Hotel Indigo Chester Review: Eco‑Luxe and Local Charm in the Heart of the City

Having already fallen in love with the Hotel Indigo brand during stays across England, I jumped at the chance to check out Hotel Indigo Chester for a night. With accommodation sorted, all that was left was planning my itinerary and figuring out how to get there.

It was time for more solo exploring — and Chester, with its rich Roman history, medieval architecture, and riverside views, was next on the list to feed my inner history geek.

If you’re planning a weekend in this beautiful city, here’s the inside scoop on my experience staying at Hotel Indigo Chester. be sure to read the highlights of Chester over a weekend, which include what to see, where to eat, and how to make the most of your stay.

So, let’s check out my Hotel Indigo Chester review!

About Hotel Indigo Chester

Overview Of Hotel Indigo Chester

Hotel Indigo Chester is an elegant boutique hotel that opened in 2019. The design encompasses the features of the city’s famous character, including the distinctive architecture and Roodee racecourse, the oldest in the UK.

There are 75 beautifully designed guest rooms, each fitted with Hypnos beds (aka the beds dreams are literally made of) and luxe bathrooms featuring rainfall showers and refillable toiletries. The hotel restaurant, The Forge Chester, serves up an unforgettable field-to-fork dining experience — both local and seriously delicious.

I love that the Indigo brand takes positive steps to manage their impact on the environment – from refillable amenities to local suppliers – proving that eco-friendly travel can still feel indulgent.

Location Of Hotel Indigo, Chester

Hotel Indigo Chester sits right in the heart of the city, just outside the ancient Roman walls. In fact, the location couldn’t be better! You are steps away from the train station, all the attractions, and places to eat.

Getting To Hotel Indigo Chester

Travel By Train: 

Not only is rail a more eco-friendly way to travel, but Chester also has direct trains from major cities such as London and Manchester and more local stations in Birkenhead, Liverpool, and Warrington.

Hotel Indigo Chester is less than a 10-minute walk from Chester railway station. CHECK TRAIN TIMES

Travel By Car: 

The M53, M56, M6, and A483 are all near Chester, providing excellent links from Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, and the south of England.

There is no parking offered at Hotel Indigo Chester, but there are 3 NCP car parks close by with discounted rates for hotel guests. Alternatively, take advantage of the handy Chester Park & Ride service to get you into the city.

If you need to hire some wheels to explore the Cheshire countryside, check the best deals on Discover Cars – an award-winning car rental comparison site.

Hotel Indigo Chester Review

Welcome To Hotel Indigo Chester

The moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with that trademark Indigo Hotel warmth. The receptionist smiled, asked if I needed help planning my activities, and confirmed my dinner and breakfast bookings. She checked me in without fuss and handed me the key card for the room.

The lobby is pure boutique bliss, with velvety teal armchairs, nature-inspired cushions and grey panelled walls leading towards a sleek bar and The Forge restaurant. There’s a playful mix of old and new, with vintage-style lifts that perfectly suit the hotel’s “modern heritage” aesthetic.

The Bedrooms: Cosy with a Twist

There are three room themes reflecting Chester’s character — Eastgate Clock, Racecourse, and Local Architecture. I lucked out with the equestrian-themed room with a stirrup-shaped knocker, aptly called The Paddock.

The huge bedroom was decorated in racing green and soft neutrals, with artwork featuring horses, rosettes, and the number 1539, which was the year that the racecourse was established. The quirky finishes like leather saddle straps on the headboard, rustic side tables and a wardrobe styled like a stable door finish the chic design together.

Comfort takes centre stage here with a plush grey chaise longue positioned at the foot of a king-size Hypnos bed dressed in crisp Egyptian cotton sheets. After dinner, I settled in for the perfect movie night on the 46-inch flat-screen TV, wrapped in a fluffy white robe and slippers that made me feel completely at home. I was in my happy place and couldn’t have been more comfortable.

