Hotel Indigo, Chester – Review
By Graham Clark, September 2025
Opened in June 2019, Hotel Indigo Chester is a contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. Each Hotel Indigo property differs in design yet still manages to retain an identity that combines luxury with home comforts – something the Chester hotel delivers with ease.
The 75-bedroom hotel is designed to reflect the city’s architecture and the oldest racecourse in the country – the Roodee. Ideally situated, the hotel is on the doorstep of Grosvenor Park, which backs on to the River Dee, and is only a short walk from Chester’s famous Rows, the shopping district, and the 2,000-year-old city walls – some of the most complete in the country, where, on a clear day, guests can see the hills of North Wales in the distance.
In the Frame
The friendly welcome from the reception staff seemed genuine. Dressed in smart uniforms, they set the tone for what was to come. On a hot summer’s day, the air conditioning provided welcome relief on arrival in the Pavilion room.
Larger and more luxurious than the standard and deluxe rooms, Pavilion comes with an equestrian theme, including what looks like a stable door leading to a dressing area and wardrobe. The artwork on the walls features horses clearing jumps and primary-coloured rosettes.
The king-size Hypnos bed with Egyptian-cotton linen provided a great night’s sleep. The fridge was stocked with a selection of chocolate bars, soft and alcoholic drinks that were all complimentary. The Nespresso coffee machine was an added bonus. The free Wi-Fi was high-speed, and the 40-inch flat-screen television offered national and international channels.
The bathroom had a powerful rain shower and a good selection of toiletries.
The top-floor room had a balcony overlooking a church across the road from the hotel; turn to one side and the greenery of Grosvenor Park comes into view. With a table and chairs, it makes a charming spot for a pre-dinner drink.
Forging Ahead
As is often the case at Hotel Indigo, the restaurant is run as a separate entity from the rest of the hotel. The Forge has an open kitchen and a private dining room. The team has a passion for British food, with an emphasis on wild produce and sustainability. Cooked over wood and charcoal, the locally reared meat is aged on the premises.
As the visit fell on a Sunday, a traditional roast seemed the natural option. With various meats on offer – including Braised Sticky Ox Cheek, Pork Belly, and 800g Sirloin on the bone – the choice was the succulent Cumbrian Chicken Supreme, served with glazed roots, roasted potatoes, hispi cabbage, Yorkshire pudding, and one of the best red-wine gravies tasted. A cheeseboard followed, with a good selection including a robust Cheshire Blue. Service was attentive but not obtrusive.
Breakfast is also served in The Forge, including a traditional English breakfast and a comprehensive continental selection.
First Past the Post
Overall, Hotel Indigo Chester proved to be a first-class hotel where service was excellent and the rooms homely – somewhere guests could comfortably stay for more than one night. The location is good, being a seven-minute walk from the railway station. The hotel does not have its own car park, but there are special rates with NCP at a discounted rate of £12 for 24 hours.
Hotel Indigo Chester, Grosvenor Park Road, Chester CH1 1QQ
chester.hotelindigo.com
At a Glance
- Location: Grosvenor Park Road – near Grosvenor Park and the River Dee
- Rooms: 75 (boutique design; Pavilion room with equestrian theme)
- Dining: The Forge – open kitchen; British produce; Sunday roasts
- Stand-outs: Balcony in some rooms; Hypnos bed; Nespresso; powerful rain shower
- Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi; 40-inch TV with UK/international channels
- Getting there: ~7-minute walk to Chester railway station
- Parking: No on-site parking – discounted NCP rate available
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Central location; stylish rooms; balcony option; quality Sunday roast; friendly service.
- Cons: No on-site car park; room categories vary – book carefully if a balcony is important.
Hotel Indigo Chester – FAQs
Is Hotel Indigo Chester central?
Yes. It’s by Grosvenor Park and a short stroll from the River Dee, the Rows and the city walls.
How far is it from the railway station?
About a seven-minute walk, depending on pace and luggage.
Is there parking?
There’s no on-site car park, but guests can use a nearby NCP with discounted 24-hour rates.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes. The Forge serves British dishes with an open kitchen and a strong focus on produce.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the hotel.
Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia.
