Chester53.18118300,
-2.83918300,
The Cheshire Cat Vintage Inn, Whitchurch Road(Show on Map)
8.6
Very Good
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Summary of reviewsThe Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper’s Collection offers a delightful stay, particularly praised for its exceptional location alongside the scenic Shropshire Union Canal. This serene and picturesque setting is appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for tranquil walks and easy access to Chester's attractions such as Chester Zoo. The proximity to the city center and ample parking facilities further enhance its convenience for both relaxation and exploration.
Guests frequently highlight the high-quality breakfast at the hotel, which offers a variety of delicious and freshly cooked options, including a commendable full English breakfast. The cheerful and friendly service, combined with late breakfast hours until 11 AM, adds to the overall positive experience. Similarly, the dinner has been praised for its well-prepared, beautifully presented dishes and a pleasant dining atmosphere anchored by cozy elements like the pub’s log fire.
The rooms at The Cheshire Cat are described as beautifully decorated, comfortable and spacious with a particular appreciation for the clean and modern amenities. Family rooms are noted for their superb appointment and space, making them perfect for family stays. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness is consistently praised, reflecting in both guest rooms and common areas.
A significant highlight of The Cheshire Cat is the friendly and welcoming staff. The team is frequently described as helpful, attentive and professional, contributing significantly to a positive atmosphere and pleasant stay.
Family-friendly amenities include spacious family rooms, a fun play area for children and kid-friendly dining options, making it a recommended choice for families. The pretty canal walk nearby also offers a lovely outdoor option for family outings.
While the bed comfort received mixed reviews with some guests finding the mattresses a bit firm, many still appreciated the overall cozy and homely feel of the rooms. Free Wi-Fi and television service, however, were occasionally mentioned as areas with room for improvement.
In summary, The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection delivers a very good three-star experience with a charming, traditional ambiance, comfortable and clean accommodations and excellent service. Its serene location, welcoming staff and valuable amenities make it a solid, family-friendly choice for a pleasant stay in Chester. Show more
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Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
Provides family-friendly accommodations in a vintage inn setting.
Accessible Hotel
Small Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomAn en suite bathroom and traditional wooden furnishings are provided in this room, as well as a hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and a selection of toiletries.
Double RoomAn en suite bathroom and traditional wooden furnishings are provided in this room, as well as a hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and a selection of toiletries.
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)An en suite bathroom and traditional wooden furnishings are provided in this room, as well as a hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and a selection of toiletries.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection boasts an exceptional location that's frequently praised by guests. Situated right alongside the scenic Shropshire Union Canal, the setting offers a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere ideal for tranquil walks and easy access to Chester's attractions. The canal-side position provides direct access to lovely walks, some leading to Chester city centre, which is just a short drive or a pleasant stroll away. Guests appreciate the quiet location, which, while being close to the hustle and bustle of Chester, offers a serene retreat. The hotel's proximity to key attractions such as Chester Zoo and the park & ride is also valued, making it convenient for both relaxation and exploration. Ample parking and a welcoming staff further enhance the experience, cementing its reputation as a perfect base for exploring Chester and its surrounding areas.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at 'The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection' receives a lot of praise from guests. The majority of reviewers commend the plentiful and high-quality breakfast options, highlighting the delicious full English breakfasts, which are described as large and satisfying. Diners appreciate the variety on the menu, from traditional English breakfast to pancakes, croissants and even vegetarian options. Many note that the food arrives hot and freshly cooked to order, often mentioning the exceptional taste and presentation.
Service at breakfast is generally well-received with staff being described as cheerful and friendly, although a few guests felt the service was sometimes slow. Despite this minor setback, the overall quality is frequently described as superb with some guests calling it the best breakfast they've had in a long while. The late breakfast service, available until 11 AM, is an added bonus for those who prefer a leisurely morning meal.
While there are mentions of areas for improvement—such as a desire for more mushrooms, a broader cereal selection or a preference for a buffet-style service over à la carte—these are relatively minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Guests particularly appreciate the value for money, stating that the quality and portion sizes make for an outstanding start to the day. Overall, the breakfast at 'The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection' is a noteworthy highlight with guests frequently describing it as fantastic, exceptional and a delightful part of their stay.
