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Summary of reviewsThe Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, is notably praised for its prime location, making it an ideal base for exploring Chester's attractions. Its proximity to the city center, historic sites, shopping areas and dining options is frequently highlighted as a major convenience, complemented by ample and secure free parking on-site.
Guests generally enjoy the complimentary breakfast, appreciating its variety and value, although there are occasional remarks about the need for more fresh hot items. The absence of an on-site restaurant means guests need to plan for lunch and dinner elsewhere, but the staff assist proactively in arranging take-out meals when needed.
The hotel's cleanliness is highly regarded with rooms and public areas maintained to a commendable standard by the housekeeping team. Many guests find the rooms to be clean, comfortable and well-equipped with modern amenities. Some minor issues such as occasional dust, noise from surrounding areas and warm room temperatures due to limited air conditioning are noted, but overall, the room quality is deemed satisfactory and good value.
The staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, professionalism and willingness to assist. They significantly enhance the guest experience with their warm welcomes and helpful attitudes across various interactions, from reception to housekeeping.
Free Wi-Fi is appreciated, though its performance can vary, being stronger in public areas compared to some guest rooms. Families find the hotel accommodating with specific mentions of attentive service toward children and family-friendly facilities despite minor issues like bed comfort and room noise.
For nightlife, the hotel's location is a real perk, offering easy access to Chester's vibrant bars and clubs, though this can lead to occasional noise disturbances. Lastly, the hotel's beds are generally described as comfortable, but some guests express a desire for larger-sized options.
In summary, Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse is a highly favored choice for its exceptional location, dedicated staff, cleanliness and overall comfort, making it a reliable option for both leisure and business travelers. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastWith an en suite shower room, this room features tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with Freeview channels.
The room type cannot be guaranteed and is allocated upon arrival.
Standard Double Room with Single Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastWith an en suite shower room, this room features tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with Freeview channels.
This room can accommodate either 3 adults (an additional charge will apply for the third adult) or up to 2 adults and 2 children at no extra cost.
Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleWith an en suite shower room, this room features tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with Freeview channels.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastWith an en suite shower room, this room features tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with Freeview channels.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot BreakfastThe unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
The guest reviews for Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse, highlight the hotel's prime location as a major advantage. Situated within a short walking distance from Chester city centre, the hotel is ideally placed for exploring the city's attractions, including the historic sites, shopping areas, bars and restaurants. Its proximity to Chester Racecourse adds to its appeal, especially for guests attending events there. The convenience of free on-site parking is frequently noted, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to leave their car behind while they explore on foot.
Guests repeatedly commend the hotel's easy access to the city centre with numerous reviews mentioning the short and pleasant walk to town. This makes it a perfect base for sightseeing, shopping and dining. The location is also highlighted as being very accessible with straightforward routes to and from the main highways and public transport hubs.
Overall, the consistently high praise for its location and amenities like parking reflects the hotel's appeal to those looking to experience Chester without the hassle of dealing with transportation and parking issues. This combination of a strategic position and convenience ensures that the Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse, remains a popular choice for travelers.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, receives mixed feedback from guests, but it generally leans toward positivity. Many reviewers highlight the ample selection and variety of the breakfast offerings, mentioning the excellent quality and continual replenishment of dishes. Complimentary breakfast, which includes hot drinks available all day, is frequently appreciated for its value and convenience.
Guests noted the availability of both hot and cold items, including options for gluten-free diets and a range of continental choices. Despite this, there were some consistent criticisms about certain hot breakfast items being overcooked, cold or insufficiently varied; scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages were particularly mentioned in this regard.
Several guests felt that the breakfast could benefit from additional items such as tomatoes or mushrooms, while others noted issues with specific components like diluted apple juice or limited pastry freshness. The breakfast area, though well-organized, was described as busy at peak times, potentially leading to a less relaxed dining experience.
Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Chester Racecourse generally meets or exceeds guest expectations, offering a pleasant start to the day with a broad array of choices.
Dinner
Holiday Inn Express Chester Racecourse, an IHG Hotel, offers easy access to the city center and complimentary on-site parking, making it a convenient choice for travelers. While guests appreciate the friendly staff who go out of their way to assist, especially in arranging take-out meals when city restaurants are busy, many have noted the absence of an on-site restaurant for dinner or lunch. This lack of dinner facilities has been a tad inconvenient for some, so potential visitors should plan accordingly. Regarding breakfast, while it is generally well-received, a few remarked that the hot food offerings could be fresher with some items like bacon being a bit dry or only warm rather than hot. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall cleanliness and accessible location make it a favorable option for a comfortable and hassle-free stay.
Rooms
Staying at the Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, offers a mixed but generally positive experience when it comes to room quality. Many guests were impressed by the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, describing them as clean, comfortable and well-maintained. The modern decor and spacious layouts received frequent praise, especially those rooms with views over the racecourse.