The tea and coffee station was cleverly concealed on the right side of the wardrobe, hidden behind a smooth wooden sliding door. Inside, there was a Nespresso machine, a kettle, and a wooden box filled with assorted teas, plus biscuits and popcorn for snacking. The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, a few alcoholic options, and fresh milk from a local dairy in Delamere.

It was clear that every detail had been thoughtfully chosen. The British brands supplying the teas, coffees, and treats were selected for their sustainable practices, showing that Hotel Indigo takes its partnerships seriously.

The room also featured a pair of easy brown chairs and a writing desk with a mirror that doubled as a dressing table. The spa-inspired bathroom, finished with elegant chevron tiles, included a powerful rainfall shower and Zenology refillable toiletries that were both eco-friendly and free from artificial colours.

Dinner At The Forge, Chester

The Forge works in partnership with Aubrey Allen, a third-generation family butcher renowned for supplying ethically sourced meat to the Royal Household. They choose only a small selection of the finest British beef, pasture-raised for most of the year and dry-aged for at least 28 days. The result is high-welfare, deeply flavoured meat that perfectly complements the restaurant’s field-to-fork philosophy. This dedication to quality helped The Forge earn two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in 2023.

I dined in a cosy booth with a front-row view of the open kitchen, which gave the whole experience a warm and lively feel — ideal for a solo traveller. My three-course dinner featured Scottish mackerel to start, Welsh lamb rump for the main, and Yorkshire forced rhubarb with ginger crumble and burnt cream for dessert. Every dish was faultless. If you prefer to preview the options, the current menu is available online.

Since November 2025, Head Chef Neil Aitken has led the kitchen, bringing with him years of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants. His focus on wild, seasonal produce ensures that the menu evolves throughout the year while maintaining the same high standards that The Forge is already known for.

Breakfast At Hotel Indigo Chester

Breakfast is served in the same restaurant, and after such an impressive dinner at The Forge, expectations were high.

Tea and coffee are brought to your table right away, giving you time to browse the continental buffet. There’s plenty to choose from — warm pastries, fresh bread, cereals, fruit, cured meats, cheeses, yoghurt, muffins, and cereal bars. Porridge is available on request, but the generous spread was more than enough for me.

Each guest can also select a hot dish from the menu, with options that range from a classic Full English to Eggs Florentine or Smashed Avocado. I opted for the Eggs Royale, and it was absolutely delicious — the perfect start to the day.

how Green Is Hotel Indigo Chester

When choosing accommodation, I always look for hotels that take sustainability seriously — and Hotel Indigo Chester definitely stands out for its efforts to create a more eco-conscious stay.

The hotel has implemented several green initiatives designed to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the local community:

• Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the property
• Water-saving toilets and showers
• Key card and motion-controlled electricity to prevent waste
• No single-use plastics, including straws, stirrers, and cups
• Refillable, organic bathroom products
• A strong commitment to sourcing food and drink from local suppliers, reducing transport emissions and supporting nearby businesses
• Comprehensive recycling facilities
• Investment in local community projects
• Active participation in the IHG Green Engage sustainability program

Why Visit Chester

So, that’s your boutique hotel in Chester sorted, but you may ask, “Why visit Chester?“

As a quaint city with beautiful architecture and plenty of things to see and do, Chester is a popular destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway for several reasons:

Roman History: Deva Victrix, now called Chester, was founded by the Roman Legion. The city is home to well-preserved Roman walls, an amphitheatre and the Deva Roman Discovery Centre, which makes it a must-visit destination for history buffs.

Architecture and culture: The city has a stunning mix of medieval and Victorian architecture, with an added cultural scene, including art galleries, museums, and theatres. Take in a show at Storyhouse if you get time!

Outdoor activities: The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is located near the River Dee, making it an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, hiking, cycling, and boating. Everyone should take a relaxing cruise with ChesterBoat at the very least!

Great shopping: Chester has a diverse range of shops, including high-end designer boutiques, independent shops, and popular chain stores. I’m not even a shopper, and I managed to squeeze in a little retail therapy.

atMy stay in Hotel Indigo Chester was a gifted press visit. I was given a complimentary 1-night stay with dinner in return for an honest review. 

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