Dinner
Guests at The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection generally praised the quality and taste of the food served during dinner. Many highlighted the deliciousness and high standard of the meals, describing them as top quality, well-prepared and beautifully presented. The menu offered plenty of choices with good portions that were plentiful and satisfying. Notable mentions include the excellent Sunday Roast, lovely kids menu and tasty hamburgers. The atmosphere in the evenings, especially when dining in the pub by a log fire, was appreciated, enhancing the dining experience.
However, there were some consistent critiques regarding the service. Multiple reviews pointed out that the dinner service was slow with a few instances of food being served lukewarm or not meeting the expectations set by the venue's appearance. Some guests felt the need for better staffing to improve efficiency. Despite these service-related issues, the favorable comments about the food's quality and the enjoyable atmosphere suggest that dining at The Cheshire Cat remains a generally pleasurable experience.
Overall, while there were aspects of the service that required attention, the food itself received high praise, making The Cheshire Cat's restaurant a notable spot for dinner.
Rooms
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection is often praised for its beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms, which guests find both clean and inviting. Many reviewers highlight the spaciousness of the accommodations with some particularly loving the large bathrooms and modern amenities. The rooms in the annex are especially noted for their comfort and tranquility. Family rooms have also received acclaim for being spacious and superbly appointed.
Guests appreciate the cleanliness and upkeep of the rooms, describing them as spotless, tidy and in excellent condition. Despite some comments about certain rooms needing a bit of maintenance or a fresh coat of paint, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards satisfaction with the comfort and modernity of the spaces. The rooms offer good value for money, are well-furnished and provide a cozy, homely atmosphere.
However, a few reviews mention issues like noise from nearby facilities or the rooms being too hot. Yet, these minor inconveniences don't overshadow the many positive aspects. The hotel's setting and well-kept gardens add to the charm, making it a picturesque and pleasant place to stay. Overall, the diverse range of rooms caters well to guests' needs, offering a comfortable and enjoyable stay at The Cheshire Cat.
Beds
The beds at The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection received a mix of reviews from guests. Many appreciated the comfort, noting that the beds were very comfortable or very comfy, providing a good sleep experience. Terms like "wonderful comfortable bed," "super comfy bed," and "good cosy beds" were repeatedly mentioned, highlighting a generally positive consensus regarding the bedding quality.
However, some guests found the beds to be on the firmer side with descriptions such as "the bed was firm," "bed was very firm," "mattress a little hard," and "bed was too firm." A few reviewers felt that the beds were uncomfortably hard, using terms like "bed was very hard and uncomfortable" and "hardly slept due to the mattress being so solid."
Overall, while there were several comments about the firmness of the mattresses, many guests still enjoyed a comfortable stay with good-sized, comfortable beds and cosy rooms.
Cleanliness
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection boasts a commendable reputation for cleanliness, as reflected in myriad guest reviews. The rooms are predominantly described as very clean, spotlessly clean and exceptionally clean, underlining the establishment's commitment to high hygiene standards. Both the guest rooms and common areas throughout the property are consistently noted for their tidiness and modern upkeep with clean bathrooms often highlighted for their sparkling condition. Many guests were impressed by the contemporary, well-decorated rooms, finding them spacious, comfortable and welcoming.
The bar area also garners positive feedback for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness. Additionally, the hotel’s attention to providing clean and well-maintained amenities, including fresh towels and toiletries, contributes to an overall pleasant and hygienic experience.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive remarks, a few guests did note some issues such as dated or smelly rooms, dirty walls and areas needing a more thorough clean or updates like peeling wallpaper and mould. However, these comments are minor compared to the extensive praise for the general cleanliness and upkeep of the rooms and property. In summary, The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection is largely celebrated for delivering a spotless and comfortable stay for its guests.
Staff
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection has garnered a significant amount of praise for its staff, who are frequently highlighted in guest reviews for their helpfulness, friendliness and professionalism. Guests repeatedly describe the team as very friendly, welcoming and attentive with the majority of interactions being positive. Specific staff members, such as Chris and Lisa, received individual mentions for their warm welcomes and helpful nature.