A significant number of guests appreciated the large, well-equipped rooms that boasted good lighting and modern amenities. Daily housekeeping was consistently highlighted for maintaining spotless conditions. Comfy beds and adequate facilities, such as en-suite bathrooms and proper desks, contributed to the positive experiences of many guests.
However, certain issues were noted that could detract from the overall comfort. Several reviews mentioned the rooms being quite hot, especially due to the lack of air conditioning, which led to a stuffy atmosphere despite the provided fans. Moreover, noise was a recurring problem with rooms facing the main road or near the railway line, leading to disturbed sleep for some guests.
Other criticisms included occasional dusty spots and cobwebs, minor maintenance issues like cracked lampshades and broken taps and some rooms being smaller or more basic than anticipated. Despite these issues, many guests found the rooms to be a good value for the price, especially given the hotel's convenient location and the appealing racecourse views from certain rooms.
In summary, while the Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse impresses with its cleanliness and comfort, the experience can be impacted by room temperature and noise levels. However, its good service and spacious layouts can make it a worthwhile stay.
Beds
At the Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, beds receive a mix of feedback from guests, yet comfort is a recurring theme. Many guests highlight the beds as comfortable with phrases such as comfortable beds, comfy bed and beds were comfortable frequently mentioned. Soft pillows add to the comfort for several reviewers. Some guests found the firmness of the mattresses to their liking, although a few reviews hint at varying preferences with some finding the beds a bit too firm or too soft.
However, bed size appears to be a common concern. Many guests mention beds being small or narrow with some expressing a preference for larger beds, like king sizes, which were not available. The term small double bed is repeatedly noted and some guests mention that the twin beds could not be pulled together. Moreover, the sofa beds did not meet the comfort expectations of several guests, often described as uncomfortable or hard.
The overall sentiment about the cleanliness of the beds is positive with fresh clean linen and well-maintained rooms adding to a pleasant stay. Despite some instances of beds being described as noisy or having issues like feeling the springs, most guests seem to agree that the hotel provides good value for money with their sleep experience.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express Chester Racecourse maintains high standards of cleanliness, earning widespread praise from guests. The hotel rooms and public areas are noted for being well-kept, tidy and spotlessly clean. Housekeeping does an excellent job, ensuring rooms are cleaned daily to a high standard. The bathrooms are also consistently mentioned as clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall positive experience.
Guests find the rooms comfortable and modern while emphasizing the cleanliness of bedding and bathroom facilities. The hotel's common areas also receive high marks for cleanliness, contributing to a pleasant environment throughout the property.
However, a few reviews note some shortcomings, such as occasional dust and cobwebs in certain rooms and a few instances of stained carpets and furniture. Despite these isolated incidents, the majority of feedback underscores the hotel's commitment to providing clean and comfortable accommodations, making it a reliable choice for visitors to Chester.
Staff
The Holiday Inn Express at Chester Racecourse consistently receives high praise for its exceptional staff, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Reviewers frequently highlight the staff's friendliness, helpfulness and professional demeanor across various interactions, from reception to dining areas. Numerous comments commend the staff for going above and beyond to accommodate guest needs, whether through efficient service, cheerful attitudes or specific assistance like managing dietary restrictions and seating arrangements.
The reception staff, including individuals like Angela Johnston, are cited for their exceptional service, marked by warm welcomes and a professional approach. Guests appreciate the approachable and amiable nature of the staff, noting their willingness to chat and offer help. The housekeeping team is also praised for their professionalism and efficiency, ensuring the rooms are well-maintained and clean.
Overall, the hotel's staff is described as attentive, courteous and supportive, consistently enhancing the guest experience with their positive attitudes and helpfulness. Whether it's managing check-ins smoothly, providing knowledgeable local recommendations or accommodating special requests, the staff at Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse shines brightly in the eyes of its guests.
Wi-Fi
The Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, offers free Wi-Fi access to its guests, which is appreciated as a complimentary service alongside the free hot drinks available throughout the stay. The Wi-Fi is generally adequate and sometimes described as good to excellent, especially in public areas and some guests found it to be extremely fast and effective with a strong signal.
However, the Wi-Fi performance varies significantly depending on the location within the hotel. While some guests reported great Wi-Fi access and a strong signal, others experienced poor or intermittent connections in their rooms, making it difficult to stream media or consistently stay connected. The Wi-Fi signal can be spotty at times and in certain rooms, it struggled to maintain a reliable connection, occasionally resulting in slow speeds or a complete absence of internet service.
Overall, while the free Wi-Fi service is a valued amenity, guests might face varying levels of connectivity, especially in their rooms.
Parking
Holiday Inn Express Chester Racecourse stands out for its exceptional parking facilities, earning widespread praise from guests. The hotel offers ample free parking on site, which many reviewers noted as a significant advantage. The parking is not only free but also secure, ensuring peace of mind throughout the stay. Its convenience and accessibility were frequently highlighted, making it a hassle-free experience for guests arriving by car. The location of the parking close to the hotel also adds to the overall convenience. Even during busy periods like race days, guests found the parking manageable and appreciated the ease of access. Overall, the ample, secure and complimentary parking, coupled with the hotel's prime location, contributes to an enjoyable and stress-free stay for visitors.
