakfast was served in the same restaurant space, with a buffet for croissants, pastries and fresh fruit, alongside cheeses and charcuterie. Orders placed with the servers for cooked breakfasts using ingredients that are all proudly local. It is served until 10.30am and is included in many of their rates but is just £15 if booked in advance and great value for money.
The hotel has 75 guest rooms decorated in 3 beautiful themes each inspired by the history and locality of historic Chester. All rooms are equipped with comfy Hypnos beds with luxury Egyptian cotton linen, spa-inspired bathrooms, Nespresso coffee machines, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of channels on a 40” flat screen TV. And those all important bottles of milk and plug sockets next to the bed.
Meaning all you have to do is decide when you are going to stay.