Reviewers consistently note that the staff worked hard to create a pleasant and efficient environment. From the morning breakfast crew to the evening service, the staff exhibited attentiveness and an eagerness to assist guests, contributing to a very good atmosphere overall. The positive feedback wasn't universal, as some guests experienced slow service and noted that a few staff members could benefit from additional customer service training. However, these instances were in the minority.
Overall, the staff at The Cheshire Cat are applauded for their politeness, friendliness and dedication, making the experience at this accommodation notable and largely enjoyable.
Wi-Fi
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection offers an inviting atmosphere with commendable hospitality, yet the Wi-Fi experience appears mixed based on guest feedback. While some guests noted they had no complaints about the service, others found the Wi-Fi connection troublesome, often needing to restart it or dealing with intermittent signal drops. Instructions for connecting are available, which can be helpful. A notable limitation is the availability of Wi-Fi with some guests mentioning it only worked for one day of their stay. Additionally, the television service seems to be limited with many guests reporting poor reception and limited channel options. When planning a stay, it might be wise to prepare for potential challenges with Wi-Fi and television connectivity.
Family
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection offers an appealing experience for families visiting Chester and its surrounding areas. Guests consistently praised the family rooms for their spaciousness and comfort, making them ideal for family stays. Reviews highlighted the large size of the family rooms, some of which include a sofa, allowing ample space for both adults and children to relax.
Children particularly enjoyed their time at the hotel with several reviews noting the fun play area and the variety of kid-friendly dining options, such as the much-loved pancakes. The staff is described as accommodating, ensuring a pleasant stay for families.
In addition to the hotel’s amenities, the location is noted for its convenient access to Chester and family-friendly activities nearby. The pretty canal walk is a particular highlight, offering a lovely outdoor option for family outings.
Overall, The Cheshire Cat is highly recommended for families due to its superb family rooms, excellent on-site facilities and welcoming atmosphere.
3 Star
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection offers a solid three-star experience with many positive aspects highlighted by guests. The accommodation is described as very good and superb with a decor that is lovely and well-maintained in an old, traditional building that evokes a cosy, cottage-like atmosphere. Many guests appreciated the value for money and found the prices reasonable for both rooms and amenities.
The hotel's location is often praised for being nice, quiet and having easy access to Chester, making it a good base for exploring the area. The separation from the pub is seen as a nice touch, despite the pub itself being lively and buzzy. Guests enjoyed the pleasant food and highlighted the large, spacious rooms that contributed to comfortable stays.
The Cheshire Cat stands out as a welcoming and friendly hotel, ideal for families, which adds to its charm. The children's facilities are particularly noted as lovely. The hotel’s restaurant and overall quietness add to its appeal as a nice place to stay.
However, some guests pointed out areas for improvement, such as the need for decor updates and occasional noise disturbances. Despite these minor issues, the three-star rating is generally seen as fitting for the overall experience provided. The friendly staff, reasonable prices and charming atmosphere make The Cheshire Cat a solid choice for a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Accessible
The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection offers commendable features for guests with disabilities. Guests noted that the hotel had excellent accommodations that met their accessibility needs perfectly with specific praise for ground floor rooms that work without a hitch. Accessibility is further enhanced by good parking facilities and accessible parking available directly at the premises. The location itself is praised for being easy to find and offering convenient access to Chester, a short half-hour drive to Liverpool and easy nearby walks, including those by a canal.
The hotel staff provide assistance with luggage, which adds to the overall ease of accessibility and the on-site pub and restaurant means that guests do not need to venture far for meals. The pub and restaurant facilities themselves are also accessible, attracting positive remarks for being wheelchair-friendly. The bathrooms are designed for accessibility, featuring large spaces suitable for an accessible stay, complete with handholds at the shower entrance and handy hooks for towels.
Nonetheless, there are some limitations noted by guests. The main building lacks a lift, which means guests might face issues if allocated rooms that are accessed via steep stairs. Some reviews mention limited accessibility at the fire escape entrance and steps at the restaurant which may pose challenges. Consequently, the premises might not be entirely suitable for elderly guests or those with significant mobility restrictions.
Overall, The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection provides a largely accessible and comfortable stay for guests with disabilities with certain areas where improvements could further enhance the experience.
No, The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection.
No, The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection.
No, The Cheshire Cat by Innkeeper's Collection doesn't have a gym.