A quick travel from Cheshire Oaks outlet stores and Chester Zoo, the Doubletree hotel by Hilton is perfectly situated for a week of indulgence and fun. STYLEetc headed down to try the facilities and stay overnight for review.
Entering the grounds as you drive toward the car park you are instantly met by impressive space and a fanciful fountain out front. The original manor house has been extended recently to add more rooms to the hotel, which manages not to look too out of place considering the traditional features.
Interiors
The lobby and seating areas are modishly designed, mixing velvet fabrics with clean, shiny surfaces. Interesting side features become focal points of attention, one example being the architecturally lovely mirror embossed wall by the faux-study meeting room.
The layout flows well to lead passage to both of the onsite restaurants and the spa area. A separate room is en route to the rooms which serves as function space for hosting weddings, one such occasion was taking place upon our visit.
The rustic/modern aesthetic of the large space made for a beautiful setup, we only peeked as we passed as the ceremony was closed off for other guests but couldn’t help but find it to be an idyllic choice for weddings.
Rooms
The rooms are modern with a nod to vintage styles, the entry hall is kitted out with monochrome tiles, set alongside matching black and white cupboards. The bathroom follows theme, with black marble sink, silver finishings and a contemporary shower.
The bedroom opts for neutral shades, completed by subtle touches including pretty watercolour artwork. A super kingsize bed takes up the main space, soft and comfortable making for a peaceful nights sleep. A fair sized television sits opposite, with Sky access, a feature which went down a treat for one football fanatic guest on our derby day visit.
All amenities are tucked away in the closet by the door, which we foolishly misplaced, cue an embarrassed call to reception to discover we weren’t missing any tea, coffee or bathroom essentials we simply hadn’t looked hard enough for.
Spa
Part of the Doubletree Hotel’s appeal is the inhouse spa, designed to take you far away from your worries and relax in multiple ways. There are a long list of treatments available, everything from the beautifying to the tranquil.
Our visit included a 30 minute facial, which was so relaxing we definitely didn’t fall asleep partway through (ok, maybe just for minute). The beauty therapist gave some solid skin advice, some updates to routine which should hopefully glean results prior to adopting them.
Before our treatments we were able to have full use of all spa facilities as part of the deal. Spread across three floors, the spa offers a range of activities. Guests enter through the middle, where the changing rooms are located, before going up to the treatment and relaxation rooms or down to the swimming pool and saunas. Besides the standard pool for adults and kids, there is a thermal pool with jets for adults and teens only. In particular the thermal pool was a highlight, giving a great space to unwind and lose track of time.
Restaurants
The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is just one of two onsite restaurants to choose from, the other being the Garden Room and Terrace, we thought the former deserved a separate review which will be online soon. We also checked out the Marco Pierre White bar for cocktails (which were a little pricey but worth a try) where we discovered the decadent billiards room for a quick game before heading back to the room.
We enjoyed lunch at the Garden Room and Terrace, as well as breakfast the following day. Lunch consisted of a pizza to share, which was created accommodatingly to suit two palettes, with one half bearing chicken, mushroom and ham and the other sans mushrooms.
The restaurant was light and spacious, we were sat, at request, in view of a television so we could catch the last of the football (minus the sound and rowdy crowds). The food itself was good, the pizza consisting of a thin crust base, minimal cheese and flavoursome tomato and toppings, with a round of standard french fries on the side and a glass of house red each.
The following day we tried the breakfast before leaving, which was more than satisfactory for choice. A selection of pastries was laid out for choice, alongside continental options, but we only had eyes for the typical English breakfast. Sampling the sausage, bacon, scrambled egg, hash brown, mushrooms and beans, all with some toast on the side, we got a good taste for the menu by the plentiful portions on offer. The food went down a treat and was a great way to start a day exploring what Chester has to offer.
Customer Service
The staff were always friendly and accommodating, tending to two requests at the front desk shortly after we asked. We had trouble connecting to the Sky channels (turns out it wasn’t plugged in) so the desk sent a maintenance man to resolve the issue promptly with ease.
When we first checked in we were greeted with hot fresh cookies, a nice touch to instantly make you feel welcomed and thought of. This set the tone of the visit, where we felt thoroughly relaxed, looked after and accommodated, giving a well needed break to a busy city lifestyle.
