Oddfellows Chester
Lower Bridge Street, inside the walls · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Oddfellows Chester
An eighteen-room boutique hotel in a listed Georgian townhouse on Lower Bridge Street, with a walled secret garden and Alice's Parlour.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Oddfellows Chester
Oddfellows occupies a listed Georgian townhouse at 20 Lower Bridge Street, a couple of minutes' walk from the central cross and the Bridgegate stretch of the walls. The building was a private mansion before becoming the meeting hall of the Oddfellows friendly society, and its conversion to a hotel kept the grand proportions while filling them with a deliberately theatrical, slightly surreal decorative scheme that has become the property's signature.
There are eighteen bedrooms, each individually designed, and they vary considerably. Some are compact and quirky, others are large enough to include free-standing baths and four-posters; the townhouse rooms at the front have the best proportions and the most light. Anyone who prefers restrained hotel decoration should look elsewhere, but for guests who enjoy a hotel with a strong personality it is the most distinctive place to stay inside the walls.
Public rooms carry the same character. Alice's Parlour serves an elaborate afternoon tea, the Lounge Bar mixes cocktails well into the evening, and the food offer runs from a parlour menu through to a substantial Sunday roast. Behind the house is the Secret Garden, a walled outdoor space with covered seating that is one of the better places in Chester to sit out on a summer evening, and which doubles as a wedding and events space.
The position is excellent for a short break: the cathedral, the Rows, the amphitheatre and the Groves are all within about five minutes on foot, and the racecourse is a ten-minute walk. There is no hotel car park, so arrive by train or use one of the city centre multi-storeys. Lower Bridge Street can be lively at weekends, and rooms at the front will hear it.
What guests say
We loved this hotel, quirkiness mixed with luxury. We stayed in 2 different rooms, both completely different. Loved that they offered complimentary water and Nespresso in the rooms. Breakfast granola was excellent. Fresh juice and/or continental breakfast would be the only improvement suggestion. Location excellent, very close to the main shops or the walls and river. Parking is slightly tricky, we parked at Little Roodee because it was easier for us, bigger car park and good rates plus CCTV. Great service, air conditioned rooms with great shower, digital radios and smart TV. We would definitely stay again.
a month ago · via Google
Arrived hour early to check in and have Sunday lunch but was looked after and table found . Excellent choices for Sunday lunch including Stone bass. Service excellent. Special offer of free drink. Lots of stairs to room 2 attic room. So lovely. Huge bed . Huge shower . Beams so really felt history of building . If tall watch yourself on sloping roof and beams . Not many coat hangers in small low cupboard. Lovely toiletries. No conditioner though. Will return
2 months ago · via Google
We stayed last night and all i can say is WOW. Myself and my partner go away often for a night away in different cities. This has got to be the best hidden gem we've found in many years of travelling. From the welcome at reception to checking out, the staff were all amazing and nothing was too much trouble. The room itself was quirky but in a good way, little attentions to detail were everywhere. And don't get me started on the secret garden outside bar area, you go from the hustle bustle of a city centre to a calm and tranquil garden area which was so relaxing it was unbelievable. We will definitely stay again soon!
a month ago · via Google
Disappointing. Tried to book afternoon tea for my friends special birthday, unfortunately they would not cater for her dietary requirements, she only wanted plain cheese sandwiches on white. After speaking to the chef, we were told they could not source white bread! Went the Grosvenor in Chester instead they accommodated with no problem at all.
5 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers unique, quirky rooms and delicious food, including afternoon tea and Sunday roasts. They also highlight the friendly, attentive staff and the hotel's charming atmosphere.
Some reviews mention the service can be slow.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RS Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Lower Bridge Street, inside the walls
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.7 / 10 (1,600 reviews)
- Prices from
- £135 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Chester