Visiting Chester and not visiting the zoo is almost unthinkable, now visiting and not staying at The Queen Hotel IS unthinkable. I will do my best not to gush, we have stayed in nice hotels before but this place takes your breath away. The reception area has a theme around retro luggage, tied, I think, to visits by Edward 8th. Your eye is then drawn up and up and up. Cast iron balustrades adorn the stairs that seem to go dizzyingly on to the sky many floors above. Everywhere there is interest, stunning works of art on the walls and even a huge oriental figure carved from a single piece of wood. On to the room which was sumptuous and overlooked a central courtyard, roman styled, with a large fountain.
First point of call is the Waiting Room. Bar, lounge, casual eating area serving good food and a great atmosphere, the artwork in there is more modern, I think, but styled to encourage discussion of the subjects. If more quiet is required, next door is the Albert Room. Portraits of the Prince abound above deeply comfy sofas. Snacks or afternoon teas are served as only good hotels can.
Whoa! I feel it. No we are not snobs but with the freedom of retirement we surely have the right to try any experience we fancy and we prefer this to sky diving.
If you planned a special evening including a meal, all that you could imagine is in the Kings Grill. A comfortable cocktail lounge to peruse the menu, subdued lighting, perfect service and wonderful food. The star of the grill is the English white wine, yes, I said ENGLISH. I think it was Chapel Down Bacchus but I could not swear to it, but it was gorgeous, right up there with Marlborough or Sancerre. English wine is no longer a joke. The food and wine in this country is now the equal of the world.
The Queen has one more unique feature: Iwan. Bestower of bon-bons and bons-mots, fount of all knowledge, concierge? Hotel Captain? keeper of the Queen’s keys? Certainly the best dressed man in Chester he exudes the Hotels standards but remains very approachable.
Enough, enough, I promised not to gush. When you wait a long time to stay at a hotel of this standard, It can be a disappointment if your dreams are not fulfilled; ours were. If you want a city break in a hotel at the centre of a great city that provides a level of service you dream of, visit the Queens. Reward points too!
