New Year’s Eve is always special, celebrating a year that’s gone and excited about a new start, maybe with a resolution or two. It is even more special if you can enjoy a package deal of 2 nights at the Mill Hotel & Spa in Chester.
We were welcomed in our Business Class double room with Prosecco, hand-made chocolates, a diary and pen, and a personalized greetings card signed by the staff – a thoughtful touch. This is an excellent package with dinner on the first night aboard their Restaurant Cruiser for a trip along the canal. Very festive and cleverly done as you enjoy starters and a sorbet cruising down the canal, stopping back at the hotel to collect main courses for us before continuing in the other direction through two top locks. Return by 9.30pm so plenty of time to enjoy a dance and drinks at the bar.
There are TV screens in the main bar, and although we don’t generally watch sport, we were all drawn into the excitement of watching newcomer Cross beat the favourite in the nail-biting semi-finals of the Darts Championship. Brilliant.
A comprehensive buffet breakfast is 7.00-10.00am, then time to explore the historic city of Chester, walk the city walls and canal towpath or the bustling shopping centre. Or make use of the swimming pool and spa facilities for guests at The Mill before getting ready for the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at 8.30pm.
As you would expect, it was an excellent meal and staff were very efficient. Lots of wine was drunk, of course – a very good Malbec red, smooth with soft fruit taste – and they took orders for tables to have a bottle of Prosecco at midnight. We were entertained by Gary Murphy “the guitar man”, a very talented player, and disco dancing until 1.00am with the bar still open afterwards.
It was a lovely atmosphere, tables close enough to chat to other guests if you wanted to. Brunch on New Year’s Day from 9.00-12.00, checkout at 11.00am with locked luggage room if you are not in a rush to leave. We stayed an extra night on 1st January as it was our friend’s 50th birthday, with dinner and entertainment from singer Louise Rogan (what a great voice) and dancing until late.
This was one of the best packages we have enjoyed, and is the perfect way to start a new year.
Cost £366.00 per person for 3 nights Dinner, Bed & breakfast including the Gala dinner and Restaurant Cruiser. Some facilities for people with disabilities in the hotel, but not the boat.
