Having just written a review of a stay at the nearby Chester South property I thought it was only fair I penned a few thoughts about the Chester West Holiday Inn.
Upon arrival I found the check in process to be both swift and friendly; I was kindly upgraded to an executive room and given a voucher worth £3 towards a drink at the bar as well as a discount voucher worth 20% off any 2-course (or more) meal taken in the restaurant. My newspaper preference was confirmed, they obviously had kept that on file from a previous stay, good practice in my opinion and just a little something which makes a guest feel valued.
Some of these benefits are I understand confined to platinum (and gold?) Priority Club members so it is well worth joining this loyalty scheme and progressing through the tiers.
Although my room would have benefited from a new carpet the rest of the furnishings were in good order and, as one would expect, everything appeared clean. As well as a selection of tea and coffee, the in-room hospitality tray also featured hot chocolate and a pack of biscuits. A small fridge contained complimentary bottled water, soft drinks and a Mars bar. The television was a modern flat-screen model with a good selection of channels available.
This hotel uses a ‘standard’ number for incoming calls, unlike a number of other properties which have migrated to quasi premium rate 0870 prefix numbers thus making money from people who elect to call in, even to the reception desk. Signal strength on both the T-mobile and the Orange network was strong across the site.
Free WiFi internet access is available in the bedrooms and public areas, although the signal in the lounge bar proved problematic. How long before free access becomes a standard remains to be seen, but I do observe more and more properties providing this, and it has become a factor which impacts on my decision as to where to stay.
Although I elected not to make an advance reservation, arriving in the restaurant at around 7pm ensured immediate seating, followed by friendly efficient service. I have read other reviews castigating this aspect of the overall experience here but could find no fault with the quality of the food, or the way in which it was delivered and cleared away afterwards. I believe it offered good value and although I did not take up the option of the hot buffet the selection on offer certainly appeared appetising; I did however enjoy the benefit of a repeat visit to the cold salad counter, something which is included in the cost of every main course.
Breakfast the following morning was self-service with the exception of tea / coffee and toast which are prepared in and delivered from the kitchen. A comprehensive selection of hot and cold dishes were on offer although I confined myself to coffee, cereal and toast and so cannot comment on the quality of the rest, but it certainly looked worth the money.
Check out was as efficient as check in and I was asked if there had been any problems with and whether I had enjoyed my stay. I was happy to confirm I had no complaints and most certainly had enjoyed my stay and I shall certainly use this hotel again when I have a need to stay anywhere in the Chester area.
TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.
- Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
- Add Photo
- Add Video