Family
Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse, shines as a destination for families traveling together. Ideal for a family night between destinations or family vacations, the hotel offers a family-friendly environment with rooms designed to accommodate families of various sizes. While the comfort of the sofa beds may not suit toddlers and there have been occasional issues with room assignments, the general consensus is that the rooms are clean and pleasant.
The hotel staff, known for their friendliness and attentiveness, especially towards children, enhance the stay with their accommodating service. Families appreciate the hotel's attention to special needs and special dietary requests, such as soya milk, making for a convenient experience.
For meals, the breakfast spread caters well to both adults and kids, ensuring a satisfying start to the day for everyone. However, some areas require improvement, such as having more high chairs available in social areas and ensuring family rooms are adequately prepared with necessary bedding without extra requests.
The hotel's location is quite suitable for families, offering a safe and quiet environment. Children generally enjoy their stay, benefitting from activities and games provided by the hotel. However, soundproofing could be better as noise from other guests can be disruptive.
While there are occasional issues with parking and room preparation, the overall sentiment is that Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse, provides great value and a positive experience for families—with children often leaving with pleasant memories of their stay.
Nightlife
The Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, boasts a prime location that is ideal for those looking to explore the vibrant nightlife of Chester. The hotel is conveniently close to lively bars, clubs, pubs and a variety of restaurants, ensuring guests have plenty of options for an evening out. A short walk leads to some of the best spots in the city, including the city walls, the river and Water Gate. For those looking to enjoy later hours, the hotel's bar remains open until 2am and a foosball table is available downstairs for added entertainment.
However, guests should be aware that the hotel's proximity to nightlife can result in late-night and early-morning noise from nearby events and returning revelers. Despite the occasional disturbance, many find the location perfect for experiencing Chester's energetic evening scene. The night porter receives praise for being friendly and professional, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere even during the late hours. This hotel is an excellent choice for both its convenience to nightlife venues and its overall accessibility to the heart of Chester.
3 Star
The reviews of Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG highlight several consistent themes about the three-star property. The hotel is praised for offering great value for money with many guests finding it to be ideal for a three-star rating. The rooms are described as modern, clean and cozy with great clean bed linens and fresh towels. Despite some guests mentioning uncomfortable beds, the overall comfort level was found to be appropriate for a three-star hotel.
Guests appreciated the hotel's quiet rooms, making for a peaceful stay. The breakfast received positive feedback, considered good for a three-star hotel. The hotel provides basic amenities reflective of its rating and guests felt it delivered adequate comfort and service. The value-for-money aspect was frequently mentioned, as the hotel offers an affordable and convenient stay. Overall, guests were pleased with their experience and expressed willingness to return.
Business
Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG, presents itself as an ideal option for business travelers, boasting a range of facilities tailored specifically to meet business needs. The hotel's significant advantages include a convenient location, just a short walk from the main town and ample free parking, making it an accessible and practical lodging choice.
Guests have repeatedly mentioned the hotel’s excellent business-friendly amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, which is reliable and suitable for professional use and rooms equipped with plenty of plug sockets, which cater efficiently to business requirements. The business center stands out for being modern, clean and well-maintained.
For larger gatherings or meetings, the hotel's conference room is spacious, clean and adequately equipped to host business events. The staff at the hotel are particularly helpful and attentive to business travelers' needs, enhancing the overall stay experience.
While the hotel is primarily focused on serving business visitors, offering good value for money and standard business services, some areas do warrant improvement. The rooms, although comfortable, have been noted to be a bit tired and can be quite noisy due to their proximity to the road. Additionally, the lack of evening meal options and limited drink choices might be a slight inconvenience for some guests.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse is highly regarded for its business efficiency and standard amenities, making it a reliable choice for business stays and meetings.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse, an IHG Hotel, receives favorable reviews for its overall accessibility for guests with disabilities. Guests noted that the hotel is wheelchair-user friendly with accessible facilities and rooms. The ground floor access rooms and specially adapted rooms are beneficial for those with limited mobility. The efficient and prompt service provided by the hotel staff contributes significantly to making their stay more comfortable.
The hotel's strategic and convenient location allows for easy access into the city center and is a notable advantage for all guests. Additionally, the availability of EV charging points is an added benefit. Other highlighted amenities include accessible check-in, hot drinks and complimentary breakfast.
However, there are a few areas requiring improvement. Some guests pointed out that the accessible rooms are not designed well for wheelchair users with lengthy and uphill walks to parts of the hotel including to the city center. The lift, though provided, is not very spacious and the poor design of accessible rooms impedes easy access. Moreover, the hotel's disability facilities in some parts of the building, apart from the rooms, were deemed inadequate by some travelers.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse is highly accessible and suitable for disabled and elderly guests with excellent disabled facilities, though a few design and layout issues may need addressing to enhance the experience further.
No, Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express, Chester Racecourse by IHG doesn't have a gym.