Iconic city centre hotel undergoes £5m refurbishment in key upgrade

A £5m refurbishment has been completed at a Chester hotel that has delivered upgrades to 104 bedrooms.

Work at The Queen at Chester, located opposite the city’s main train station, also includes improvements to its public spaces including meeting rooms and a new central bar.

The prominent brick and stucco Italianate building is said to be the first skyscraper of its time. Since opening in 1860 the hotel has had an illustrious past with guests including author Charles Dickens, mining magnate and politician Cecil Rhodes and socialite and actress, Lillie Langtry.

Owner, London-based LGH Hotels Management, said the new design has been carefully conceived to honour the heritage and history of the building, with classic patterned wooden floors, panelled walls and plush fabrics, while adding a fresh modern finish and amenities including air conditioning.

For delegates looking for a stately place to meet, the Colonnades and Palazzo suites have been refreshed to host elegant events and conferences.

Overnight guests can relax and unwind in one of the newly refurbished bedrooms featuring a sophisticated makeover, with a nod to the authentic regency period and style of the hotel.

Locals can now toast at the glittering new bar in the Albert room, showcasing marble tops, rich gold finishes and jewel-coloured furnishings.

Bob Fairweather, General Manager for the Queen at Chester, said: “I’m incredibly proud to showcase the first look at our major refurbishment project.

“We’ve worked hard to restore the Queen to her former beauty, taking every measure to upgrade each aspect with respect to the historic and unique building. We look forward to welcoming new and long standing guests and locals alike to enjoy the new look and bar facilities.”

Simon Teasdale, Chief Executive for LGH Hotels Management, said: “We are incredibly pleased with the refurbishment of the Queen at Chester, we have invested greatly to make sure this significant building continues to stand the test of time.

“This iconic hotel is well regarded for hosting tourists and business guests from around the world, setting the scene for major events in the area and providing a welcoming place for locals to socialise in Chester, long may she reign.”

The Queen at Chester features 11 conference rooms with the grand Colonnades Ballroom, which can hold up to 400 delegates, also a popular venue for weddings.