Bowman Lodge

There's plenty of room here, and mine was large and spacious with its own ensuite. There's also a separate shared bathroom next door, plus tea and coffee in the room. It's about a 15-minute walk into Chester, while Hoole's shops and cafes are only five minutes away.

The owners were kind and helpful, and the Lodge is an easy walk from the town centre. Parking on the road is plentiful if the forecourt is full. It's a good-value, economical stay if you're happy with the basics. My room was warm and clean, serviced daily, with plenty of hot water and tea, coffee and milk. There was no hairdryer, and I was disappointed that Bowman Lodge isn't serving breakfast at the moment, though the hotels across the road can fill that gap.

The host was pleasant and welcoming, with leaflets about places to see in Chester and around Cheshire. He also suggested breakfast spots, including The Oaklands Hotel across the road. In the room, there was dust around the radiator, a cracked mirror frame and a radiator shelf coming away from the wall, propped up with a cube of wood. The private bathroom had shelf brackets on both sides of the mirror. The double bed was very springy and uncomfortable, so I ended up sleeping in the single. I wouldn't come back and might not recommend staying here.

The hosts were friendly, and there are easy food options nearby: the Hungry Horse pub is right across the road, and a little street with coffee shops and eateries is a few hundred yards away. There isn't any food at the B&B itself. Our top-floor room had a decent, comfortable bed and tea and coffee facilities, though the ensuite shower pressure was pretty poor. The town centre is just minutes away, with buses close by or a short taxi ride. There's plenty of parking, either at the property or on the road.